Different is Not Less
Celebrating the Abilities of Those with Disabilities
World Autism Awareness Day
The 11th annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2018.
Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world, light blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support. Learn more at Autism Speaks.
Inspiring Personalities with Disabilities
Stephen Hawking: Physicist, Cosmologist & Author
Temple Grandin: Professor @ Colorado State University
David Beckham: Professional Soccer Player
Recommended Elementary Titles
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K Arnold
3-6 The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises--some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a good-surprise day. Bat's mom, a veterinarian, has brought home a baby skunk, which she needs to take care of until she can hand him over to a wild-animal shelter.
But the minute Bat meets the kit, he knows they belong together. And he's got one month to show his mom that a baby skunk might just make a pretty terrific pet.
Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog -- it's the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. An endnote from the authors tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs, particularly their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.
Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz
3-6 When Molly's mom leaves their family to take a job in another country, 12-year-old Molly is certain she'll be back in one year, as promised. Her older sister isn't so sure. To make matters worse, Molly's relationship with her best friend is starting to feel strained just as she's nervously preparing for an upcoming poetry slam. Suddenly, Molly's world feels like it's spinning out of control. Counting, measuring, and organizing help Molly feel more in control. But in time, her coping mechanism becomes its own problem.But with some help from her siblings and friends, Molly is able to face her OCD and be strong enough to get help for it.
Recommended Middle School Titles
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
Both Mason and his new friend, tiny Calvin Chumsky, are relentlessly bullied by the other boys in their neighborhood, so they create an underground club space for themselves. When Calvin goes missing, Mason finds himself in trouble again. He's desperate to figure out what happened to Calvin, and eventually, Benny.
But will anyone believe him?
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Forget me Not by Ellie Terry
A girl tries to hide her quirks at a new school in this middle-grade novel.
Astronomy-loving Calliope June has Tourette syndrome, so she sometimes makes faces or noises that she doesn't mean to make. When she and her mother move yet again, she tries to hide her TS. But it isn't long before the kids at her new school realize she's different. Only Calliope's neighbor, who is also the popular student body president, sees her as she truly is--an interesting person and a good friend. But is he brave enough to take their friendship public?
As Calliope navigates school, she must also face her mother's new relationship and the fact that they might be moving--again--just as she starts to make friends and finally accept her differences.
Partially in verse and partially in prose with two intertwined points of view, Ellie Terry's affecting debut will speak to a wide audience about being true to oneself.
Recommended High School Titles
The Love Letters of Abelard and Lily by Laura Creedle
When Abelard posts a quote from The Letters of Abelard and Heloise online, their mutual affinity for ancient love letters connects them. The two fall for each other. Hard. But is it enough to bridge their differences in person?
This hilarious, heartbreaking story of human connection between two neurodivergent teens is perfect for fans of Eleanor and Park and creates characters that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Nowhere Near You by Leah Thomas
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, smart, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, the anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza's persona is popular. Eliza can't imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community. Then Wallace Warland transfers to her school, and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza's secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she's built--her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity--begins to fall apart.
Get Involved: Local Events in Denver
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS TRACK & FIELD MEETS
Elementary Track & Field Day
April 18, 2018, 8:30a-1:30p
Middle & High School Track & Field Day
April 19, 2018, 8:30a-1:30p
Hosted by and Benefits: Special Olympics Colorado
COMMUNITY WELLNESS FAIR
Saturday, Apr 28, 2018, 01:00 PM
Golden High School, 701 24th Street, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Denver Public Schools Library Services
Email: libraryhelpdesk@dpsk12.org
Website: http://etls.dpsk12.org/library_services
Location: 1617 S Acoma St, Denver, CO, United States
Phone: 720-423-1842