On Tuesday, March 8th, Disability Information & Referral Coordinator Dina Abramson and Reader Consultant Victor Hunter, along with Texas State Library Communications Officer Steve Siwinski, visited Rodriguez Elementary School to help the students celebrate Read Across America week and Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Victor read a print/Braille copy of his favorite Dr. Seuss book Green Eggs and Ham to two second grade classes as school librarian Barbara Mott held up the pictures from a print version of the book. After the reading, Dina and Victor answered questions about Braille and blindness. Each student received a Braille alphabet card. And the two classroom teachers gave Victor thank you notes with Braille on them. When the students learned that Victor’s birthday was the next day, they sang “Happy Birthday” to him.

Special thanks to Steve for taking pictures and providing transportation. Also a big thank you to Amanda Shaver from Bookspring for helping to set up the event.

Here are some pictures:

The American Library Association has announced the winners of the Schneider Family Book Awards for 2016. Each year the Association selects books in three age categories that portray realistic depictions of children and teenagers with disabilities. This year, two books were awarded prizes in the nine – thirteen age category. Winning authors and illustrators receive $5,000 and a framed plaque.

Please click on this link to read about the winning books:
https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/01/25/childrens-books-disability/21819/

You can request the winning books from the Talking Book Program! Here are the titles, authors, and book numbers, along with annotations for each book.

EMMANUEL’S DREAM: THE TRUE STORY OF EMMANUEL OFOSU YEBOAH by LAURIE ANN THOMPSON

BR 21066

NLS Annotation: Born in Ghana with one deformed leg, Emmanuel was raised to reach for  his dreams. He hopped to and from school more than two miles each way,
provided for his family, and eventually became a cyclist and activist
for people with disabilities. PRINT/BRAILLE.  For grades K-3 and older
readers. 2015.

FISH IN A TREE  by LYNDA MULLALY HUNT

DB 80497, BR 21151 (Braille is in process at NLS)

NLS Annotation: Bullied and moved from different schools, sixth grader Ally creatively
distracts anyone from discovering that she has problems reading. But one teacher, Mr. Daniels, helps her understand that she has dyslexia and encourages Ally to understand her feelings in a new way. Commercial audiobook.   For grades 4-7 and older readers. 2015.

THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE  by KIMBERLY BRUBAKER BRADLEY

BR   20662, DB   80472

NLS Annotation: A young disabled girl and her brother are evacuated from London to the English countryside during World War II, where they find life to be much sweeter away from their abusive mother. Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 2015.

THE UNLIKELY HERO OF ROOM 13B by TERESA TOTEN

DB   82326, BR   21201 (Braille is in process at NLS)

NLS Annotation: Adam struggles with his OCD therapy assignments, and his relationship with his divorced parents doesn’t help matters. During a session at
his OCD support group, however, he falls for fellow member Robyn and
decides to save them both. Some strong language. Commercial audiobook.
For senior high and older readers. 2015.