BOOKS IN A BLOG

Friday, July 23, 2010

Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities


In her children’s book, ‘Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities,’ author C.W. Graham uses poetic rhyme enhanced with illustrations to tell a story that is designed to help young children understand other children with disabilities. The book teaches children not to fear or tease children with disabilities, but instead, understand and appreciate their differences. The fundamental goal of the book is to promote respect, compassion, and friendship with children who have disabilities.

In the book, Graham presents a number of children with various disabilities that includes: hearing impaired, Muscular dystrophy, Autism, visually impaired, and a child born with a disability that makes her much smaller than other children her age. Within each child’s story, Graham gives a description about each disability and how it affects each child in their daily lives. She underscores how each disability affects how each child functions in normal daily activities, and that the children are still like other children, but have to make adjustments in how they learn and play. Messages are conveyed about treating children with disabilities such as, ‘Always treat others as you want them to treat you.’ At the end of the book, Graham provides a summary of the messages of the book, a glossary, a discussion guide, model questions, and a list of website resources.

‘Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities,’ is an imaginative and fun book to help children learn about children with disabilities. The text, written in a lively poetic rhyming scheme, and the images which are beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors depicting happy and fun loving children, helps children to understand and remember the important messages. As well, it conveys the concept that there is no need to feel uncomfortable or nervous around a child with a disability. It sends the message that being different is something that should not be feared as we all have our differences which is what makes each of us unique.

C.W. Graham delivers a well-crafted book about helping children understand and appreciate children with disabilities. It is a fun and easy to read book that is highly recommended for parents to read and discuss with their children. As well, it is an excellent teaching resource for teachers. ‘Don’t Call Me Names: Learning to Understand Kids with Disabilities’ is highly recommended for parents and teachers who want to teach children about accepting and embracing people with disabilities.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services