Celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month with THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE by Joyce Givens, Illustrated by Courtney Dawson!

Did you know October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month?  I was this-month-years-old when I learned this fact (thanks Blue Slip Media!), but was fascinated to learn more!  Any time we can celebrate people is a GOOD thing, and when those being celebrated are often times overlooked, or thought of less than kindly...I say all the MORE reason to shout about it from mountaintop to sandy beach!  

Today's featured title does just that by bringing awareness to this cause while informing, educating, and entertaining all at the same time. Don't think it's possible?  You don't know what you're missing...but I'm a tender heart so you're about to find out!  Ladies and gents, let's get between the pages of today's featured title...

The Unstoppable Jamie

by

Joyce Givens

Illustrated by

Courtney Dawson

9781662505768

Two Lions

About the book...

Inspired by the author’s son, the story of a boy with Down syndrome who goes on a superhero’s journey to New York City and learns what truly makes him unstoppable.

Jamie likes to pretend he’s a superhero. With his cape and gadgets, he feels like he can face anything. When his picture is chosen to be shown in Times Square for the NDSS Buddy Walk®, his family travels to New York City to see it. As he makes his way through the loud, busy, unfamiliar city, Jamie discovers that he doesn’t have all his special tools. But he soon realizes that it isn’t what he wears or the gadgets he uses that make him brave—it’s who he is inside.

This uplifting story includes an author’s note with information about Down syndrome.

Little Jamie is UNSTOPPABLE, or so the title says, but underneath all the bravado, Jamie is a little boy with a BIG secret.  He's a SUPERHERO...but his BIGGER secret is the fact that each of you are too!  Let me explain...

We get to traverse through a few days with Jamie as he has some family time, has a great moment captured on film, and is selected to have it displayed alongside other participants in the NDSS Buddy Walk in New York City!  Quite the feat, but the even bigger one is getting there to enjoy the five minutes of fame, and being able to handle the challenges in front of our little hero.  No two people are exactly alike, nor are the ways they deal with stress.  For Jamie, being able to focus in on a task, block out excess noise, and indulge in tight bear hugs really grounds him, but it's his cape that really helps him turn from Kent to Super...Jamie!  The Big Apple isn't named so because it's small, and when the going gets too tough, it can all be overwhelming.  Through that experience, Jamie comes to understand that his methods of handling the day are great tools, as is his beloved red cape, but the real hero is the boy beneath it all...himself.

It was eye opening to learn how something as simple as headphones can provide a modicum of comfort, allowing those feeling like their senses are being overloaded to gain their footing once again.  Jamie was such a sweetheart!  He had such a great outlook on life, and his family was so very supportive, you can't help but have your heart melt just a little at their interactions.  The joy he finds in each day just brings a smile to your face, or at least it did to mine, and while I didn't like seeing him stressed over all the hubbub around him, it was REAL.  THAT'S something that people deal with on the day to day, and this story gives readers a way to understand a little better what they are experiencing, and perhaps how to help if able.  When Jamie comes into his own and realizes just how POWERFUL he is, I could've hugged him.  It was such a sweet moment.

All in all, a great book for readers of all ages to celebrate the people around us and spread awareness with oh-so-much heart.  Insider fact...the story was inspired by the author's very own son (Joshua), so that he could have more books where he can see himself as the characters represented.  Just goes to show you why we need diversity in books because everyone deserves the chance to find themselves between the pages.

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About the author...

Joy Givens is the author of several award-winning short stories and the lucky mother of four young superheroes, including her son Joshua, who inspired this book. She also works as a coordinator of after-school programs that serve refugee and immigrant youth. Joy lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her family. This is her first picture book. Follow her @joyeilene on Instagram or visit her at www.joygivens.com.

On Facebook: Joy Eilene Givens

Joy Givens: @joyeilene

On Twitter/X: @joyeilene

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About the illustrator...

Courtney Dawson has illustrated a number of children’s books, including There’s a Rock Concert in My Bedroom by Kevin and Danielle Jonas, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alexandra Alessandri, and Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson. Prior to illustrating picture books, she worked in animation. She lives with her family in California. Follow her @courtneyjdee on Instagram or stop by www.courtneyjdawson.com.

On Instagram: @courtneyjdee

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Special thanks to the dream team at Blue Slip Media for the chance to bring this title to you and to Two Lions for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the illustrator, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. Keep an eye out for more celebrations featuring this title throughout the blogosphere and social media!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Peachtree Publishing presents... ROSIE LOVES JACK by Mel Darbon - REVIEW + GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the Rosie Loves Jack Blog Tour!

To celebrate the release of Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon on March 1st, blogs across the web are featuring original content from Mel, as well as 10 chances to win the hardcover!  Sounds exciting, right?  Great because I know I'm excited, and if you're excited too, then we're in good company and the perfect place to start our stop on the tour.  Speaking of which...we not only have a SPECIAL POST but a SPECIAL BOOK to introduce, and I'll be a monkey's uncle if I don't introduce that title before we get to the nitty gritty.  So, without further ado, let's meet today's book of choice and blog tour guest...

ROSIE LOVES JACK

by

Mel Darbon

Buy | Add on Goodreads

Excerpt | Discussion Guide

Fall in love with sixteen-year old Rosie, a girl with Down syndrome who’s fighting for little freedoms, tolerance, and love. A stunning, beautifully insightful debut YA novel from Mel Darbon.

“An enthralling story of resolve and grit... a moving and uplifting novel.” –The Guardian

"They can't send you away. What will we do? We need us. I stop your angry, Jack. And you make me strong. You make me Rosie."

Rosie loves Jack. Jack loves Rosie. So when they're separated, Rosie will do anything to find the boy who makes the sun shine in her head. Even defy her parents’ orders and run away from home. Even struggle across London and travel to Brighton on her own, though the trains are cancelled and the snow is falling. Even though people might think a girl like Rosie, who has Down syndrome, could never survive on her own.

Introducing a strong and determined protagonist with Down syndrome, debut author Mel Darbon gives readers an underrepresented but much-needed point of view with a voice-driven, heartfelt story of finding your place an often big and intimidating world.

“The author stays out of Rosie's way, successfully depicting her protagonist as a person, not a puppet or a platform. The other characters populating the book are realistic, with a striking range of personality traits. The plot is so engrossing that the book is almost impossible to put down. Yes, Rosie loves Jack, and readers are going to love Rosie.” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

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This book was a challenge for me.  I had to get behind the eyes of a character that's not often represented, at least not as the lead narrator, in books that I've previously read, and while exciting, it left me initially unsettled...much like I'm guessing she feels when people express themselves differently to her.  I pressed on, found my footing, and quite honestly, could not believe the strength, the beauty, and the wonder of our girl Rosie.

She could charm you with a smile, disarm you with her simple few of the world, and melt your heart with her innocence.  She knew her feelings for Jack were real, something worth fighting for, so when obstacles were put in her way, there was nothing that would stop her from reaching him.  Like she says...Jack made Rosie, Rosie....and Rosie made Jack, Jack.  They completed each other, maybe not in the exact sense that everyone imagines, but it worked for them, and anyway, what two relationships look EXACTLY alike?  The miles she travels, the people she interacts with, the situations she finds herself in, would be enough to topple the most able-bodied genius to their knees.  Those that showed her kindness, I blessed.  Those that showed her indifference, I wished enlightenment upon.  Those that showed her disdain, I thought less than nice words towards.  Those that aimed to harm her and shatter her brightness in the world...were my sworn enemy.  You see, it doesn't matter how kind a heart or innocent a soul, bad things can happen...but it's that desire to push through, that never say die spirit, that uniqueness of her viewpoint and her ability to always look for good in the world that helped her come out the other side.  True, the ending is fraught with potential disaster despite all she went through...but you can't help but see how much better the world is for having Rosie in it, and hoping against hope that she gets her happy ending.

So if you're looking for a Young Adult book with a unique perspective, and a gritty story that just might end in the love of a lifetime, this is SO the book for you!

And now...a word from the author as we share her thoughts to her teenage self...

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Letter to My Teenage Self

by Mel Darbon

Dear Teenage Mel,

Life has been a bit tough for you recently, so I thought I’d write you a letter to help you out, because I want you to know that everything will be okay in the end. I promise you that.

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since I was your age. I now have forty-four years more experience and knowledge to pass on to you. I wish I’d known just some of it then; maybe then you wouldn’t be feeling so lost and adrift on your ocean of insecurity.

As I started writing this letter, I didn’t realise how firmly it would put me back in my sixteen-year-old shoes. It was a shock to feel your intensity of emotion, full of torment and self-doubt, never good enough or loveable enough, even though you always try to do your best. So, here’s what I’d tell you now and hopefully it might help some other teenagers who are struggling to find their place in this world, too. 

Let’s start right in that darkest of places you go to—and don’t think you’re the only one who is going there. All teenagers spend huge chunks of their time worrying about all sorts of things and it’s easy to blow them out of proportion. Remember those days when you feel like you’ve been thrown into the sea and left to drift out on the water without a swimming aid? And you’re surrounded by boxes bobbing around you, full of all the answers, only to find every time you got near one, a dangerous unforeseen current whips it away from you? That’s because you’re not ready to see what’s in the box. I’m sorry if that doesn’t sound very helpful, but it takes time to work all this out and time is something you have, to learn to be the best human being that you can be. Live more for the moment and stop worrying about the future because you’ll get there in the end—that’s a given. Remember, you never stop learning about yourself and your place in this world, not until the day you die, but you will begin to realise what a positive thing that is, because if you don’t rush it, you won’t miss anything important, so, tread that water gently. If you look around you, there are lots of buoys to hold on to, to keep you safe and anchor you. When the sun shines, as you know it does, parts of the sea sparkle with light, like stars in the night sky. They will guide you and give you hope, so keep looking up. On your worst days, if that depression, that sea monster lurking deep down at the bottom of the ocean, swells up and shoots blackness through you, remember that you will always get through it. You’re a survivor and the human spirit is stronger than anything that happens to it. 

So, you never felt like you fitted in? I know you somehow feel you are standing on the outside of everything, looking in at everyone else, all together having fun, like a kid looking through the toy shop window. It isn’t true; most of your friends are feeling exactly the same thing too, but no one ever says anything. Never forget that everyone is as scared inside as you are. Everyone struggles to fit in, even as an adult you will feel that you are an imposter, that you haven’t a clue what you’re doing and that you’ll never be good enough. All this stems from that thing called peer group pressure. Don’t let that happen, be brave, be yourself and don’t compromise who or what you believe in to be like everyone else. It’s great to be an individual and not follow the crowd, even if it doesn’t always feel like that. You know what is right or wrong, so stand up and be counted.

Stop blaming yourself for everything that goes wrong and remember that we all make mistakes. Ignore that shaming voice and believe in yourself. That voice keeps you bound to your insecurities. Shame is one of the most destructive emotions and it’s making you feel you are not good enough or that something is wrong with you. You have nothing to feel ashamed of; you are learning. Mistakes are how you learn, and the important thing is not to repeat the same mistake. Let go of this shame around yourself or it will silence you. As soon as you do this it will free you to be yourself. Train yourself to let go of things you can’t control and by doing this you’ll put yourself back in control. Everything that happens to us has the potential to make us stronger.

Look at your life as if it is a jigsaw puzzle. You need the edges of the puzzle, your boundary, before you can start filling in the rest of the puzzle and the most difficult bit at the centre. Search for your inner voice of approval and listen to it carefully because it is that voice that will hold you in good stead and will guide you in the right direction. Ask yourself if you like who you are becoming; if you don’t, you can change it. Doing this will empower you, otherwise you will spend your life worrying about all the bad things that might happen or what might go wrong. Search instead for the good things and what might go right. You will be a lot happier for it! Doubting yourself can be very destructive and becomes self-fulfilling if you let it. You get things out of proportion and build mountains out of molehills, don’t you? All teenagers do this, it’s part of being a teenager, but stop over-thinking. That thing you think is going to ruin your life—it won’t. The fear is always bigger than the problem. I have found this to be true, so you can trust me on this one.

Follow your dreams and know that it can take a lot longer than you might want it to, but it’s worth the wait. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, as that’s a sure way to destroy your own dreams. Have faith in yourself, believe that you can do it and you will, as anything is possible if you want it enough and you are willing to work hard to get there, against all the odds. Dreams are built on hard work and sacrifice. It’s worth every bit of it, as you’ll know when you hold your first published book in your hands and fully understand that all those years of waiting had been worth it and that it wouldn’t have been the book it is without all the life experiences you have learned along the way. 

Most of all, as you will one day see in something you are going to write, that it is enough to be you, it is enough to be just Mel. Never forget that.

With all my love to you,

Your future self.  xxx

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About the Author...

Mel Darbon spent a large part of her childhood inventing stories to keep her autistic brother happy on car journeys. She won’t mention the time spent with him standing by level crossings waiting for the InterCity 125 to go past, as she wouldn’t want to be labelled a train spotter. Life took her in many different directions working as a theatre designer and freelance artist, as well as teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums. She moved to Bath in 2014 with her husband and their dog, Alfie. Rosie Loves Jack is her debut book.

Follow Mel: Twitter | Instagram

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GIVEAWAY

• 1 winner will receive a finished copy of Rosie Loves Jack
• Check out the other tour stops for more chances to win!
• US/Canada only
• Ends 11:59pm ET on 3/21

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Casey at Media Masters Publicity for bringing this title to my attention, and to Peachtree Publishing Company for the ARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

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Blog Tour Schedule:

3/1 - BookhoundsYA

3/2 - Book Briefs

3/3 - Frantic Mommy

3/4 - Randomly Reading

3/5 - A Dream Within a Dream

3/8 - I'm All Booked Up

3/9 - Multicultural Children's Book Day Blog

3/10 - Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

3/11 - Christy's Cozy Corners

3/12 - Feed Your Fiction Addiction

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!