Blog #144~Inspiring Books Related to Down Syndrome
As Mother’s Day approaches, I wanted to highlight a few more books. These books would make a nice gift for a mom who has a child with Down syndrome. My son Nick is 22 years old and has Down syndrome and autism. It’s been quite a journey, one that I’ve been writing about for several years. Here are a few books highlighted in this month’s newsletter from the National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) www.nads.org. Thank you NADS for the great list! I also added in a couple of more that I found on Amazon:
Adams, Rachel, Raising Henry (Yale University Press, 2013). A Columbia University professor reflects on raising her son with Down syndrome, on genetic testing and on the paradoxical role of disability in our culture.
Becker, Amy Julia, A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny (Bethany House Publishers, 2011). The Princeton Theological Seminary graduate explores the changes in her life and faith after the birth of her daughter with Down syndrome.
Groeberg, Jennifer Graf, Road Map to Holland: How I found My Way Through My Son’s First Two Years With Down Syndrome (NAL Trade 2008). A mother describes the period after her son’s birth.
Hale, Natalie, Down Syndrome Parenting 101: Must-Have Advice for Making Your Life Easier (Woodbine House, 2011). Practical, uplifting advice covering important issues associated with Down syndrome.
Hampton, Kelle, Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected-A Memoir (William Morrow, 2012). A popular blogger (Enjoying the Small Things) reflects on the changes in her life after the birth of her daughter with Down syndrome.
Lee, Marjorie Sullivan, Bloom where you are Planted (Tau-Publishing, 2012). The story of her son Kevin, and how their lives were transformed becoming advocates for over four decades.
Murray, Kathleen PhD, Count It All Joy (Westbow Press 2015). A mother’s journey including lessons learned from her son with Down syndrome.
Silverman, Amy, My Heart Can’t Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome (Woodbine House 2016). Journalist, blogger and NPR contributor Amy Silverman recounts the impact on her life of the birth of her daughter Sophie, and the gradual evolution of her attitudes about Down syndrome.
Soper, Kathryn, The Year My Son and I Were Born (GPP Life 2010). A memoir which records the author’s experiences after the birth of her son with Down syndrome.
Soper, Kathryn Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives (Woodbine House, 2007). A collection of personal stories, sixty-three mothers describe the gifts of respect, strength, delight, perspective, and love, which their child with Down syndrome has brought into their lives.
Soper, Kathryn Gifts 2 How People With Down Syndrome Enrich the World (Woodbine House, 2009). The follow-up to the bestselling first volume, Gifts 2 presents a broader perspective on Down syndrome and life by including passionate stories by siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as mothers of older children. Friends, teachers, medical professionals, and coaches also share the joys of knowing and caring for someone with Down syndrome.
The power of a book can give you inspiration and hope. Back in 1994, when Nick was just a few months old, I found that book. Count Us In: Growing Up with Down Syndrome (A Harvest Book) was written by two young men, Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz. I clung to every word. They shared their innermost thoughts, feelings, hopes, and dreams, their lifelong friendship—and their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. The book is smart, charming, witty and truly shows their full potential. Thank you Jason and Mitchell!
In the current addition, the authors discuss their lives since then—milestones and challenges, developments expected and unexpected—in a new afterword….
Please feel free to share this book list and any of my blogs. I write to raise awareness, and more important to offer hope and encouragement. Next month, I will highlight books written by fathers! That’s what is in my noggin this week.
~Teresa
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Down Syndrome with a Slice of Autism 