Book review: Pat Thomas’ “Don’t Call Me Special”
by Paula
Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability explains the importance of inclusion using language that children can understand — giving children a nice introduction to the importance of acceptance and tolerance.
I read this book to my 5-year-old daughter Cassidy’s class.
The book asks questions about what it means to have a disability, which generated a lively conversation with Cassidy’s classmates. The children were very willing to share their experiences and interactions.
The book also suggests activities to help children understand what life might be like with a disability — trying to navigate a room while blindfolded, or opening a sealed package while wearing heavy socks on their hands were two of the favorites.
Overall, Don’t Call Me Special was informative and a nice introduction into the subject of disability. Take it from my daughter — this is what Cassidy had to say about the book, “I like this book because it teaches me that people with disabilities want to be treated like everyone else.”