MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready, by Jo Meserve Match -- promoting inclusion (ages 4-8)

Berkeley schools educate all students and promote a "full-inclusion" model. Students with all types of abilities are all integrated into our classrooms, and I believe this benefits all of us -- students and teachers. But seeking out picture books that represent the experiences of different students is not easy. We must make special effort to be inclusive in our books as we are with our schools.

I am happy to share a new picture book that shows a slice of life of MyaGrace, a teen with special needs who wants to be included in activities with her friends and classmates. This story exudes joy and will make a terrific addition to home and school libraries.

MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready
A True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination
by Jo Meserve Match and Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier
illustrated by Mary Birdsell
Finding My Way Books, 2016
Amazon / Your local library
ages 4-8

MyaGrace is excited to go to her school's big dance with her friend, Emily. She needs to choose a special dress and get ready. The introduction explains that MyaGrace has special needs and abilities, but the text just shows this event from her perspective.

MayGrace tries on different dresses, she practices dancing with her brother, and she gets her nails painted at a nail salon. Right away, young readers will relate to the excitement that MyaGrace feels for this special event.

"I pick out what else I want to wear. This will help me get ready."

MyaGrace has cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disabilities. As her family writes in the introduction, they help support her in the activities she chooses.

"We chose to write this story because it demonstrates how teenage girls with disabilities want to be included in activities with their friends and classmates, just like every teenager out there. With support that is encouraging and respectful, MyaGrace shows us how she is learning skills needed for her self-determination. She fully participates in plans and goals that she needs to complete in order to be ready for her dance."

I especially like how the story is written from MyaGrace's point of view. The photographs capture her joy and excitement, bringing readers right into her life.

MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready is published by a small, independent press Finding My Way Books which focuses on sharing stories that honor children with special needs. The review copy was borrowed from my local public library. If you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site, a small portion goes to Great Kid Books. Thank you for your support.

©2017 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books