October is Disability Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we will share with you interesting books that you and your students can read together at home to help your children learn about different disabilities. 

This week's featured reading for younger students is Why Johnny Doesn't Flap. This picture book turns the tables on common depictions of neurological difference by looking at how people who are not on the autistic spectrum are perceived by those who are. The autistic narrator's bafflement at his neuro-typical friend's quirks shows that "normal" is simply a matter of perspective. 

Older students will enjoy Fish in a Tree. In this story, a young girl learns that her dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. With the help of a teacher, her confidence grows, she feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there's a lot more to her - and to everyone - than a label, and that great minds don't always think alike.

Additionally, on Monday, October 16, Horace Mann will welcome author Dusti Bowling, whose debut middle grade novel Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is a sensitive story that depicts the life of Aven Green, a 13-year-old born without arms due to a rare genetic condition. With wit and humor, Bowling provides readers a glimpse of what it might be like to live life dealing with a disability. This book provides a unique opportunity to develop empathy in readers and spark great discussion as a shared parent/child read. Dusti will share her love of reading and writing with students in grades 4-5. Order forms to purchase books were sent home Friday. If you would like an autographed book(s), please fill in the order form and return it along with payment to your child's classroom teacher by Wednesday, October 11. For more information on Dusti Bowling, please visit her website at https://www.dustibowling.com/. A special thanks to Third Place Books for funding and making this visit possible for students.

For more great reading suggestions, stop by the library and see what Mrs. Leonard has on display, or visit the Disability Awareness Month page on our PTSA website.