I Can Understand (a children's book about special needs)
Book Details
Author(s)Aviva M. Cantor
PublisherDiggyPod
ISBN / ASIN0692542396
ISBN-139780692542392
Sales Rank1,429,814
MarketplaceUnited States 🇺🇸
Description
'I Can Understand' tells the story of a handicapped boy and his sister. Their unique sibling relationship promotes love, acceptance, and understanding. This full-color book includes 12 illustrations.
Reading level: First-Second Grade.
Author's note:
'I Can Understand' is inspired by my relationship with my older brother, Jeremy, who was mentally and physically disabled. When children would see my brother and ask why he looked and acted different, my mother would respond, "He can't talk, but he can understand." Throughout my childhood and into adulthood, I would see people stare at my brother and be afraid of him, simply because they didn't know what it meant to be disabled. This inspired me to write a book to help children have a better understanding of people with special needs. My brother passed away in February 2013, and I want what he taught me to be shared with others. The impact he had on my life is reflected in the book's positive message.
The book tells the story of Joey and Ava, a brother and sister. Joey is physically and mentally handicapped, while Ava is not. Narrator Joey explains how even though he and Ava are different, they still have similar interests and a loving relationship. Like all people, Joey wants to be accepted. The book gives Joey an opportunity to speak for himself and the reader gets to learn his perspective.
When I was a kid, I only had one book that showed a character in a wheelchair, and that book was so special to me. I wanted to see people like my brother in books, and there are many kids who will benefit from the illustrations, words, and overall mission of 'I Can Understand.'
There is no greater way that I can honor my brother's memory. This book lets others benefit from all that he taught me about acceptance, humanity, and unconditional love.
Reading level: First-Second Grade.
Author's note:
'I Can Understand' is inspired by my relationship with my older brother, Jeremy, who was mentally and physically disabled. When children would see my brother and ask why he looked and acted different, my mother would respond, "He can't talk, but he can understand." Throughout my childhood and into adulthood, I would see people stare at my brother and be afraid of him, simply because they didn't know what it meant to be disabled. This inspired me to write a book to help children have a better understanding of people with special needs. My brother passed away in February 2013, and I want what he taught me to be shared with others. The impact he had on my life is reflected in the book's positive message.
The book tells the story of Joey and Ava, a brother and sister. Joey is physically and mentally handicapped, while Ava is not. Narrator Joey explains how even though he and Ava are different, they still have similar interests and a loving relationship. Like all people, Joey wants to be accepted. The book gives Joey an opportunity to speak for himself and the reader gets to learn his perspective.
When I was a kid, I only had one book that showed a character in a wheelchair, and that book was so special to me. I wanted to see people like my brother in books, and there are many kids who will benefit from the illustrations, words, and overall mission of 'I Can Understand.'
There is no greater way that I can honor my brother's memory. This book lets others benefit from all that he taught me about acceptance, humanity, and unconditional love.
