By: Regina McMenamin Lloyd
In My Sister Lulu and Me, Author (and my friend) Traci Dunham explores the differences among the Protagonist and her special needs sister. Dunham poses the hidden questions children might have in dealing with someone who is different:
* Why does she use the BIG swing?
* Why does she moan?
* Why does she eat different foods?
* Why does she still use a stroller?
She answers these with the refrain, "that's just how it is with my sister and me."
* Why does she use the BIG swing?
* Why does she moan?
* Why does she eat different foods?
* Why does she still use a stroller?
She answers these with the refrain, "that's just how it is with my sister and me."
This picture book is a great opportunity to start the dialogue with children about the differences in people. In the book, Dunham makes it okay for Lulu to be different. The book dispels some of the fear we have with differences. It also, shows children how they can engage with the special friends in their lives pushing them on the big slide, entertaining them by doing your thing on the slide, enjoying snacks together.
"While we are walking, Lulu makes funny noises because she's happy. Often, people stop and stare but I don't care. That's how it is with my sister and me. "
In the above quote, Dunham is teaching all children something they may be painfully familiar with or blissfully unaware of. This particular experience is what I use to define diversity, being constantly on the receiving end of an unwanted stare. She simplifies it for children, but the idea is there, keep moving that person it isn't about you it is about them. |
While My Sister Lulu and Me, has memoir tones and a dedication to Dunham's lovely daughters Caroline and Paige, it is not specifically telling about Caroline's disability. The work has a universality to the experiences common for all special needs families. However, Dunham does explain a bit about her family on an inspiration page at the end of the book.
I have to mention is the charitable nature of the author:
Proceeds for this book will go to Chromosome 18 Registry and a Research Society. This non-profit public charity supports individuals with chromosome 18 abnormalities along with their families. This is done through education, community involvement and clinical research. Our hope is that these avenues will lead to a better quality of life for those affected by this disorder.
Proceeds for this book will go to Chromosome 18 Registry and a Research Society. This non-profit public charity supports individuals with chromosome 18 abnormalities along with their families. This is done through education, community involvement and clinical research. Our hope is that these avenues will lead to a better quality of life for those affected by this disorder.
Moonwriters
I always mention my relationship to the author. Perhaps it is my early journalism education coming out! Traci is in the same writer's club with me. We meet for coffee every couple of weeks; we chat, share dreams and propel one another's work. These women are amazing, I have links to their work if you are interested in what they do. (See that's me attempting to propel them!)
Kate Butler, Taralee A. O'Malley-Hurff, Alicia DiFabio, Julie Chamberlain Knapp, Me, J.J. Cannon, Traci Dunham and Caroline Kalfas
Kate Butler, Taralee A. O'Malley-Hurff, Alicia DiFabio, Julie Chamberlain Knapp, Me, J.J. Cannon, Traci Dunham and Caroline Kalfas