Belonging
by Deborah Kent

Fifteen-year-old Meg Hollis is the first blind student in her high school. Her parents worry about whether she can find her way and succeed. The academic pressure is not as difficult as the social scene. Meg longs to be part of the “in crowd.” This novel is written for the young adult reader.

Both Sides of the White Coat: An Insider's Perspectives on the Critically Ill Child
by Scott E. Eveloff, MD

The moving book covers seven years of fear, uncertainty, and hardship as a father and a mother, both physicians, cope with a child’s life-threatening illness (congenital muscular dystrophy). Uplifting as well as demoralizing experiences with medical professionals are described. This book is for parents overwhelmed by a child’s illness and intimidated by the medical establishment and healthcare professionals—it is also for professionals who need to listen to this story.

Count Us In
By Jason Kinglsey and Mitchell Levitz

In 1994, at ages nineteen and twenty-two, respectively, the authors shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, their lifelong friendship-and their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. The new 2007 edition includes a new afterword by the authors that recounts their successes and challenges as adults, Jason and Mitchell's wit, intelligence, candor, and charm make a powerful and inspirational statement about the full potential with developmental disabilities.

Disabled and Challenged: Reach for Your Dreams!
By Terry Scott Cohen and Barry M. Cohen, Ph.D.

“I have myotonic muscular dystrophy. Perhaps you also have a disability or disease that you must face every day of your life. As a teen I suppose I struggled the most. Then it hit me—My disability isn’t in charge of my life, I am. It was up to me to make my life worthwhile despite all my problems. Here is my story.” Terry speaks frankly and in a language that children and young adults can easily understand.

Legal Planning for Special Needs In Massachusetts: A Family Guide to SSI, Guardianship, and Estate Planning
By Barbara D. Jackins, Attorney

A practical guide to legal planning for parents of children with special needs. In a relaxed, conversational style, Attorney Barbara D. Jackins explains the essential elements of SSI, guardianship, and estate planning when there is a child with a disability in the family. Although some of the materials are specific to Massachusetts, most of the strategies discussed are valid in any state.

Letters to Sam : A Grandfather's Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life
by Daniel Gottlieb, Ph.D.

"Dear Sam," the first letter began, "As your only living grandfather, I wanted to welcome you into this world. Always remember that...life is a gift and a blessing." But only 14 months after his first note, grandfather Dan learned that Little Sam had been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disability, a form of autism. At that moment, the letters took on a new meaning and urgency.

Perfectly Normal. A Mother's Memoir
by Marcy Sheiner

Daryl Sheiner was born with hydrocephalus and needed surgery to stay alive. Today he lives independently. His mother writes with candor about years of denial, anger, resentment and fear, the social injustices she faced, and battles with medical professionals, the educational system, and the array of social service providers who invaded her life..

You Will Dream New Dreams: Inspiring personal stories by parents of children with disabilities
by Stanley D. Klein, Ph.D., and Kim Schive, Editors

Over sixty short essays by “veteran” mothers and fathers of children with varying disabilities tell the stories they wish they could have heard when they learned their own child’s diagnosis. Essays share words of validation, affirmation, support, and encouragement. Very positive reviews by Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers Neighborhood), Ann Landers, and many parent organizations.