About the Author

Jo Meserve Mach (author) spent 36 years as an Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about sharing the stories of children with special needs. Jo embraces the joy that individuals with disabilities bring to our communities through their unique gifts. Jo is the cofounder of Finding My Way Books, which offers tools to help children without disabilities realize that children with disabilities are kids just like them.



Readers and teachers love her books, which they describe as "great," "fabulous," which "showcase how a person with a disability can be a mentor to others," and "make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students."



They are recommended for parents, teachers, elementary school libraries, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants a more just and inclusive world.



Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier worked professionally in Early Childhood and Special Education programming for 25 years. She has a PhD in Special Education from the University of Kansas and is currently working at Westat. Vera is passionate about the inclusion of each and every child in settings where they would be if they did not have a disability. Parenting two children with special needs enrich her life. Mary Birdsell is a professional photographer and a former Speech and Theatre teacher. She strives to create images that reflect the strengths of each child. Mary's background in education, theatre, and photography intersect as she visually creates our books. She uses colors and shapes to tell a story. For her, each book is like its own theatre production.

Reviews

"This is an awesome and colorful book showing how children with disabilities can do things just like their peers. The book encourages making decisions and choices in real world situation. The photographs were awesome as well." - VS, Verified Purchaser
"I am loving Finding My Way books. Having more than one book that follows the same young person (such as this one) is a terrific idea! Real stories with photographs make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students. Keep up the fantastic work - we need more inclusive books like these."- Lori Eigenman, Ed.S
"This is a fun story of self-determination, highlighting a real child's inclusion in a fun extra-curricular activity. MyaGrace's excitement and joy is evident in the beautiful photographs!"- Becky Drews, MS.Ed Special Education