I'm Special

by Patti Ann

I was born and raised in southern Iowa in a small farming community and lucky enough to have very gently people as parents. They made sure that my sister and I knew we were loved and cared for. After high school, I attended nursing school in DesMoines, Iowa; where I graduated and obtained my nurses license. I worked in numerous areas, and for several years worked at a women's correctional institution in Iowa. My husband and I lived in Altoona, Iowa in the same house for almost 50 years before he passed away in 2012. We have one living son which at present lives with me. I do not have grandchildren, but enjoy the young people and know that many of them did not have the luxury or having the same kind of home in which I was raised. I do believe every child need to know that he or she is special and is important. My hobbies are writing children's stories, poetry, and sometimes try fiction. I also enjoy crafts, crossword puzzles and other types of puzzles.

24 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2014

Reviews

[Carey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a lovely little book ... a good premise and beautifully presented .... BUT, if the idea behind it is to celebrate difference and recognise that we're all special in our individual ways, the contents of the book don't go far enough. There's a list of names in which you might find yours but only if you have a 'white anglo saxon name' - there are no latin american, african caribbean, arabic, etc etc etc! Also, whilst I can see one drawing where the child's skin colour might indicate asian origin and 1 where skin colour may be even darker, the majority of children depicted have a caucasian skin tone - even the page where you might be able to draw yourself has a caucasian colour on the skin.
Whilst there is mention of 'where you live', the choice of this seems to be only farm or city and I'm pretty sure there are a variety of locations that are habitable and inhabited other than those. Finally, I can find no illustrations where a child has an apparent disability and, for me, that excludes a number of young people for whom this book might be even more beneficial.
The thought behind this book is a good one but it needs to be expanded and more inclusive for all those young people who already feel different and possibly in a negative way.

[JUDITH DICKINSON · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can understand the reasoning behind this book - everyone is special in their own way, regardless of race, background, class structure etc. - but for me it is far too simplistic and narrow in its outlook. I read it in a matter of minutes and for me it didn't do what it said on the cover. Where are the children who have little or nothing in their lives. The ones who rely on charity to survive. My niece and nephew are a little young to understand it yet but as my niece's name is one of the listed few but my nephew's is not this could be an issue.
I There are so many things in life that hold children back, it would be impossible for some to believe that they are special. The real people who can nurture that belief are parents and other people close to the children. They are the ones who may need to understand how to impart this belief.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm Special by Patti Ann is a cute book with some very nice thoughts. I think young children would enjoy reading it and feel good about themselves afterwards. The illustrations are colorful and well done.

I received this complimentary book through Goodreads.

[Alexander Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from GoodReads I liked this book because it showed individuality and how each person is special