Celebrating Inclusion of Children with Disabilities by Sharing Their Stories
Book Reviews - Finding My Way Books
Inclusive Lesson: Getting Ready for My Job Interview "Great resource to get ready for work. They were engaged throughout!" Rating: 5/5 (extremely satisfied)
Alison Bates
“Stories are magic. Good stories change lives and cultures. Finding My Way Books are spectacular story resources that feature youth and adults living inclusive lives. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and delightfully presented for kids and adults alike… A great resource for every family and classroom.”
Dr. Jack Pearpoint, Executive Director Marsha Forest Centre
Finding My Way Books: Bilingual Books Starring Kids with Special Needs
“The books are written by a team of educators and professionals who have combined years of experience in working with children with special needs; they launched the series to help increase the visibility of kids with disabilities in children’s books through authentic stories. Realistic, accessible, and uplifting, these books are an important resource not only for kids who have special needs but for broader audiences of children who can learn from the protagonist’s strengths, challenges, and achievements.”
Dr. Lydia Breiseth, Colorín Colorado
“I am the lead teacher in an integrated early childhood special education classroom. In addition to typically developing preschool students, I serve children with a variety of special needs. I have been using a variety of Finding My Way books in the classroom for the last few years. I enjoy using these books and allowing my students to see other children like themselves experiencing different situations. These books are a great way to support diversity in early education.”
Becky Drews, MS Special Education
Finding My Way Books: “This inspiring and compassionate series of books is based on true stories, promoting inclusion and self-determination for families and children with disabilities.
Each story is individual and personal, showing their great heart and ability to rise to their fullest potential. Photography by Mary Birdsell brings a tender touch that unites the reader with each story. Jo Meserve Mach’s 36 years as an occupational therapist combined with Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier’s 25 years teaching experience in the fields of early childhood and special education brings a strong perspective of functional inclusion."
Darleen Wohlfeil, Story Monsters, Ink
“I feel these books about real children and real places would fit quite well in a Montessori setting. Maria Montessori suggested reading books that are reality-based for the 3-5 age group. They first need a foundation of real-life before they can begin the use their imagination.”
Cathy Brennan, Director, Discovery School
Finding My Way Books has made a very big impact on the KCPT’s Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program. I work with over 600 high needs children in the district.”
Gary Brock, Director of Education, Kansas City Public Television
“Each book features a child with a disability living in a family and experiencing all the things every child should be able to experience. Their disability is never mentioned, but the back of the book has a single sentence telling the reader the name of the disability. I see these books as being key to have in collections for anyone who works with families. They might also be important for child care and teacher training. A last selling point: They are so simple, early readers will be able to read them for themselves.”
Alice Eberhart-Wright, Child Psychologist
Dr. Paula Kluth - Author of "You're Going to Love This Kid”: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms
Finding My Story, After-School Program: “All in all, Finding My Story is an excellent program. One of my favorite parts about this program is how versatile it is since it is planned around six different books. All the students were very excited about the books, loved the characters and the activities.”
Kendra Allen, LMSW/Unit Director Boys & Girls Club
Kaitlyn Wants to See Ducks: “Fantastic book! Would be perfect for elementary school libraries or teachers to help young children understand differences and similarities between all of us. Lovely story of a real family and how they accommodate the wants and needs of all their children. Highly recommended to anyone interested in inclusion and community for all!”
Lori Eigenman, Ed.S
I Want to Be Like Poppin’ Joe: “I am a special education teacher, and Joe and his family have taught me a lot about how an individual with a disability can be in charge of his or her own business. It definitely changed the direction of my career, and proving that entrepreneurship can be a viable option for employment. School districts and adult service providers need to get on board with this. Thanks, Joe, for being my mentor as well.”
Nancy Johnson, Special Education teacher
OE Wants It to Be Friday: “Loved to get to know OE and her family and see the participation she has in her life. Having goals at her age is encouraging. The book was well written. The photography was great and so much color made one happy just to be reading it.”
Roma Spear, Verified Purchaser
OE Wants It to Be Friday: “What a fantastic book. Such a positive portrayal of the abilities of every child and the importance of inclusion. A positive resource for every classroom and homes where families are teaching their typical children to be compassionate and to see the strengths and abilities of every person.”
Amazon Customer
OE Wants It to Be Friday: “I am so excited to see this book available for people of all ages to read. OE is introducing the public to the amazing children and families of the disability world. Her smile and personality shine. OE you are a real SUPER STAR."
Amazon Customer
Marco and I Want to Play Ball: “Great book about inclusion and two individuals that love baseball as much as they love each other. Isiah's family finds ways to include Isiah and for the boys to compete on an even level as well as share their love of baseball. The pictures are absolutely beautiful.”
Verified Amazon Purchaser
I Don’t Know If I Want a Puppy: “This is a fun, real-life book about the responsibilities involved in having a pet. All children will relate to the story and enjoy the real photos of children like them.”
B.Drews, MS, Early Childhood Special Ed Teacher
Waylen Wants to Jam: “It’s a great book about believing in yourself and never losing sight of your dreams. Great book for read aloud with your students. You’ll be rooting for Waylen from beginning to end.” -Dr.Marquis Grant (MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, EdD in Education Leadership) See More Reviews on Waylen's Book
Claire Wants a Boxing Name: “Libraries looking to add to their inclusive nonfiction offerings will find this one a winner.” KIRKUS review.
Claire Wants a Boxing Name “Physical fitness and sports and recreation are so important for children with disabilities. It's a topic of conversation for so many youth....what sport they play, what they do on weekends, etc... Love that the inclusion includes something her mother enjoys and that the coach is an accomplished woman with vision loss. Well written, as always by these authors!”
Lori A. Eigenman, ED.S
Cooper Wants to Do Chores: “A great book for children and families both. In a family with a working farm, this true story demonstrates how each person has a job to do and everyone is needed for success. Teachers can use this with their classroom to help show that everyone has strengths and can participate. Families may benefit by thinking about how their child with a disability can actively participate in everyday activities in their home. Beautiful!”
Lori Eigenman, Ed.S.
Matteo Wants to See What’s Next: “A beautiful book which has the potential to touch, inspire, and educate everyone.”
MS, Verified Purchaser
Matteo Wants to See What’s Next: “Love, love, love, this book! So great to see a story that dedicates itself to demonstrating the full life of a person with significant disabilities. Love that the authors feature a young woman with a job and how she is able to teach younger children using non traditional communication methods. A true story of friendship and purpose for all of us!”
Lori A. Eigenman, Ed.S.
Matteo Wants to See What’s Next: “This is a delightful story that will appeal to children and adults alike. Supported Decision Making is vital for individuals who don't speak and have no clear way of communicating with strangers to live a self determined life….I would like to see this book in all schools and libraries.”
Susan B, Verified Reviewer
MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready: “This is a fun story of self-determination, highlighting a real child's inclusion in a fun extra-curricular activity. MyaGrace's excitement and joy is evident in the beautiful photographs!”
Becky Drews, MS.Ed Special Education
MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready: “This is an awesome and colorful book showing how children with disabilities can do things just like their peers. The book encourages making decisions and choices in real world situation. The photographs were awesome as well.”
VS, Verified Purchaser
MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready: “I am loving Finding My Way books… Real stories with photographs make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students. Keep up the fantastic work - we need more inclusive books like these.”
Lori Eigenman, Ed.S
Neema Wants to Learn: “Neema's story is not an isolated one, but one far too common to children. An 11-year-old orphan with a learning disability has obstacles others may not face, but Neema is determined….The authors bring us this true story with hopes to encourage and inspire all. Celebrating their success and demonstrating how adults, other than a parent, can guide and build foundational skills into the children of our communities.”
Darleen Wohlfeil Story Monsters Ink
Neema Wants to Learn: “This story was so full of joy and so clearly showed the determination of a young girl who wants to grow up and be a full contributor and participant in her community. I was fascinated to read a story that took us to Africa and showed that anywhere you go in the world, all children, regardless of ability, want to feel included and feel confident that they are valued...Fabulous!”
Lori A. Eigenman, Ed.S
MyaGrace Wants to Make Music: “This is a wonderful story, complimented with beautiful photographs. Children will relate to the joy in learning to do something that is important to them, especially when it's something they can participate in with their family!”
Becky Drews, MS. Ed Special Education
"MyaGrace Wants To Make Music" is an exciting new title from a series featuring true stories of inclusion and the development of skills needed for self-determination….It is especially effective that the story is written from the viewpoint and in the voice of the child.”
Midwest Book Review
Reese Has a Halloween Secret: “…This inspiring story invites us in and lets us be a part of this year’s mystery and excitement as Reese and his father plan and build a great Halloween costume surprise...”.
Mamta Madhavan, Reader’s Favorite
Reese Has a Halloween Secret: “Reese's story is one that embraces what true love is all about. It shows how a loving family and a whole lot of creativity can turn a challenge into a real-life blessing. Can't wait to hear Reese use his voice to share his story as he grows older!”
LN, Verified purchaser
Reese Has a Halloween Secret: “I had a few kids in our sports club read this book- ages 6 to 12-- and all enjoyed this story. (this rarely happens). The story had them thinking creatively about their own abilities and how to make things that might be seen as a detriment into an asset. It also reframed some of their assumptions and misconceptions about other people. A great social and emotional learning selection for the lower through middle grades.”
Nicole Miller Sheehan, Educator
