Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.
About the Book
Book: The Wonderful Way You Are
Author: Sarah E. Brooks
Genre: Children’s Non-fiction Picture Book (age 3-7)
Release date: October 10, 2020
Every child deserves to feel fully loved, fully seen, and fully known.
We all long to feel accepted and loved. Our special needs children are no different. Growing up with a disability or chronic medical condition can create a unique set of challenges and may leave a child asking questions like:
”Why am I the way I am?”
”Is there anyone else out there like me?”
”Where do I belong?”
”Is it OK if I don’t look, think, or move like those around me?”
Based on real special needs children, the book’s vivid illustrations and rhyming text help children, with a variety of medical conditions, see their story reflected on the page, because every child deserves to see their story told.
Unlike other books that focus on a single condition, this book highlights a variety of children with different complex needs.
Some of the conditions included:
Cerebral Palsy
Cystic Fibrosis
Gorlin Syndrome
Vitiligo
G-Tubes
Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
Prosthetic Limbs
Limb Difference
Autism/Neurodiversity
Down Syndrome
When special needs children know they are wonderful, not in spite of their differences, but because of them, they are equipped to not just survive, but thrive.
About the Author
Sarah Elizabeth Brooks is a special needs mom to a warrior princess and three fantastic sons. When she’s not writing or recording instrumental piano albums, you can find her dodging Mt. Laundry to sneak away with a cup of hot tea, some dark chocolate, and a good book.
More from Sarah
I was always that awkward kid at recess who opted to sit on a bench with a book. Not because I was antisocial, but because I loved being able to experience new worlds and adventures through the pages of a book. As I grew, that love of reading stayed with me, and it’s a pastime that I hope to pass on to my own children.
While, I always knew that I wanted to write a book one day, a rhyming picture book about special needs kids was not on my radar…that is until my youngest daughter was born. At five-months-old, she faced her first brain surgery, with a second brain surgery following two months later.
When we received her diagnosis of Gorlin Syndrome, I went into mama research mode. I wanted to do everything I could to help keep her safe and prepare her for the future. As my daughter prepared to enter a preschool for children with developmental disabilities, I wondered how others would treat her.
The Wonderful Way You Are is a love letter from a parent (or grandparent) to the child they love. It acknowledges some of the unique challenges that can come with being different from those around you, while reinforcing the truth that we all have a unique gift to share with the world.
My hope and prayer is that this book will be a blessing to families with children of all abilities, that it will open up conversations about difference, and encourage and equip children to know that they are wonderful, exactly the way they are.
Thanks for taking the time to join me on this journey!
-Sarah
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and an autographed copy of The Wonderful Way You Are!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!