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My Friend Suhana
A simple tale of love and friendship to warm your heart
Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana. "My Friend Suhana is a delightful read for a children's book. Very well illustrated with respect, friendship, and advocacy all in mind at the same time."
--Dawn Cruzan, President, Camp Craig Allen for all abilities "This is the story of a seven-year-old's first attempt at unconditional love. Tough but tender, inspirational yet utterly real, this is a small gem of a tale. Highly recommended for anyone in the position of mentoring a beloved child through the hard places of life."
--Paula Huston, author of A Season of Mystery and A Land Without Sin "My Friend Suhana is a charming and perceptive book that will draw its readers into empathy while allowing them to enjoy this heartwarming story of two uncommon friends."
--Chitra Divakaruni, author of Grandma and the Great Gourd Learn more at www.MyFriendSuhana.com
From the Growing With Love Series at www.LHPress.com
Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana. "My Friend Suhana is a delightful read for a children's book. Very well illustrated with respect, friendship, and advocacy all in mind at the same time."
--Dawn Cruzan, President, Camp Craig Allen for all abilities "This is the story of a seven-year-old's first attempt at unconditional love. Tough but tender, inspirational yet utterly real, this is a small gem of a tale. Highly recommended for anyone in the position of mentoring a beloved child through the hard places of life."
--Paula Huston, author of A Season of Mystery and A Land Without Sin "My Friend Suhana is a charming and perceptive book that will draw its readers into empathy while allowing them to enjoy this heartwarming story of two uncommon friends."
--Chitra Divakaruni, author of Grandma and the Great Gourd Learn more at www.MyFriendSuhana.com
From the Growing With Love Series at www.LHPress.com
30 pages, Hardcover
First published December 16, 2013
About the author
Shaila M. Abdullah
6 books218 followersShaila Abdullah is an award-winning author of five books: Saffron Dreams, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, My Friend Suhana, Rani in Search of a Rainbow, and A Manual for Marco. The author has received several awards for her work including the Golden Quill Award, Norumbega Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction, Patras Bukhari Award for English Language, Reader Views Award, Written Art Award, and a grant from Hobson Foundation. Several academic institutions have adopted her books as course study or recommended reading, including the University of California, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Indiana University, Boston University, California State University, and George Washington University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
April 5, 2026
❤️Absolutely beautiful ❤️
A 7 year girl and her Mom visit a special needs class at the community center and bonds with a 7 year old girl with Cerebral Palsy. Suhana doesn’t talk, stand, or walk. She communicates with sounds and moods. Her friend delights her with art centered around her favorite things.
My Friend Suhana is an amazing book that demonstrates empathy and shares a heartwarming friendship.
The illustrations are cheerful and bright. The story is educational and charming.
A 7 year girl and her Mom visit a special needs class at the community center and bonds with a 7 year old girl with Cerebral Palsy. Suhana doesn’t talk, stand, or walk. She communicates with sounds and moods. Her friend delights her with art centered around her favorite things.
My Friend Suhana is an amazing book that demonstrates empathy and shares a heartwarming friendship.
The illustrations are cheerful and bright. The story is educational and charming.
March 4, 2014
My Friend Suhana is based on the true story of 10 year-old Aanyah Abdullah (one of the authors) and her friendship with a young girl who has cerebral palsy, Suhana. Aanyah and her mother Shaila volunteer on a weekly basis at a community center in a special needs class attended by Suhana. It is here where Aanyah and Suhana have forged their special friendship.
The reader is introduced to Suhana through Aanyah’s eyes who describes how Suhana is different from other girls her age in that she cannot stand, walk nor speak, nor does she communicate through language. However, what is so beautiful about this book is that the authors describe what Suhana IS capable of such as waving her arms and legs, rolling around, squealing with delight, clenching her fists in anger, and in a tender moment, Suhana reaching out to touch Aanyah’s hair – a small gesture but one with great significance.
I love this focus on highlighting for children all the ways a child with cerebral palsy has “abilities” rather than focusing on the “disability” and the things that are wrong. The other important consideration is teaching children the ways they can interact with and/or communicate with children who have a disability. My Friend Suhana does this so well. In the book, Aanyah describes how she hugs and tickles Suhana, draws pictures for her, and even is her cheerleader as she learns new skills. There is also an excellent section discussing how Suhana reacts to colors rather than words with certain colors associated with specific emotions (e.g., red for anger, blue for sad, etc.).
I really enjoyed the cheery, bright, and colorful illustrations. I really love the imagery in the text and pictures of the kite surrounded by stars as a metaphor for Suhana (the kite) and the people in her life who care for her (the stars). It was very touching. Finally, at the end of the book, there is a section discussing cerebral palsy and some basic facts about this condition as well as a note encouraging children to reach out to a child with a disability and forge new friendships. It was a great way to end the book!
My Bottom Line:
My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy is the heartwarming account of a special friendship forged between the young co-author (10 year-old Aanyah Abdullah) and a little girl, Suhana who has cerebral palsy. The book does a great job of focusing on the “abilities” of Suhana and provides guidance for children with regards to facilitating friendships with children who have a disability. This book would be a great resource in early elementary classrooms or in a school or public library. I highly recommend this book for ages 3+.
* I received a copy of this book free-of-charge from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
The reader is introduced to Suhana through Aanyah’s eyes who describes how Suhana is different from other girls her age in that she cannot stand, walk nor speak, nor does she communicate through language. However, what is so beautiful about this book is that the authors describe what Suhana IS capable of such as waving her arms and legs, rolling around, squealing with delight, clenching her fists in anger, and in a tender moment, Suhana reaching out to touch Aanyah’s hair – a small gesture but one with great significance.
I love this focus on highlighting for children all the ways a child with cerebral palsy has “abilities” rather than focusing on the “disability” and the things that are wrong. The other important consideration is teaching children the ways they can interact with and/or communicate with children who have a disability. My Friend Suhana does this so well. In the book, Aanyah describes how she hugs and tickles Suhana, draws pictures for her, and even is her cheerleader as she learns new skills. There is also an excellent section discussing how Suhana reacts to colors rather than words with certain colors associated with specific emotions (e.g., red for anger, blue for sad, etc.).
I really enjoyed the cheery, bright, and colorful illustrations. I really love the imagery in the text and pictures of the kite surrounded by stars as a metaphor for Suhana (the kite) and the people in her life who care for her (the stars). It was very touching. Finally, at the end of the book, there is a section discussing cerebral palsy and some basic facts about this condition as well as a note encouraging children to reach out to a child with a disability and forge new friendships. It was a great way to end the book!
My Bottom Line:
My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy is the heartwarming account of a special friendship forged between the young co-author (10 year-old Aanyah Abdullah) and a little girl, Suhana who has cerebral palsy. The book does a great job of focusing on the “abilities” of Suhana and provides guidance for children with regards to facilitating friendships with children who have a disability. This book would be a great resource in early elementary classrooms or in a school or public library. I highly recommend this book for ages 3+.
* I received a copy of this book free-of-charge from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2014
My Friend Suhana: By Shaila Abdullah and Aanyah Abdullah
Friendships are formed in many different ways and children often cherish the simplest gesture, movement, smile or hug from someone that cares about them. Not all children can respond with words, movements or can even walk. Many will never play hopscotch, throw a ball or even say hello. Imagine not being able to communicate with words. Children with cerebral palsy, like Suhana, the special 7-year-old child in this book, might never take a first step, say their first words or even do the same things other kids can do. But, they can understand kindness, love and true friendship. This is a story about two young 7-year-old girls whose friendship will span a lifetime and whose love will never die.
One hour each week our young narrator gets to spend some special time hugging and rocking Suhana in her arms letting her know that she is special and loved. The picture of the two girls is priceless and the smiles breathtaking. Suhana and her young friend see each other at the community center where her mom helps out with children with special needs. Cerebral palsy affects many babies and young children every year. You cannot catch it. It is not contagious. This illness affects the brain and causes the person with the illness to have, as the word palsy is defined weaknesses or problems moving his/her body. Children such as Suhana as you get to know her better within the beautifully illustrated pages of this book that tell the story even without the words, have trouble controlling their muscles. This illness affects the brain as Suhana like so many others with CP might not be able to walk, talk, eat or play like other kids.
Suhana goes to school and loves making friends with other children. She enjoys playing, rolling on her back and tummy and often as our young narrator relates to readers screams and squeals which shows she is able to express her emotions even if it is with these types of sounds. Our young narrator with the help of her mom learned to understand when Suhana is happy, sad or angry. When Suhana bumps her head find out when you read the book what happens and what are young narrator learns.
Pictures are special and our narrator loves to draw and paint. Painting a special picture for her friend was her way of trying to cheer her up. Drawing is her way of cheering up her friend and other kids hoping to make them feel happy and take away some of the anger. Just look at the pictures that she draws and the beautiful happy faces that would make anyone smile.
Suhana loves doing many things but the colors of the rainbow hold a special place or meaning for her. The colors are “just like her many moods.” If you want to learn what Red, Blue or any other color means to Suhana you are going to have to read the book and see the faces she makes when seeing each color for yourself. But, something happens that makes our narrator’s heart go all spaghetti inside and you might say give her a warm glow and great feeling. What does Suhana do to let her know that she loves having her around? You won’t believe it until you see it for yourself.
Suhana hopes to be able to stand up and learn to walk. But, she has a long way to go because her legs might not be strong enough. When will that day come? Well only our two creative authors can answer that question if they continue her story and we learn more about Suhana and her special friend.
There are so many themes that are brought to light in this wonderfully illustrated book. Friendship, understanding, love, kindness and trust are just some of the themes brought out in this book. Explaining to young children about CP very important. Understanding why some children cannot move about as they can paramount. Children are special and all kids are really the same. Children with CP might have to overcome greater obstacles in life and face challenges that others might not but with the help of wheelchairs, computers to help them communicate with words they can do the same things that other kids can do but in their own special way. Patience is a true virtue that our young author relates to readers as this mother and daughter have presented well written, special, colorfully illustrated book that is definitely a must read for children in the lower grades, read aloud in every classroom, hospital groups, book store book signings and even at centers with children who have CP who can learn that they can do anything all they need to do is try. Our young narrator relates it perfectly: I hope Suhana knows that I will always be the star dancing around her kite.” If you want to understand the meaning of what she says: Read this outstanding Five Twinkling Golden Kite Star book for yourself.
Friendships are formed in many different ways and children often cherish the simplest gesture, movement, smile or hug from someone that cares about them. Not all children can respond with words, movements or can even walk. Many will never play hopscotch, throw a ball or even say hello. Imagine not being able to communicate with words. Children with cerebral palsy, like Suhana, the special 7-year-old child in this book, might never take a first step, say their first words or even do the same things other kids can do. But, they can understand kindness, love and true friendship. This is a story about two young 7-year-old girls whose friendship will span a lifetime and whose love will never die.
One hour each week our young narrator gets to spend some special time hugging and rocking Suhana in her arms letting her know that she is special and loved. The picture of the two girls is priceless and the smiles breathtaking. Suhana and her young friend see each other at the community center where her mom helps out with children with special needs. Cerebral palsy affects many babies and young children every year. You cannot catch it. It is not contagious. This illness affects the brain and causes the person with the illness to have, as the word palsy is defined weaknesses or problems moving his/her body. Children such as Suhana as you get to know her better within the beautifully illustrated pages of this book that tell the story even without the words, have trouble controlling their muscles. This illness affects the brain as Suhana like so many others with CP might not be able to walk, talk, eat or play like other kids.
Suhana goes to school and loves making friends with other children. She enjoys playing, rolling on her back and tummy and often as our young narrator relates to readers screams and squeals which shows she is able to express her emotions even if it is with these types of sounds. Our young narrator with the help of her mom learned to understand when Suhana is happy, sad or angry. When Suhana bumps her head find out when you read the book what happens and what are young narrator learns.
Pictures are special and our narrator loves to draw and paint. Painting a special picture for her friend was her way of trying to cheer her up. Drawing is her way of cheering up her friend and other kids hoping to make them feel happy and take away some of the anger. Just look at the pictures that she draws and the beautiful happy faces that would make anyone smile.
Suhana loves doing many things but the colors of the rainbow hold a special place or meaning for her. The colors are “just like her many moods.” If you want to learn what Red, Blue or any other color means to Suhana you are going to have to read the book and see the faces she makes when seeing each color for yourself. But, something happens that makes our narrator’s heart go all spaghetti inside and you might say give her a warm glow and great feeling. What does Suhana do to let her know that she loves having her around? You won’t believe it until you see it for yourself.
Suhana hopes to be able to stand up and learn to walk. But, she has a long way to go because her legs might not be strong enough. When will that day come? Well only our two creative authors can answer that question if they continue her story and we learn more about Suhana and her special friend.
There are so many themes that are brought to light in this wonderfully illustrated book. Friendship, understanding, love, kindness and trust are just some of the themes brought out in this book. Explaining to young children about CP very important. Understanding why some children cannot move about as they can paramount. Children are special and all kids are really the same. Children with CP might have to overcome greater obstacles in life and face challenges that others might not but with the help of wheelchairs, computers to help them communicate with words they can do the same things that other kids can do but in their own special way. Patience is a true virtue that our young author relates to readers as this mother and daughter have presented well written, special, colorfully illustrated book that is definitely a must read for children in the lower grades, read aloud in every classroom, hospital groups, book store book signings and even at centers with children who have CP who can learn that they can do anything all they need to do is try. Our young narrator relates it perfectly: I hope Suhana knows that I will always be the star dancing around her kite.” If you want to understand the meaning of what she says: Read this outstanding Five Twinkling Golden Kite Star book for yourself.
April 10, 2022
A wonderful book about inclusion, cerebral palsy, friendship, and art.
June 13, 2016
This story is a great picture book for the primary and elementary school readers. This book discusses two friends who are about 10 years old. One student has cerebral palsy and the other friend gets to know her and understand more about her and her disability. The illustrations in this story are very warm. Each page is full of beautiful pictures which help shape and share the messages of friendship and love. This is a great story to discuss differences and understanding how to talk with others who may not be able to speak with their words but in other ways. I feel that any classroom could benefit from having this book and even listening to this book being read as a read-aloud. I also think this story is a great way to allow students to understand more about students who are unlike them.
May 31, 2017
Honestly, being a Special Ed. Teacher, a father, and someone who sees God in everyone, this book is hard not to like an to want children to read. Suhana isn't super. She doesn't Save the day. She has a disability but she can communicate through art. And she is loved by a little girl who understand that other can be different and still be your friend. This book has great pictures and would be great at home or in class for teaching kids that differences in others can be embraced and loved.
November 29, 2017
Suhana has Cerebral Palsy, but it's okay. This book shows the little ones that its okay to be different and it's okay to have friends who are different. It is filled with great ways to show students about inclusion. I would highly suggest this book if you have students with disabilities in your class. Even if you don't it's a great talking book with grades pre-k to 1st.
May 5, 2021
This story depicts the life of a seven-year-old girl who grows up with a “special friend" named Suhana. The word special is not meant to be a rude name but rather her friend is just different. Suhana has cerebral palsy which makes it difficult for her to move like the other kids. This picture book had a formal format with text on one page and illustrations on the other. The theme of this story was friendship and acceptance no matter what differences your friends might have. I really enjoyed the author’s style of this story. It was told from the little girl’s point of view and focuses on the innocence of a child. The author was able to show that younger kids have no opinion when it comes to differences amongst others. This story is a true story of a friendship between two young girls. The resolution of the story was very heartwarming as it ended with the little girl reminding Suhana that she will always be with her.
December 6, 2021
This realistic fiction book was written by author Shaila Abdullah and her young daughter Aanyah. The plot focuses on two young girls who become friends despite the barriers and differences between them. A perfect selection for the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award as this picture book depicts the life of a young girl with a disability, specifically cerebral palsy. This book would make a great read aloud in the classroom as children could learn how to make friends with those unlike them. I highly recommend this book for teachers and students!
March 17, 2019
This book should be a must have in a classroom or at home if you have children. It is a beautiful story about a friendship that is more uncommon than it should be. It depicts the friendship of a 2 little girls, one of whom has cerebral palsy. We all know how children of younger ages not only enjoy but need the freedom to run, be active, play, and take advantage and whenever possible use kinesthetic learning. This story allows that to be put on the back burner to enjoy other fun activities that her friend Suhana can engage in because she cannot take part in those kind of enjoyments that so many of us take for granted. Suhana cannot talk but that does not stop her from telling stories, having fun, or building a meaningful friendship. Aaniyah, is the main character and Suhana is her friend, they spend time together once a week at a community center. Their friendship was built and strengthened through artwork.
It is a wonderful story that allows children to familiarize themselves on a topic that most are not familiar about nor educated on. Aaniyah offers an honest and endearing friendship to Suhana and strives to make her smile and have fun all the while, Aaniyah is having just as much fun and honors and respects their genuine relationship. There was a few parts when reading that made me stop because of the wow factor, for example; Aaniyah states; "Whether or not she ever walks, I hope Suhana knows that I will always be the star dancing around her." Prior to this, Suhana had bumped her head against the door and screamed and cried until she was exhausted of every ounce of energy and passed out. Aaniyah drew a picture of a kite in the night sky with little stars around it, signifying all those around Suhana that love her. Also, the illustration displayed with the quoted text showed the 2 girls in the sky with Suhana on a kite and Aaniyah on a big star with little stars around. To make this book even more amazing, there is a page at the end of the story that tells about cerebral palsy and special friendships. This attribute was perfect and well thought out because if you are reading this to children this page is going to assist in any questions they may have.
It is a wonderful story that allows children to familiarize themselves on a topic that most are not familiar about nor educated on. Aaniyah offers an honest and endearing friendship to Suhana and strives to make her smile and have fun all the while, Aaniyah is having just as much fun and honors and respects their genuine relationship. There was a few parts when reading that made me stop because of the wow factor, for example; Aaniyah states; "Whether or not she ever walks, I hope Suhana knows that I will always be the star dancing around her." Prior to this, Suhana had bumped her head against the door and screamed and cried until she was exhausted of every ounce of energy and passed out. Aaniyah drew a picture of a kite in the night sky with little stars around it, signifying all those around Suhana that love her. Also, the illustration displayed with the quoted text showed the 2 girls in the sky with Suhana on a kite and Aaniyah on a big star with little stars around. To make this book even more amazing, there is a page at the end of the story that tells about cerebral palsy and special friendships. This attribute was perfect and well thought out because if you are reading this to children this page is going to assist in any questions they may have.
March 11, 2018
Genre: Realistic fiction because although it this story didn't actually happen, it could very likely happen. It discusses friendship and love which is true in our daily lives.
Audience: 2nd grade because the pictures are geared more towards early readers along with the content. The reading is too complex for 1st grade but too easy for higher level readers.
Text to text: I connected this piece of literature to the book we read in class, "Ghosts." In "Ghosts", Maya is a young girl with cystitis fibrosis trying to fit in and enjoy life as much as she can. In "My Friend Suhana", Suhana is 10 year-old with cerebral palsy who is not like her friends but the narrator does her best to include her in normal activity the best she can.
Text to self: I related this to myself in that I currently work in a special education with many students who do not interact with the mainstream classroom on a daily basis. A normal day for these students are so different than those in a mainstream classroom. However, I try my best make life as 'normal' as possible for these students; now 'normal' is not assimilation but accommodation. I love each and every student; they are so special to me so I want to celebrate their abilities along with their disabilities.
Text to world: I connected this to the world because there are so many people in this world with mental and physical disabilities. Many kids in the mainstream classroom can either be exclusive or inclusive to this students with disabilities. Books like, "My Friend Suhana" are amazing examples of inclusion to mainstream students. It shows how to love and create friendships with people who are not like them.
Audience: 2nd grade because the pictures are geared more towards early readers along with the content. The reading is too complex for 1st grade but too easy for higher level readers.
Text to text: I connected this piece of literature to the book we read in class, "Ghosts." In "Ghosts", Maya is a young girl with cystitis fibrosis trying to fit in and enjoy life as much as she can. In "My Friend Suhana", Suhana is 10 year-old with cerebral palsy who is not like her friends but the narrator does her best to include her in normal activity the best she can.
Text to self: I related this to myself in that I currently work in a special education with many students who do not interact with the mainstream classroom on a daily basis. A normal day for these students are so different than those in a mainstream classroom. However, I try my best make life as 'normal' as possible for these students; now 'normal' is not assimilation but accommodation. I love each and every student; they are so special to me so I want to celebrate their abilities along with their disabilities.
Text to world: I connected this to the world because there are so many people in this world with mental and physical disabilities. Many kids in the mainstream classroom can either be exclusive or inclusive to this students with disabilities. Books like, "My Friend Suhana" are amazing examples of inclusion to mainstream students. It shows how to love and create friendships with people who are not like them.
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March 17, 2018This book is a realistic fiction because it is a story using made-up characters that could happen in real life. The target audience for this book is K-2nd grade.
Text-to-Text: My Friend Suhana reminded me of a book I read called A Manual for Marco. This book is about a girl who writes a list of the things she likes and dislikes about her 8-year old autistic brother. While doing so, she realizes that she has made a manual for him. This reminded me of My Friend Suhana because they are both about the acceptance of other people who are different than you. All people are special in their own ways, and these books both show that.
Text-to-Self: This book reminded me of my own struggles when I had a student with autism in my class in 6th grade. I had been bullied when I was younger, so I knew what it was like to feel like an outcast. Because of this, I did not want him to feel like an outcast so I befriended him. It was hard at first because we didn't have much in common, but once I was able to find out what he liked, I could do those activities with him. This reminded me of My Friend Suhana because a girl befriends a girl with cerebral palsy. At first, it is hard to connect with her, but through art, they found a bond.
Text-to-World: This book reminded me of the many stories you hear in the news about bullying in schools. Just because Suhana has cerebral palsy, doesn't mean she doesn't understand when people make fun of her or exclude her. Children can be very mean, so we need more children in the world who go out of their way to include the children who are different than themselves.
Text-to-Text: My Friend Suhana reminded me of a book I read called A Manual for Marco. This book is about a girl who writes a list of the things she likes and dislikes about her 8-year old autistic brother. While doing so, she realizes that she has made a manual for him. This reminded me of My Friend Suhana because they are both about the acceptance of other people who are different than you. All people are special in their own ways, and these books both show that.
Text-to-Self: This book reminded me of my own struggles when I had a student with autism in my class in 6th grade. I had been bullied when I was younger, so I knew what it was like to feel like an outcast. Because of this, I did not want him to feel like an outcast so I befriended him. It was hard at first because we didn't have much in common, but once I was able to find out what he liked, I could do those activities with him. This reminded me of My Friend Suhana because a girl befriends a girl with cerebral palsy. At first, it is hard to connect with her, but through art, they found a bond.
Text-to-World: This book reminded me of the many stories you hear in the news about bullying in schools. Just because Suhana has cerebral palsy, doesn't mean she doesn't understand when people make fun of her or exclude her. Children can be very mean, so we need more children in the world who go out of their way to include the children who are different than themselves.
April 25, 2018
My Friend Suhana is a book about two young girls who form a beautiful friendship although they have differences. Suhana is a young girl who has cerebral palsy, her friend is a young girl named Aanyah. They met when Aanyah was helping her mother at a community center. The remainder of the book discusses the way in which Suhana and Aanyah have found ways to communicate with each other and enjoy each others company even though Suhana can't walk, or talk, or play like other young girls there age. The illustrations in this book compliment the story well. They are digitally designed but detailed and help the reader better create an image in their head of the text and what is happening within the story.
I rated this book a four. I loved that this book did not just focus on what Suhana couldn't do. Many times it talked about how she could laugh, and experience a range of emotions just like any one else. Although she expressed her feelings and communicated in a different way, the book points out that she was capable of it. I also loved that this book showed that the character Aanyah appreciated her and cared for her despite their differences and encouraged her when she learned new things. The relationship described between the two characters was beautiful. The only thing I did not like about the book was the lack of consistent story. The relationship was the main focus however, because of this the narrative was sometime lost in the description of Suhana and Aanyahs differences and how they coped.
I rated this book a four. I loved that this book did not just focus on what Suhana couldn't do. Many times it talked about how she could laugh, and experience a range of emotions just like any one else. Although she expressed her feelings and communicated in a different way, the book points out that she was capable of it. I also loved that this book showed that the character Aanyah appreciated her and cared for her despite their differences and encouraged her when she learned new things. The relationship described between the two characters was beautiful. The only thing I did not like about the book was the lack of consistent story. The relationship was the main focus however, because of this the narrative was sometime lost in the description of Suhana and Aanyahs differences and how they coped.
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October 18, 2018This book falls under the category of autobiography. This aspect is what makes this book one of the best books about disabilities that I have ever read. This book about an amazing friendship absolutely brought me to tears. The personal connection between the author and illustrator and the character, Suhana, who has cerebral palsy is amazing. It is truly what makes this book so amazing and beneficial for students. The friendship that the illustrator, Aanyah Abdullah had with Suhana was so heart-warming, and is a fabulous example to students how simply being a presence is so important for students with disabilities. I rarely see books that represent children with cerebral palsy simply because it is not as common as things such as Autism and Down Syndrome. The language in the book is simplistic enough where young students can understand what is going on by the wording as well as making connections with the illustrations. The great part about the illustrations is that they are from a young individual's point of view which makes them relatable to students. They are not too detailed where it is difficult to tell what is going on and keep focus, but they are detailed enough where students can tell the story just through the pictures. The language is what makes this book so valuable. It uses Person First Language. This is crucial in a children's book, because it gives the children an example of how to treat children with disabilities. The story is something that actually happened, and when this is explained to students they can understand that they can do this as well.
March 31, 2017
My Friend Suhana is a realistic fiction book. This story and characters aren't real, but what is being discussed in this book is very real to families that are dealing with cerebral palsy. I would say My Friend Suhana would be a great text for first through third graders to read.
Text to Text: I think My Friend Suhana would be great opportunity to a pair a story about a real life child with this disability. I believe by doing this it could show the students what it would be like to be living with something like this. To make it even more full circle, having the child with CP be around the same age as the students. I think pairing a text like that to this book would really bring it home and also give them an idea on how to handle children with disabilities.
Text to self: I LOVED this book. I think this book is amazing at what it's saying. You might not be able to always communicate through language, but through art or other resources. I choose this book because a little girl at my daycare has cerebral palsy. Reading this book has really given me some ideas on trying to help her. Plus this book is being shipped to our daycare now!
Text to world: I think this book would be great for others to read and understand what these kiddos are going through. We need to spread awareness and create more empathy for children with disabilities. If people knew more about specific disabilities, like CP, I think there would be more knowledge on how to help these kids.
Text to Text: I think My Friend Suhana would be great opportunity to a pair a story about a real life child with this disability. I believe by doing this it could show the students what it would be like to be living with something like this. To make it even more full circle, having the child with CP be around the same age as the students. I think pairing a text like that to this book would really bring it home and also give them an idea on how to handle children with disabilities.
Text to self: I LOVED this book. I think this book is amazing at what it's saying. You might not be able to always communicate through language, but through art or other resources. I choose this book because a little girl at my daycare has cerebral palsy. Reading this book has really given me some ideas on trying to help her. Plus this book is being shipped to our daycare now!
Text to world: I think this book would be great for others to read and understand what these kiddos are going through. We need to spread awareness and create more empathy for children with disabilities. If people knew more about specific disabilities, like CP, I think there would be more knowledge on how to help these kids.
October 21, 2018
"My Friend Suhana" is a heart-warming story of a special friendship between two seven-year-old girls. This realistic fiction book was written and illustrated by the mother-daughter team of Shaila and Aanyah Abdullah.
In this story, a community center brings together this young girl and Suhana. Their friendship grows through weekly play dates. However, Suhana is not a typical girl. She has cerebral palsy and cannot walk, talk or play like typical children. Despite Suhana's disability, the young girl loves Suhana like any other dear friend. The young girl takes the time to care for Suhana and is able to form a close bond with Suhana and begins to identify and understand her emotions through art and colors.
"My Friend Suhana" is a great book for grades k-3. The storyline is sweet and easy to follow and the illustrations are bright and beautiful. This book would be most powerful as a read aloud with a follow-up discussion. I would read this book aloud to my students at the beginning of the school year or during our Special Needs Awareness week. "My Friend Suhana" is a great text to introduce disabilities and inclusion. This is a WOW book because of their uncommon friendship and sweet message. It teaches children about friendship, empathy and inclusion. I also recommend this book because it includes a brief informational section about Cerebral Palsy and how to explain it to children.
In this story, a community center brings together this young girl and Suhana. Their friendship grows through weekly play dates. However, Suhana is not a typical girl. She has cerebral palsy and cannot walk, talk or play like typical children. Despite Suhana's disability, the young girl loves Suhana like any other dear friend. The young girl takes the time to care for Suhana and is able to form a close bond with Suhana and begins to identify and understand her emotions through art and colors.
"My Friend Suhana" is a great book for grades k-3. The storyline is sweet and easy to follow and the illustrations are bright and beautiful. This book would be most powerful as a read aloud with a follow-up discussion. I would read this book aloud to my students at the beginning of the school year or during our Special Needs Awareness week. "My Friend Suhana" is a great text to introduce disabilities and inclusion. This is a WOW book because of their uncommon friendship and sweet message. It teaches children about friendship, empathy and inclusion. I also recommend this book because it includes a brief informational section about Cerebral Palsy and how to explain it to children.
March 31, 2017
Multicultural Picture Book Entry #3
Genre: Realistic fiction because even though the characters are made up, it could still happen to anyone in real life.
Target Audience: Lower elementary (Grades K-2)
Text-to-self: I relate to this book because my concentration is in special education and I have learned about cerebral palsy, I have actually worked with a child before who has cerebral palsy so I was very familiar with the concepts and effects as they were mentioned in this book. I also relate to this book because I am very good friends with a girl from my high school class who has a disability, she is in a wheel chair and I have to communicate with her through sign language.
Text-to-text: I compared this book to "Ashley Wins the First Day of School", a book about a young girl who also has cerebral palsy, this book talks about how nervous she was when she first attended school but as the school day progressed, she made friends and got along with her classmates.
Text-to-world: This book relates to the world because wherever we go, chances are we are going to run into someone with a disability. The world today has demonstrated that it is possible to have a strong friendship with someone who has a disability even if you don't have one.
Genre: Realistic fiction because even though the characters are made up, it could still happen to anyone in real life.
Target Audience: Lower elementary (Grades K-2)
Text-to-self: I relate to this book because my concentration is in special education and I have learned about cerebral palsy, I have actually worked with a child before who has cerebral palsy so I was very familiar with the concepts and effects as they were mentioned in this book. I also relate to this book because I am very good friends with a girl from my high school class who has a disability, she is in a wheel chair and I have to communicate with her through sign language.
Text-to-text: I compared this book to "Ashley Wins the First Day of School", a book about a young girl who also has cerebral palsy, this book talks about how nervous she was when she first attended school but as the school day progressed, she made friends and got along with her classmates.
Text-to-world: This book relates to the world because wherever we go, chances are we are going to run into someone with a disability. The world today has demonstrated that it is possible to have a strong friendship with someone who has a disability even if you don't have one.
August 19, 2017
My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy is one I was able to relate to because I have a friend who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. In this picture book, Suhana has cerebral palsy but has a friend who loves her just the same. Suhana is unable to talk, walk, stand or play but her friend finds ways that they are able to interact with each other. Her friend supports her in every obstacle she tries to overcome, such as walking and standing. I think this book was great. This book explains cerebral palsy in a way that is easy to understand and even has a section at the end called "About Cerebral Palsy and Special Friendships" that explains the hardships of this disability a little more in depth. I'm glad the author added this part because the book itself would leave you to think that all people with Cerebral Palsy experience the same symptoms and obstacles as Suhana. What I like most about this book is it teaches children that even though someone may be different than you and not able to do the things you can, they can still be your dearest friend. The book also had a light tone for such a tough subject. My Friend Suhana was the winner of the 2016 Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award and is recommended for children age 3-10.
March 12, 2019
“My Friend Suhana” by Shaila Abdullah is a phenomenal tale detailing the disabilities of Cerebral Palsy and anxiety. As with a disability, it is important to introduce and educate children so that they are comfortable and know truthful information about people who suffer from an ailment. This story does a fantastic job of introducing the main character, Suhana, with cerebral palsy, highlighting the difficulties that she has with everyday activities. Furthermore, the book is written from the perspective of another young girl who is friends with Suhana, the narrator is clearly friends and loves Suhana and treats her no different. Therefore, this story teaches two important lessons to young readers being that there are some people that are different but that does not mean they should be treated as such. The story also very briefly hints at the benefits that can be made through art therapy which may resonate with children as something they can use to connect with others. From a design perspective the book uses a unique approach of full-page images and borders around the text, usually, this is reversed. While this story provided great messages for children this book will most likely still need to read by an adult as the pages are very thin and contain many words.
April 12, 2017
In this book, it is about two girls that are friends. However, one of the girls that is named Suhana, has cerebral palsy and can't run, jump or play on the playground. All throughout the book, there is many different examples of how Suhana's friend doesn't care that she has a disability and continues to play with her anyway because she is her friend. The book shows how important it is to have friends who are different than each other. Overall, the book does a great job at showing how just because one of your friends may be a little different, doesn't mean that they mean anything less.
This book was a great read for pretty much all ages. All throughout the book there is many examples to show how Suhana is feeling during certain situations. Therefore, when Suhana was upset, there would be a red picture, and when she was happy there would be a blue picture to express her emotions. At the end of the book, there is information on what cerebral palsy is and it was neat to see how it was written in there in order to help children understand disability. Overall, this was a great read and really can help students at young ages understand a disability.
This book was a great read for pretty much all ages. All throughout the book there is many examples to show how Suhana is feeling during certain situations. Therefore, when Suhana was upset, there would be a red picture, and when she was happy there would be a blue picture to express her emotions. At the end of the book, there is information on what cerebral palsy is and it was neat to see how it was written in there in order to help children understand disability. Overall, this was a great read and really can help students at young ages understand a disability.
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March 16, 2018The genre of this book is an Autobiography NonFiction and the intended audience is for Primary grade levels. Autobiography Nonfictions are stories of a real person's life that is written by that person.
1. Text-to-self: I would connect this to a personal experience of mine because I had a classmate in elementary school that had an older brother with cerebral palsy. I would notice how him and his sibling would interact. Although he was not able to talk, his expressions showed how he was able to connect with his family.
2. Text-to-text: I would connect this to any book or movie that includes siblings, friends or any person working with and connecting with those who have disabilities.
3. Text-to-world: I would connect this to similar events that happen in our world because there are children out there with this disability. This story is based on the true event of the author's child's close bond with her friend that has this disability and how she can reach her. Many people in our world today are helping people with any disabilities and finding new ways to reach to them, especially through art, just like the little girl in the story.
1. Text-to-self: I would connect this to a personal experience of mine because I had a classmate in elementary school that had an older brother with cerebral palsy. I would notice how him and his sibling would interact. Although he was not able to talk, his expressions showed how he was able to connect with his family.
2. Text-to-text: I would connect this to any book or movie that includes siblings, friends or any person working with and connecting with those who have disabilities.
3. Text-to-world: I would connect this to similar events that happen in our world because there are children out there with this disability. This story is based on the true event of the author's child's close bond with her friend that has this disability and how she can reach her. Many people in our world today are helping people with any disabilities and finding new ways to reach to them, especially through art, just like the little girl in the story.
February 4, 2014
My Friend Suhana is an innocent story of a girl who has a friend with cerebral palsey. Suhana's friend is also the narrator. She draws Suhana pictures and plays with her. They do not have what would be considered a traditional friendship, but it is obvious that the girls both care for each other deeply. I like that Suhana screams with glee and shows her delight with her friendship. Suhana wears her 'heart on her sleeve.' This book will help some kids who are afraid of people who are different than them to open up and share a bit more of themselves. It will enable them to ask questions and see that people with disabilities are not much different from themselves.
I received a copy of My Friend Suhana in exchange for my honest review. Although the book was given to me as a gift, this is no way affected the outcome of my review. I send my books that I review to a library in the Philippines that was part of Typhoon Yolanda #Haiyan. If you would like me to review a book for you, please contact me at philanthropicHR@yahoo.com.
I received a copy of My Friend Suhana in exchange for my honest review. Although the book was given to me as a gift, this is no way affected the outcome of my review. I send my books that I review to a library in the Philippines that was part of Typhoon Yolanda #Haiyan. If you would like me to review a book for you, please contact me at philanthropicHR@yahoo.com.
March 29, 2016
"My Friend Suhana" tells the story of a girl and her special friend, Suhana, who has cerebral palsy. It is written from the point of view of a seven-year-old girl, relating the experiences of co-author Aayah Abdullah, author Shailah Abdullah's daughter.
This book takes the reader inside both the narrator's and Suhana's worlds and gives us an insight into the life of a child with cerebral palsy. It illustrates with specific examples how children with cerebral palsy act and how they are just like other children in their need for companionship and stimulation. "My Friend Suhana" is the perfect aid to help parents begin a conversation with their children about children with disabilities.
The delightful illustrations by Shaila Abdullah complement the simple narrative, making this book suitable for younger as well as older children. The book also includes some easy-to-understand information about cerebral palsy.
"My Friend Suhana" is an inspirational and uplifting book about friendship suitable for the whole family.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2014
My Friend Suhana is a colorful picture book that shares a young child's experience of assisting in a special needs class once a week. It is in this class that the child meets her new friend, Suhana, who has cerebral palsy.
I adore the illustrations. The message is one of friendship, love, patience, celebrating differences, and working to understand someone who is unable to communicate in ways that most children simply expect. Picture books that help young children learn why others act in ways that may initially scare them or make them nervous - for whatever reason, make me happy. The unknown may be scary for young children.
This colorfully illustrated book is authored by a mother-daughter writing team, and is written in the first-person. It retains the young writer's personality, which gives the book a lovely and innocent voice.
We received an electronic copy of "My Friend Suhana" from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. We received no monetary or in-kind compensation for our honest review.
I adore the illustrations. The message is one of friendship, love, patience, celebrating differences, and working to understand someone who is unable to communicate in ways that most children simply expect. Picture books that help young children learn why others act in ways that may initially scare them or make them nervous - for whatever reason, make me happy. The unknown may be scary for young children.
This colorfully illustrated book is authored by a mother-daughter writing team, and is written in the first-person. It retains the young writer's personality, which gives the book a lovely and innocent voice.
We received an electronic copy of "My Friend Suhana" from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. We received no monetary or in-kind compensation for our honest review.
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March 30, 2017Genre: Realistic fiction
This story uses made-up characters but contains events that could happen in real life.
Target audience: Primary (K-3rd)
Text-to-Self: I learned about cerebral palsy last semester in an introduction to special education class. I remember learning about some of the effects that were mentioned in this book, such as problems with movement and speech.
Text-to-Text: After reading this book, I thought of a book called "Be Good to Eddie Lee." Both books show the friendship between a character who does not have a disability with a character who has a disability. Both books share the same message, that not all friendships need to be the same; that friendships can be a connection of the heart rather than the exchange of words or play. Both stories also emphasize embracing others despite differences.
Text-to-World: This book is applicable to the world, as it is possible to have meaningful friendships between those with disabilities and those without disabilities. I think this story contains a powerful message that is important for all people in the world to know.
This story uses made-up characters but contains events that could happen in real life.
Target audience: Primary (K-3rd)
Text-to-Self: I learned about cerebral palsy last semester in an introduction to special education class. I remember learning about some of the effects that were mentioned in this book, such as problems with movement and speech.
Text-to-Text: After reading this book, I thought of a book called "Be Good to Eddie Lee." Both books show the friendship between a character who does not have a disability with a character who has a disability. Both books share the same message, that not all friendships need to be the same; that friendships can be a connection of the heart rather than the exchange of words or play. Both stories also emphasize embracing others despite differences.
Text-to-World: This book is applicable to the world, as it is possible to have meaningful friendships between those with disabilities and those without disabilities. I think this story contains a powerful message that is important for all people in the world to know.
March 18, 2018
Genre-Fiction
Target Audience- Early Elementary
Copyright-2014
Text to text- There is another book called My Friend has Down Syndrome. It is neat how children's books have been made to bring awareness to disabilities. This one is about a little girl who attended a camp and a little later in the week a new friend would join their camping group. This little girl had down syndrome.
text to self- In the story the main character is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This prevents her from doing all the things that her friends may do. I have had a few extended family members who had cerebral palsy. They were also prevented from doing much and it even led to death with some of them.
text to world-It is nice that over time we have moved from those with disabilities not being able to attend school with those who are without disabilities. Now we work towards an all-inclusive classroom which allows for kids with special needs to be in the class and participating with the other kids while still getting the individual needs that they have.
Target Audience- Early Elementary
Copyright-2014
Text to text- There is another book called My Friend has Down Syndrome. It is neat how children's books have been made to bring awareness to disabilities. This one is about a little girl who attended a camp and a little later in the week a new friend would join their camping group. This little girl had down syndrome.
text to self- In the story the main character is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This prevents her from doing all the things that her friends may do. I have had a few extended family members who had cerebral palsy. They were also prevented from doing much and it even led to death with some of them.
text to world-It is nice that over time we have moved from those with disabilities not being able to attend school with those who are without disabilities. Now we work towards an all-inclusive classroom which allows for kids with special needs to be in the class and participating with the other kids while still getting the individual needs that they have.
February 12, 2014
I simply love it when I read a picture book and it tells a story that I can truly connect with. As a special educator this story really touched my heart. My Friend Sahana is about a little girl named Sahana. Sahana has cerebral palsy. Written in first person, Suhana's friend does a beautiful job of telling the reader about Sahana and how she lives with cerebral palsy. The author offers a very authentic job of describing cerebral palsy.
What I love most about this picture book, is that the descriptions and tone is so student friendly, that it truly gives the since that Sahana, is not different. She just expresses herself differently than her peers. The illustrations in this book are extremely colorful and vibrant. The illustrations allow the reader to paint a true picture of the friendship of these two girls. This picture book is just right for the young or old to help explain the characteristics of someone living with cerebral palsy.
What I love most about this picture book, is that the descriptions and tone is so student friendly, that it truly gives the since that Sahana, is not different. She just expresses herself differently than her peers. The illustrations in this book are extremely colorful and vibrant. The illustrations allow the reader to paint a true picture of the friendship of these two girls. This picture book is just right for the young or old to help explain the characteristics of someone living with cerebral palsy.
May 15, 2014
An unnamed 7-year-old girl has a special friend she visits. Her friend can’t talk or walk or do any of the things her other friends can do, but they are still friends. The girl learns to use art to communicate with her special friend, her friend with cerebral palsy.
The book was co-authored by Shaila Abdullah’s 10 year-old daughter, Aanyah. In the back of the book it says that Aanyah is “drawn to children with physical and mental disabilities.” Aanyah also volunteers at a special needs community center and hopes to open a special needs school some day. – Just plain awesomeness! The illustrations in this book are well done and sweet looking. I love the softness of the story and the genuine good feeling you get by reading it. I like how the girl reaches out to Suhana through art and that the girl and Suhana are the same age. This book is very well done.
*NOTE I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The book was co-authored by Shaila Abdullah’s 10 year-old daughter, Aanyah. In the back of the book it says that Aanyah is “drawn to children with physical and mental disabilities.” Aanyah also volunteers at a special needs community center and hopes to open a special needs school some day. – Just plain awesomeness! The illustrations in this book are well done and sweet looking. I love the softness of the story and the genuine good feeling you get by reading it. I like how the girl reaches out to Suhana through art and that the girl and Suhana are the same age. This book is very well done.
*NOTE I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
April 8, 2017
This was a cute little book that talks about disabilities in the eyes of a child. Suhana is a little girl who has Cerebral palsy. She can't run, walk or jump. But that doesn't make her different it makes her special. This book shows you that it is okay to be different. This book is a realistic fiction. The target audience would be around 2nd to 3rd grade. I can make a connection to this book because and old friend of mine her brother has Cerebral Palsy and he sure doesn't let it slow him down. He is super friendly and just loves life. I learned a lot from him. He taught me life is too short to be upset about things that don't matter. He also showed me that things could be worse. I think that this book has a powerful connection to the world. If people could see all disabilities like the way this child describes her friend I think the world would be a better place. I loved how in the book she talks about how she didn't she her for her disabilities I saw the real her.
October 16, 2017
This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It’s about a girl and her friend. But Shaila cannot go out and run, jump, and play like all the other kids in her class can. Shaila was born with a disease called Several Palsy. This is a disorder of the movement of one’s muscle tone. The story goes on to tell a reader about the twos friendship. It can tell and show the students that inclusion is okay. It tells the students that the world is different. It shows the students that it’s okay to be different and its okay to have friends that are different. One thing that I LOVED about this book is in the back of the book it gives the reader some insight on what Several Palsy is. So, the reader can become more informed on the muscular disease. I would recommend this in the classroom setting because it is such a beautiful book and it shows students many different things. The pictures are amazing and the message is even more amazing.
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