Abby-Ability by T.L. Birney #guestpost #giveaway

Today I am highlighting the book," Abby-Ability" and welcoming a guest poster to  my blog. The guest  has interviewed the author about her book. Welcome to you both and take it away.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Book Links:

Amazon

Author’s Site

Goodreads

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you

became an author? 

I am a children’s picture book author who has Cerebral Palsy. When I was born,

the doctors told my mom I would be a “vegetable” my entire life. I’d love to say to those doctors, “Ha,

take this!” Not only am I pursuing a career in writing children’s books, but I also graduated from

college with an associate degree in computer science. Since I can remember, I have enjoyed writing. At

first, I focused on expressing my feelings. Now, I’m following my dream of becoming a children’s

picture book author. 

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!

I met my husband in a country nightclub in 1993.

Where were you born/grew up at?

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but I grew up in North Carolina where I still live with my

husband.

If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

I would spend my last day with my family. I mostly write at night after dinner.

Who is your hero and why?

My mother is my hero because she raised me and didn’t put me in a “home” when I was

born.

What kind of world ruler would you be?

I’d be a caring world ruler.

What are you passionate about these days?

Nowadays, I’m passionate about writing children’s books featuring children with Cerebral

Palsy.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I enjoy watching T.V. shows and movies to relax.

How to find time to write as a parent?

I don’t have any kids, but it’s hard to find time to focus on writing and marketing my books

with my family.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Five words that I’d describe myself are caring, loving, funny, a survivor, author.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I began calling myself a writer when I started focusing on writing my books and I signed up for

a coaching program in 2022 which I still take to this day.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

I can see my series. “The Buddies’ Adventures” made into a TV series.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

None

What inspired you to write this book?

This book was created after meeting the mom of a little girl with CP, named Abby. Her mom asked if I

could help her answer questions Abby asked about having Cerebral Palsy. To help Abby and other

children like her understand, I wrote a book called Abby-Ability.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m working on a children's book that has ASL signs for the text.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

I don’t have “side stories” yet.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Abby-Ability?

Abby has Cerebral Palsy. Kahlan and Lexi are her older sisters who help Abby.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

My book is based on a real girl, Abby and her family.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

I titled this book, Abby-Ability because Abby is the real girl’s name, and I picked Ability to tell

kids that they can do anything that they want to do.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I enjoyed the fact that I noticed some God-winks while I was while I was getting ready to

release my book, Abby-Ability;. You might be wondering What Is A God wink? Well, A God

wink is what some people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an

experience so astonishing that it could only have come from God. My Illustrator made Abby's

walker purple and then, I found out that purple is Abby's favorite color. My

Illustrator also put Abby's sisters in shirts that are their favorite colors without our knowledge.

I'm taking the Godwinks as signs that God likes what I'm doing.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Yes, I’d change the illustrations.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

My favorite part of “Abby-Ability” is the fact that it’s based on a real girl.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

My characters in “Abby-Ability” are based off real people.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

My books, “The Gaming Buddies” will be available for pre-order in December 2024 and “Does

Anyone Know ASL?” will be on pre-order next summer in July 2025.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

I enjoy reading books from Nicolas Sparks, Karen Kingston, Lolly Winston, Judy Blume, E.L.

James, Danielle Stelle, Nora Roberts, Jane Austen, Francine Pascal, and Laura Ingalls

Wilder

What book do you think everyone should read?

The Bible

How long have you been writing?

I started seriously writing in 2022. But I wrote a novel loosely based on my life.

What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I researched the type of Cerebral Palsy that Abby has- Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy

Do you see writing as a career?

I see writing as a career

What do you think about the current publishing market?

I think it’s crazy that anyone can write a book with AI.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I read romance

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I write with the TV on because I enjoy watching it.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I write one book at a time.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?

The Baxters Series.

Pen or type writer or computer?

I write on a computer.

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?

 I always wanted to write one for children like me. I feel it’s my calling for God.

Advice they would give new authors?

I would tell new authors that they can do it and I can help, email me at

author@terrielynnbirneyauthor.com .

Describe your writing style.

I write Children's books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy written by a woman with

Cerebral Palsy 

What makes a good story?

Emotions and feelings make a good story.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I try to deliver to readers what they want

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

I can write the first draft of a children’s book in three days.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, I believe in writer's block.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hello! I’m Terrie Lynn Birney.

I am a first-time children’s picture book author who has Cerebral Palsy. When I was born, the

doctors said I would be "vegetable” my whole life. To those doctors I say “Ha, take that!” Not

only am I pursuing a career in writing children’s books, I graduated from college with an

associate degree in computer science. Since I can remember, I have enjoyed writing, especially

about my feelings. My dedication to writing has grown in the last year with my newly published

first book, with more in the future. Belief in myself is stronger with my faith as a Christian. I am

grateful to have my loving husband for over twenty years and the support of my family. They

have been with me throughout my journey.

I hope you enjoy my books.

GIVEAWAY:

$10 Amazon https://bit.ly/Abby-AbilityTour

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Review: How Ludwig Guttman Created the Paralympic Games: A Sporting Chance by Lori Alexander #Paralympics #ADA

July is Disability Pride Month, which is celebrating its 32nd year after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990, to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities.

This is the true story of Dr. Ludwig Guttman. He story unfolds as a young Jewish man who has dreams of becoming a doctor. His hopes are quickly but not permanently dashed when WWII breaks out and the Nazi's come to power. Fortunately, though, he is sent to research to help soldiers who have been crippled.

The story finds him working with mostly men who have no chance of thriving in life or even past much living. His research revealed how bacteria affected the soldiers. Eventually, he was given his own  ward and Dr. Ludwig began doing innovative things like turning a patient over, having them sit up, and even "walking" with the use of bar handles.

Eventually the doctor discovered that his patients were able to play games in their wheelchairs. He encouraged this behavior, much to the hospitals chagrin, which eventually lead to the Paralympic games that still happens world-wide to this day.

I am completely impressed in how Dr. Ludwig, in spite of adversity, continued to provide care and concern for patients that originally had no chance of survival. Without his tenacity, many things that people with spinal cord injuries do today would not be available.

This book includes real photos of the games and Doctor Ludwig himself. It is inspiring and I would certainly recommend it to be put in school and home libraries.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher to facilitate a review. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

#Review: Mickey On the Move by Michelle Wagner #deaf #cochlearimplants #disabilities #childrennonfiction

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Mickey on the Move by Michelle Wagner
Category:  Children's Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

In this bighearted book, the real story of a young boy with deafness in his ears is aided by his mother and teachers in navigating new school experiences. Mickey is just like everyone else, except he wears cochlear implants and has to do things just a little differently than most. This charming tale reminds us that we can all find happiness if we lean on and support each other.

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N

My review:

There are so few books that talk about cochlear implants. So, I was really excited to receive this book from the author. I happen to be a person who is mostly deaf and has received a cochlear implant in my right ear. 

This is a true story about a boy named, Mickey and his Mom. Mickey's Mom helps him to prepare for school where he is the only deaf student. They go over sign language and how to cope in a school where everyone hears. His Mom is extremely supportive. (slight spoiler) There is one part in the book where Mickey gets overwhelmed and has to call his Mom. She walks him through this and everything is a-okay. Mickey has friends and all is great in the world. I liked the story over all.

I did, however,  have one major issue with the book and I personally would like the author/illustrator to fix it. That is, the reader never sees Mickey's cochlear being worn. In fact, the only time that an actual cochlear is see is at the beginning of the book where there is an illustration of what it looks like, but again, never on Mickey. I think if you are going to write a book about the subject it should be seen. It is a part of who Mickey and people like me are.

I can't give the book 5 stars mainly for the reason stated above but the story is good and does illustrate what deaf children may deal with in school. 4 stars.

Disclsoure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views posted here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. 

~Michelle

Meet the Author:

Born and raised in Chicago, Michelle Wagner was always a very positive and outgoing woman. Her energetic love for children and zest for life was admired by everyone who knew her. Michelle is a realtor whose career background involved restaurants and always helping other people. She has dedicated time and support to charities and events to help other children with hearing loss and assist families as they work through the different approaches to raising a special needs child in a typical environment.

connect with author: website ~ instagram

 

It's Me by Jeff Kubiak #review #giveaway #middlegrade #multicultural #kindness #diversity

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  It's Me by Jeff Kubiak
Category:  Middle-Grade Non-Fiction (Ages 8-12),  57 pages
Genre:  Children's/Middle Grade, Non-fiction, own voices
Publisher:  EduMatch Publishing
Release date:   November 14, 2020
Content Rating:  PG. Although the book reads like a graphic novel, it does contain topics dealing with racism and other social issues.

Book Description:

It's Me is dedicated to every person who has ever felt less about who they are or want to be because of someone else’s opinion, feelings, or prejudice. Let's ditch the prejudiced labeling, and embrace our Human Race for the diversity, inclusivity, equity, and individuality we all deserve.

My Review:

As someone who is "different" in the "normal" society, I am able to resonate with this book quite well.

The book attempts to remove labels projected on different people throughout the book, unfortunately to do that, the labels have to be seen in order to remove them. 

Each page is about a real person who is still struggling to find their place in society. Most all of the colorful photos have names changed to protect them but still their feelings are heard through each individual's own words. In any case, the reader clearly is able to see the adults and children and the labeling that has been thrust upon them. Each persons words are then ended by the words, "It's Me" thus the title of the book.

I do want to mention that there are several topics addressed in this book that often we as society will quarrel about. I think that the book opens opportunity for conversations that are not only on point in today's world, but an opportunity to show kindness.

I liked what the author was trying to do and I do think it works to an extent. At least the point of the book is that even with struggles, each person depicted might just be like you and to give them a chance.

This book is not aimed at children younger than eight and it is understandable why. However, with the resources included in the back, which are several, including a glossary, parents can still talk to the younger set and begin to instill those conversations that I mentioned above.

Terrific book that I think should be included in all homeschool and classroom settings.

5 stars

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book from the author. The review presented here is 100% my own opinions that may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Buy the Book
Amazon

Meet the Author:

Jeff loves children's literature , “One Drop of Kindness” is Jeff's first published children's book. It's Me reads like a fun graphic novel, but it is entirely non fiction. Every character in the book is a real student, or educator. It is so important for us to give access, equity, inclusion, and compassion to all those we meet. "Seeing" each other and embracing our differences are jewels to life! Jeff taught for ten years as an elementary school teacher in grades 4, 5, and 6 and has seven years of administrative experience. He's always looked at education from a different lens: from someone who hated and struggled with school. Jeff vows to always do his best to help increase opportunities for all students to feel heard, noticed, celebrated, challenged and safe. Jeff works hard to push back against the old model of “Industrialized Education” and fight compliance. There is not a day that goes by that he is not looking ahead to improve teacher pedagogy, student engagement and digital access for all. Being a former world class swimmer and coach and looks at education from perspectives that others don’t. Jeff knows what it takes to fail, struggle, win and go through the daily challenges that we all face. 

connect with author:  website ~ facebook  ~ goodreads

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Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review: Sam's Top Secret Journal: Book 3-Memorial Day #middlegrade #disabilities #downsyndrome

Synopsis:
Sam is a ninth grade girl trying to enjoy her first year of high school. Sam knows she has Down syndrome but she doesn't feel different; even though other kids sometimes treat her that way. Sam's new adventure involves a mini family reunion, exploring the interesting spaces of a retired military base and learning how hard it can be to "do the right thing". Challenges and new mysteries are all chronicled in Sam's private journal. In this book, Sam discovers that being yourself isn't just about what people can see; sometimes what you can't see is the most important part.


My review:
This book is targeted for middle grade. Sam is a young teen and middle child. She also has Down's Syndrome. Although she may have to do things at a slower pace, Sam is portrayed as strong, friendly, caring, helpful, and responsible. I love her strong character!

She,  her younger brother, and older sister are on a family trip over Memorial Day weekend. They are joined by cousins whose father is in the military but hurt in a hospital. A girl cousin is a trouble maker who takes something valuable from a former military man who has a display in town.

As stated in the synopsis Sam finds herself in a situation where she knows the truth but does not know how to handle it. Her sister is helpful and throughout this 'journal' helps Sam to stay true to self but revealing what is also true.

The only issue I had this time, with this book, is you are lead to believe that this is mostly about Memorial Day, which it is not. The book does have the underlying theme with a parade and military base but mostly that is it. I did find that a little disappointing but it did not completely draw me away from a good book.

This book is written in a quarter journal form (Sam's) with her inner most thoughts and pictures and the rest mostly in narrative.   I love Sam is loved and seen as some one who is differently capable.

This book is also a series. I recommend them and get them in the hands of kids!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

Goodreads
Amazon

David's ADHD by Sherrill S. Cannon #review #childrensbooks #differentabilities #atozchallenge

Synopsis:
Does your child have ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

Meet David, one of award-winning author Sherrill S. Cannon’s “Classroom of Kids,” who manages his ADHD with the help of classmates.

David discovers ways to cope with his hyperactive brain, while learning how to calm and soothe his ADHD. Solutions include setting daily schedules and following simple rules that regulate behavior. His teachers and therapists encourage using the computer for academic advancement, and to establish a pattern for study as well as for occasional recreation. David not only learns self-control and communication skills, but is able to fit into the classroom and make friends.

My review: 
There has not been one book that Sherrill S Cannon has written that I have not liked. Her stories for children have always been point on and needed to help children help themselves. This book is no exception.

This time the author tackles the problem of ADHD but from the standpoint of the child who has it, "David". David's problem is causing disruption in his parents, school, and himself. With the help of his classmates and family, he learns ways to control his behavior and gain  support.

As always, Kalpart illustrators do an excellent job in making Sherrill's "kids" come to life with bright and bold illustrations. Also, don't forget to look for other books by the author that have been cleverly hidden.

Told completely in rhyme, this book is more than just a book to help children to understand other kids like David. This book is a resource that should be in every home and school! In the back of the book are resources parents can use to help their own children who suffer from ADHD.

I highly recommend this 5 star book!  Amazon

Michelle

Disclosure: I purchased a Kindle copy of this book to review for my own collections. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.