Kathleen Terrazas

EDU 222

Book Review

1st Book
YouTube Site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6RarKhZTCI
 Read aloud consist of a 2:03 minute time ratio.
 Award-Winning Book:  Creative Child Magazine, Preferred Choice Award

Title: Special people special ways

Author, Arlene Maguire taught elementary school for nearly 20 years, after earning a
teaching degree from Rutgers University. She is a mother of 2, the stepmother of 3, and the
adopted mother of one.
Product Description: Special People, Special Ways presented positive image of persons
with disabilities. It shares a message that even though each of us may have something different
about us, we share many commonalities. The words are appropriate and clear for children to
understand. Positive information about the children’s disabilities shows a great way to
acknowledge their differences and capabilities. The reading has a kick to it with rhyming
throughout the story for children to enjoy. This book also shows diversity in the classroom!
Illustration: This story is short and sweet with colorful pictures illustrated by Sheila
Bailey. Her work in this book appears to look like watercolor and cartoon character figures. The
setting on this story takes place in a classroom environment that shows children with disabilities
interacting with one another. A variety of colors has been used to attract the reader and has great
pictures children may relate to. This book was published through future horizons an illustrated
edition January 1st of 2000. There are 32 pages in this book and appropriate for the children of 4
to 7 years of age.
2nd book:

YouTube Site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwWLCV9Nf4o

 Story time 4:16 minutes
 No awards

Title: Gracie's Ears

Author and illustration by Debbie Blackington wrote Gracie's Ears comprising 32 pages
back in 2011. Debbie Blackington has a B.A. in Mass Communication and Interdisciplinary Film
from Purdue University, an M.S. in Telecommunications from Syracuse University and a B.F.A.
in Computer Animation from Ringling College of Art and Design. She is also the author of
Mama's Wish/Daughter's Wish, along with her daughter Brynne.

Product description, this is the story of Gracie, your everyday fun-loving kid who does
everything that you do but has trouble hearing. It is as if her ears are sleeping! Can anyone or
anything wake up Gracie's ears? Based on a true story. Told in rhyme, this uplifting story with
gentle illustrations is based on a real little girl who does not realize her ears are not working like
most people's do. When her family searches for answers, Gracie gets a big surprise and is eligible
for hearing aids that help her hear just like everyone else.

Illustration in this book is very well organized with pictures in each page that represents
Gracie’s situation with her ears being asleep and her daily schedule. I would say the pictures are
clear and colored in an attractive way that will catch a reader’s attention. The facial expressions
are clear to see for a child to relate to and express themselves as well.