My Final Project

For my final project I plan on focusing on disabilities, primarily with Downs Syndrome. The reason why I would like to focus on this subject is because my little brother (who actually isn't so little anymore, he's 16!) has Downs Syndrome and I have never really come across a book protraying this disability. I think it would be interesting to research these books and maybe even show them to my brother so he can read them and perhaps identify more with the characters; I know for a fact that he has never seen a book with character in it that has Downs Syndrome. It would be nice to see a character in a text with Downs Syndrome and see how the author protrays his/her character. I know first hand of what its like to grow up with a brother with special needs and it would be interesting to see other people's take on this experience!

The Schneider Family Award

About: Given annually by the American Library Association. Honors an author or illustrator for the artistic expression of the disability experience for children and teen.There are 3 categories, which include birth-grade school, middle school, and teens
Purpose: To recognize quality literature in the area of physical, emotional, and/or mental disability.
Award Committee: 9 committee members are elected for 2 year terms. Chosen by executive board of the American Library Association based on recommendation.
Selection Criteria: The book must exhibit an aspect of living with a physical, mental, or emotional disability. It must also focus on artistic expression of children or adolescents living with a disability.
Previous winners and year awarded:Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements (2004)My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir by Samantha Abeel (2005)Tending to Grace by Kimberly Newton Fusco (2006)