Ways to Help Children With Disabilities (How to Help: A Guide to Giving Back)

Karen Bush Gibson has written more than 30 educational books for children about different cultures, famous people, and events in history. Growing up with a younger brother who had developmental disabilities inspired her to study ways to help others in college. She graduated with an M.S.W. degree and worked as a social worker for twelve years. Her favorite time as a social worker was working with children in Oklahoma with developmental disabilities.

Gr 5-8–While these titles are visually geared toward upper elementary or early middle school students, the readability level varies from fifth to tenth grade. The strong graphics and numerous pictures support struggling readers, but these students would need assistance with comprehension. The books are thoughtfully written, addressing concrete ideas of how to help without intruding and discussing sensitive issues such as how to use People-first language. Elderly is particularly strong as it is full of creative ideas for getting to know individuals in the older generation. All of the books highlight children who have volunteered in their own communities, drawing readers in with their stories. Photographs of children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds are sprinkled liberally throughout the texts. As schools move toward requiring service hours, these books would offer useful points of discussion.–Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.