October is Disability Awareness Month. Earlier this month, students were treated to an assembly presented by Trevor Pachelli, who spoke to the students about living with autism, helping them relate by sharing ways in which different Disney characters have things in common with people with Autism. We also are continuing to feature some of the wonderful books available in our school library 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 The Thing About Georgie. Georgie is a 4th grader with dwarfism. This book explores being "different," friendships, saying "sorry," and realizing that if another kid is mean, there is usually a reason. This book is likable, quick, and good for conversation.

Intermediate level readers should look for Out of My Mind. This book is focused on Melody, a young lady with cerebral palsy who cannot walk or talk but has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her, and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom - the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she's determined to let everyone know it. Sometimes.

For more great reading suggestions, stop by the library and see what Mrs. Leonard has on display.