Making friends can be difficult for many children, but it’s particularly challenging for children with disabilities, who may not be able to participate in all of the same activities as their peers.
Author Charles Schoen, who is also the executive director of the Adaptive Learning Center in Atlanta, has made it his mission to help children and their families recognize that, in spite of physical or mental challenges, there are a lot of things that children with disabilities CAN do.
His compelling new children’s book series, Adventures with Charlie, shares the inspirational tales of a young boy who is disabled, but that hasn’t stopped him from going to school, playing baseball or even completing a half-marathon. He is special. He magically makes friends everywhere he goes.
Children need to have a story that illustrates the idea that “being different from typical peers” can have some special rewards. Parents can read a book to see the joy and special opportunities out there for families and children experiencing challenges. In the midst of difficult challenges with raising all types of children, there are always opportunities to approach life from a different perspective which can provide joy and delight for many.
Parents and children can follow Charlie as he learns and grows through new experiences.
In the first book of the series, Charlie Goes to School, readers get to explore a day of school from Charlie’s perspective, as he travels on the wind of his wheelchair, meets his friends, gathers knowledge and arrives back home flying through the air.
“Children need to have stories that illustrate the idea that ‘being different from typical peers’ can have some special rewards,” says Schoen.
The Adventures with Charlie series emphasizes what children CAN do in the face of physical or developmental challenges, and along the way, points out that when communities embrace and lift up all children, everyone wins.
About the Author
Charles Schoen is the Executive Director of The Adaptive Learning Center, a preschool inclusion program in Atlanta, Georgia. He has three children. His oldest child, Charlie, is the inspiration for his books.
Adventures with Charlie Book Series
Check out Tom Sumner's interview with Charles Schoen on Tom's podcast here
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