I recently talked about how much I like the Schneider Family Book Award. I mean really, EVERY library should have these books in their collections. Not only will it increase the chances that kids who are growing up with disabilities will find books where they can see themselves, they are good books. I just finished Jerk, California, which won the award in the teen category in 2009. This growing up story about Sam/Jack has lots going on, and takes learning who you are and where you come from to a whole new complicated level. There is even a complicated romance of sorts. I listened to the book while in DC for the ALA conference and on our way home. I recently decided that I would read all of the Schneider Family Book Award winners. I think this is a great project because if Jerk is an example readers will find great, interesting stories.Rating: *****
I didn't know about the Schneider Family Book Award. I wish my great-aunt had been able to read books like these. She had cerebral palsy all of her life, but she loved to cross-stitch and make crafts.
ReplyDeleteI hope they're making these books available on tape for people who can't read. I'm sure they are since I read they're named after a librarian who was blind.
Sounds like a great reading project!
Heather,
ReplyDeleteThese books are just wonderful to read for people with disabilities. It makes life seem more bearable to see that there are people like you in the world and you are important enough to be in a book.
The books are on tape; I listened to this one because I got it on tape for free.