- ISBN13: 9780757306204
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
‘These powerful heart-rending stories are filled with honesty, humor, hope and offer inspiration to parents, teachers, and anyone else who cares for children with special needs. By embracing the magnificence, inner peace, and beauty each child possess, our own attitudes are shifted from despair to promise.’ —Gerold G Jampolsky, M.D., Founder of International Center of Attitudinal Healing, Sausalito , California
Raising a child with special needs is a lifel… More >>
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#1 by Mom of 3 on March 31, 2010 - 3:10 am
I was so excited to get this book right when it was released but was generally disappointed in it. There were many VERY good stories that I absolutely loved, but overall there was something about it that lacked the really personal connection and everyday stories. I found myself skipping over stories and still never finished the book to the end. I have 2 kids with special needs one with Down syndrome and one currently undergoing testing for Autism, and I SO desperately wanted to Love this book.
I guess I expected it to be written from a Caregivers perspective (parents, grandparents, teachers, etc). When it seemed like more than half of the contributers have already had their stories published by Chicken Soup books or other big name publications, not just your average person. And I caught the names of 2 contributers in this book that each have 2 of their stories in this special needs edition. (many already published in MANY other Chicken soup books)
To me it almost feels like the creators of Chicken Soup sent out a staff email asking for any stories involving a person with special needs… I remember reading one story written about a typical person’s high school days and her encounter with a girl with special needs and what she wishes she would have talked to her. Nothing about reaching out to her and building a friendship, even if years later. As a parent, I would have loved to read about how this person affected a persons life, not how she felt guilty about being afraid of a disabilty (that’s exactly why I want to shelter my children)- Didn’t leave a warm and fuzzy feeling. But I guess her article was accepted because her career happens to center on people with disabilites???
I know there are millions of people out there that could contribute more personally touching stories. I just wanted more “average people” doing great things stories. Just by compararing random biograpies of the stories I wanted more people like the contributor Chynna Tamara Laird- average mom advocating for her child. In the bio of contributer S. Thompson it states “she has had stories in 10 Chicken soup books” and her job is writing, not advocating for disabilities or living it first hand.
It does have some great stories, but I just couldn’t relate to the book overall and I expected to not want to put it down. I felt like I would read 2 good stories then 2 stories that lacked connection…. SORRY… I really wish I could Love it.
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by S. J. Ross on March 31, 2010 - 3:20 am
I am so excited to read this book and never dreamed it would come in 2 days! I ordered it on the 3rd and received it on the 5th. Speedy, professional and much less expensive than the big box stores.
Thanks so much.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Teresa Huggins on March 31, 2010 - 4:01 am
Each story in this book includes inspiration for all of us to realize we can make a positive difference regardless of our abilities. As I read the stories, my perspective of what is possible shifted, my gratitude for all people increased and my desire to reach out to others expanded. I recommend everyone reads the book to expand the vision of what is possible in our world.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Patricia L. Gillule on March 31, 2010 - 4:37 am
Whenever I read a book review and someone says they are a contributor, I immediately find myself thinking, “Yep, a little bias there…” That, I believe, is a natural reaction. However, Chicken Soup books have so many contributors, and each writer offers just one small piece of the whole publication. I did write one of the stories in this book, but I invite you to consider my comments regarding the book as a fellow parent, caregiver, advocate, and/or special educator.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs includes stories that can warm the heart of anyone. Stories about perseverence, achievement, challenges, funny moments, and survival avail. As a mom to five kids (four with varying special needs including ADHD, tic disorders, limb difference, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency and newly diagnosed myasthenia gravis), I can relate from that perspective. As a special educator, I appreciate the stories of others who are working alongside me to help children achieve their maximum potential. I’ve laughed at the humor shared by some of the writers, and cried over other stories. This book is more like “Chicken Stew”–a variety of flavors and textures all mixed together to create something special and unique. Just like the incredible kids you’ll meet when you read it!
I have used this book as a gift to friends several times over. Many have told me how much they have enjoyed it, and that it’s an especially good read while sitting in a waiting room or in the car while the kids are finishing up soccer practice. It would be ideal for a first time teacher or anyone who works with children. What a wonderful educational tool it could be for a high school class! Sharing these stories of triumph with teenagers just five minutes a day would help to dispel so many stereotypes. My 12 year old son read it cover to cover, and is now planning to go into the field of special education. He even took the book to camp with him to read at rest hour! Contact information is available for the reader to connect with those who wrote stories for this book. This is an especially nice resource for a parent or teacher who is dealing with a child with a low incidence disability.
There was a review posted earlier, in which the writer stated that some of the authors had been previously published by Chicken Soup. This is not because the company is soliciting writings from them–it’s because the company is a pleasure to work with and very ethical. As a first time writer, I have nothing but accolades to share about this publisher! I imagine the writers go back again and again because of their positive experience, and so many have been touched and inspired by people with special needs.
Definitely a good read–for anyone!
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Very Mary M. on March 31, 2010 - 4:38 am
I am also a contributer to this wonderful book. I’ve read it cover-to-cover several times and remain proud to be a part of it. As a writer, when reading someone elses work, the highest compliment I can give is “I wish I had written that.” I felt that way in this book many times.
One reviewer stated that she couldn’t relate to the book even though she has children with special needs. . .that she felt the Chicken Soup people sent out a request and those with no connection wrote stories. I can’t speak for others, but I write my stories long before I submit them anyplace. I write them because something has touched me, angered me, moved me, driven the story to be written. I suspect many other pieces were also written long before they were submitted or the request went out. I believe the folks at Chicken Soup understand writer’s and know that we have coffers of work just waiting for a venue.
As for me. . .there are times I’m just not able to let in or embrace information right in front of me. . .for whatever reason. Maybe I’m just in a different place, or I’m sick of hearing it, or I’m just not in the mood. I wonder if this might be the case for some souls who deal with special needs children every single day. Are they looking for answers to which the question is unclear? I sure would be. I have invalid friends and I search for those same sort of answers daily. There are none. Only shared experiences which may or may not be welcome and may or may not help.
Yes, I’ve been in Chicken Soup books before. I’m proud of each of the stories I’ve shared, but there is something extra special about the “special needs” book because when I read those stories (including mine) I see the beautiful faces attached to them.
Very Mary M., Lansdale, PA
Rating: 5 / 5