Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination

Ages 8 to 14, Grades 3 to 8

Changing minds about disability and showing the world what's possible!

In this illustrated biography collection, meet over twenty people with Down syndrome who have accomplished amazing things in their lives. Excelling in film, sports, business, photography, and more, these people are changing hearts and minds about their disability. Read about Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon, and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, the first designer with Down syndrome invited to showcase her work at London Fashion Week. Learn about the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and other organizations who support the Down syndrome community. Each of these stories will educate and inspire young readers, both kids with Down syndrome and their family members, friends, classmates, and teammates!Included in this book:AC HeigelAlex BourneAlex LeeAllison FogartyChris NikicChristine LauGeoffrey MikolGrace KeyGrace StroebelIsabella Springmuhdi TejadaJamie BrewerJared KozakJohn CroninJohn TuckerKayla McKeonMadison TrevlinMeg OhsadaMichael HoltonNick DoyleRonnie BrownSofia SanchezTommy JessopYulissa ArescurenagaZack GottsagenSpecial OlympicsBest BuddiesNational Down Syndrome SocietyThe Buddy Walk

About the Author

MELISSA HART grew up in Los Angeles with her younger brother, Mark, who has Down syndrome. She’s the author of two novels for middle-school readers—Avenging the Owl and Daisy Woodworm Changes the World—both of which have main characters with Down syndrome. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Smithsonian, Slate, CNN, and many other publications. She’s the author of Better with Books: 500 Diverse Books to Ignite Empathy and Encourage Self-Acceptance in Tweens and Teens. Melissa lives in Oregon with her husband and daughter, plus one dog, five cats, and four chickens. She’s an Oregon Master Naturalist and loves to kayak, hike, bicycle, and cross-country ski. To learn more about Melissa, please visit www.melissahart.com.MARIA PERERA was born in Gijón, a small town in the north of Spain. At a very young age she found out that there are few things in life she enjoyed as much as listening to The Beatles and drawing. When she grew up she graduated in Art History at the University of Oviedo and soon after she studied Graphic Design at the Art School of Avilés. Nowadays she still listens to The Beatles and feels fortunate to be able to do what she loves the most for a living: illustration.