Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs

by Heather Avis, Shauna Niequist (Foreword)

Hilarious and heartwarming stories that will empower you to make space for the other and discover the extraordinary, welcoming heart of God.

Author and Instagram star Heather Avis has made it her mission to introduce the world to the unique gifts and real-life challenges of those who have been pushed to the edges of society. Mama to three adopted kids--two with Down Syndrome--Heather encourages us all to take a breath, whisper a prayer, laugh a little, and make room for the wildflowers.

In a world of divisions and margins, those who act, look, and grow a little differently are all too often shoved aside. Scoot Over and Make Some Room is part inspiring narrative and part encouraging challenge for us all to listen and learn from those we're prone to ignore.

Heather tells hilarious stories of her growing kids, spontaneous dance parties, forgotten pants, and navigating the challenges and joys of parenthood. She shares heartbreaking moments when her kids were denied a place at the table and when she had to fight for their voices to be heard. With beautiful wisdom and profound convictions, this manifesto will empower you to notice who's missing in the spaces you live in, to make room for your own kids and for those others who need you and your open heart.

This is your invitation to a table where space is unlimited and every voice can be heard. Because when you open your life to the wild beauty of every unique individual, you'll discover your own colorful soul and the extraordinary, abundant heart of God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adoption, Parenting, Disability, Memoir, Christian Living, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2019

Reviews

[Annie Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed Heather Avis’s life for a few years now and have been captivated by her honesty and how she advocates for people with different abilities. This summer I have been nannying for a family who has a son with Down syndrome. I took the kiddos to the pool yesterday and found myself incredibly frustrated with strangers and how he was seen in the category of “other.” I found myself wondering, “How do parents who have kids with different abilities not hit people all the time??” Thankfully, I received my copy of “Scoot Over and Make Some Room” that night and was able to digest Heather’s words on how to advocate with love and grace. Her words are mostly written to other mothers, but I think all of us can benefit from reflecting on how to create spaces for everyone to belong.

[Kathleen Garber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because I haven’t read any books about kids with Down Syndrome in a long time and it sounded interesting. It’s a Christian non-fiction book and so God is mentioned quite a bit.

The author adopted her three children. Two of them have Down Syndrome and one is a different skin colour than she and her husband are. None of this affects how she sees her family but it does mean people sometimes make comments about it.

Regarding Down Syndrome
The book is mostly a memoir of life with her kids. The author also tackles issues of her children with regards to their special needs and/or race. I really enjoyed reading about how she sees Down Syndrome (and how we all should.) She talks about how a child being diagnosed with Down Syndrome (whether in utero or after birth) is always made to be a negative affair. It’s always preceded by “I’m Sorry.” She wants people to know Down Syndrome is not a bad thing. It doesn’t mean a low quality of life. Nothing is wrong with your baby/child. Having an extra chromosome is not a death sentence.

“Here are some actual statements made to people I know whose child received a Down Syndrome diagnosis:
‘ You knew ahead of time the baby had Down Syndrome and you kept him?’
‘ You need to realize your child won’t amount to anything, and her life will have no meaning or purpose. So don’t expect too much.’
‘ You can place your daughter in an institution, you know’
pg 108-109

She continues after some more…

“Friends, a new baby is a gift. Period. A new life with endless possibilities. There is no way to know how any of our children are going to end up, Down syndrome or not. There’s a list of reasons not to start a conversation about a child’s Down Syndrome diagnosis with “I’m sorry,” but in my opinion, at the top of that list is this: Saying I’m sorry assumes this child will amount to nothing. It lays a hopeless and tragic foundation for a brand-new baby.”
pg 109

Regarding Rest vs Self-Care
Heather also talks about how self-care and rest are the not the same thing. Self-care can feel like more to-dos when you are already dealing with a new child.

“So, what’s the difference between self-care and rest? Self-care is getting the manicure because you feel you’ve earned it and desperately need a break from the kids. Rest is getting the manicure because you recognize the distance that has developed between you, God, the kids, or others, and you need to step away long enough to catch your breath, reflect and pray. Do you see the different postures of the heart in these two scenarios?”
pg 35

If you like to read about adoption, Down Syndrome or just Christian motherhood this is a good book.

[Fontana Arnaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If we say we are pro-life, then we better be pro- Down syndrome- and pro-black lives, pro- autism, pro-immigrant, and pro-person-with-a-physically-different-ability who still cannot enter a building because it does not accommodate their specific mode of mobility. “

“I wonder, then, if it’s even possible to know God fully if we are not in a relationship with all the image beaters of God.”

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Scoot Over and Make Some Room, author Heather Avis discusses Inclusion and the many places in our lives where we can look outside of ourselves and make room for someone who is on the sidelines, someone different than ourselves.

Chapter by chapter Heather speaks to different aspects of this idea of making room in our lives. This is not just a book about making room for those with Down Syndrome, it is making room for those of a different race, have a different culture, religion, opinion, etc.

When I began this book I was excited to read new words from a woman I admire, a down syndrome mama, and a hero I follow on Instagram.

As I settled into its pages, I discovered this book held powerful truths learned from life lesson, after life lesson. I am a different, better member of humanity at the end of it then I was at the beginning.

I learned so much from the pages of this book. There are so many ideas that I want to try, so many quotes that I want to share, so much learning I need to do, and changes I want to begin.

“When we use the power of our voice and the power of our ears, we can truly begin to make a difference in the world.”

I highly recommend this book to all of humanity who I think could learn to use the power of their voice and ears differently, to make a positive difference in our world.

[Sarah Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

so my bday is in august, so here is a gift idea for me:
1. buy yourself a copy and read this book
2. buy your friends a copy and make them read it, too

you can count on me handing this book out like candy!!!! so good :)

[Colleen Novit · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an adopted mama of multiple children including those with an extra chromosome, I was eager to read this but sadly letdown. I found the book overly redundant and somewhat dry. It was a fast and easy read and provides great perspective of trying to understand how mamas of kids in the boxes marked Other adapt, scoot over, and feel but as a mama that has lived it, it left little to draw me in

[Renee Gilhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very impressed with this book. Heather did an amazing job telling stories and giving practical steps to all of us about “Scooting Over” for anyone that is different than us. The stories she told supported her point of view in a way that was heartwarming and convincing, at one point I was brought to tears. There were several statements that spoke to me, like this one -“believe the truth that your story is important and worth telling simply because it is yours. It can be no one else’s, and no one can share it like you can—and that is reason enough for you to tell it. You can trust your voice because it is your voice.” During this book she encouraged me to stand up and speak up. This book helped me to realize that even though I don't have a child with special needs I have a voice and I can use it to shout the worth of people different from me. I recommend this book to everyone, I think you will get something out of it.

[Kyla Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mistook this book to be about the author’s adoption story, which is why I got it, but it was actually mainly about inclusivity and awareness of people with disabilities (specifically Down syndrome).

The main idea was about how we can better ourselves in the area of love and inclusion as followers of Christ and human beings to those on the fringes of society.

It was good, just not what I was expecting (definitely my own fault, haha).

The author repeated herself ALOT, which made it hard to get through at times.

Overall big picture, though, Heather had good things to say, which made the book worth my while. She is living into her God given gifts and passions and challenged my way of thinking.

I disagreed with her on a few points, but the cool thing is, she talked about listening and learning from each other even when we disagree, which I found to be insightful and convicting for my life.

[Alex Etheridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a parent with two Down syndrome kids, Heather Avis is such a powerful advocate for the worth and God-given dignity of all people, especially those that are differently abled. It took having a kid that was differently abled myself, but my eyes are starting to be opened to noticing the worth and dignity of all differently abled people--according to the American Disability Act, there are 54 million adults that are differently abled. That's 1 out of every 5 adults in America. Our world is far and away made and designed for the 80%, but I want to be a part of advocating for the often forgotten 20%.

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over half this book was about motherhood- which is fair, because Avis is a mother. However, I had trouble connecting with the first half because I am decidedly not a mom. But this book surprised me with how she challenged my thoughts on educational inclusion- and inclusion is literally my job description. I haven’t stopped mulling it over since I read it. I was also challenged in the hardest and best ways about my own white privilege and what that means as I interact with the world. Overall, this book is worth the read for the sheer amount of challenging ideas presented.

[Jelina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a mother myself, but I found tears in my eyes all throughout Scoot Over And Make Some Room. Having experienced the in-between of having someone in my life with a disability and finding how to help them "fit" into a world with typically-developing peers and prying eyes—this book hit home. This is one of those books that have the power to touch anyone's heart, no matter what their background is, and I'll always cherish the insight and motivational words I've gained from it.

[Kira Shirey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I usually read, but it was actually super refreshing! It got gritty and uncomfortable, but was also spoken with great love and care!! I loved getting insight into the mind of my girl, Paloma and what she cares about!

Paloma you are absolutely going to change the world someday. ❤️❤️

[Sherry Duerre · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teacher and adoptive mom, this book struck so many chords with me. I highlighted it to pieces and took more notes than I can keep track of. Heather is passionate about widening our circle and swooping others in, I'm so grateful for her words and love for others.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars that I rounded up to 4. Apologies for the lengthy review ahead, but I've definitely got feelings on this book.

I've followed the Avises for a while now on social media, and I work within the DS community, so I've seen this book allll over the place. Many have recommended it to me, and so when I saw it at my local library, I decided to go for it.

There were many things that I enjoyed about this book! First, I loved Heather's honesty, and her advocacy and commitment to sharing all parts of raising children who are different (both good and bad) were evident in every page. It's clear how passionate she is about making space for others.

I also really appreciated her honest reflections about becoming more racially aware. I think her willingness to call out white privilege and explain how she is learning about systemic racism is so important, and it will help others understand too. So kudos to her there.

Finally, this was a book that had lots of important things to reflect on but was easy to read. I sat down and read it in an afternoon. I think the fact that it is so accessible will help spread its really important message to more people.

The things I didn't enjoy about this book are rooted in mostly personal experiences. First, I found the amount of "Christian-ese" in this book a little off-putting for me. I am so over the phrase "do life", and the number of times I read that in this book was more than I would have liked. (That being said, I'm definitely not the target market for this book; I'm a progressive Christian without kids, so it may not bother someone else.)

The second was her frequent references to the gen ed/special ed situation happening with Macyn's school. I want to start by saying that I understand why this needs to be an important part of the book, and I don't mind that it is a large part of the text. As an educator who specializes in Down Syndrome, I TOTALLY get that this is contentious, and I happen to agree with her that inclusion is best.
But it really got to me the way she kept explaining the situation as her vs. "all the educators who don't believe Macy can do it" (paraphrase mine). This is true in some situations, and I'm not doubting that it is her experience. But this is not true for all educators, and there were times where I felt Heather described the views of educators advocating for special education classrooms as one and the same as those who advocated for institutions 30+ years ago. They are not. Without getting into a full-blown novel about inclusive practices, I think she glosses over the possibility that many students experience non-inclusive "inclusion" at points. Giving a student an aide all day does not inclusion make. This really aggravated me, but again, since I'm not the target market (moms of kids with DS), I can mostly let this go and focus on the good.

If you're looking for easy, actionable steps on how to be more inclusive, I would say this is a good starting point. Just go into realizing that not everyone agrees that these ways are the best ways to "scoot over and make some room."

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I REALLY wanted to love this book. I couldn't wait for it to come out and I was the one who suggested it to my Book Club. I have an adult sister with Down syndrome and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Heather's first book, The Lucky Few. In that one, she wrote with such honesty and vulnerability. Sadly, this book read like a bunch of blog posts, with little tales of motherhood that tried to not only relate us to each other but to a point she tried to make in the chapter. But more importantly, I feel that this book dripped with condescension.

It's obvious Heather is a shouter of worth of her children and children with Down syndrome, but instead of coming to her reader with compassion and understanding, she force-fed us her ideology. And not that it's wrong - I agreed with her in almost every point - it was the way it was presented. Not everybody who gets a Down syndrome diagnosis in utero considers it "a blessing" and while we can try to shift that narrative, we can't fault the families OR doctors for that being their first reaction. Instead, let's teach them, gently. Let's inform them. Let's come alongside them and show them the wonderful gifts that individuals with Ds have to offer.

Overall, I felt the book fell rather flat. I expected more. I expected resources. I expected a rallying cry that went deeper into the hows and whys of what makes it worth it to fight for space to be made in our schools and communities. Not all people agree and we need the proper arguments. All we were given in this book was how hard its been for Heather with her kids and that we should argue.

[Shalanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to be generous with my stars & go for 4 because, while I didn't love this book, it is a book worth reading. I loved The Lucky Few & I would have rather heard more about Avis' personal journey rather than be told what I should or shouldn't be doing, thinking or feeling.

I liked some of this book, some of the time. I liked most of this book, most of the time. But I didn't like all of this book all of the time. There were many reasons, but for me, the most glaringly obvious reason that this book did not resonate with me is because I felt it was very one sided. Avis was encouraging everyone to Scoot Over and Make Some Room for differently abled people, but I left this book feeling that her adamant statements about full inclusion wouldn't have left room at her table for families who's journeys don't look like hers; families who were unable to accomplish full inclusion, for whatever reason. It painted a strict picture that felt like she was saying, "This way, and only this way, is the way to raise a child with down syndrome." So you've been raising 2 kids with down syndrome? Doesn't make you an expert on down syndrome, just makes you an expert on YOUR KIDS. It felt judgmental rather than inclusive at times.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Scoot Over and Make Some Room" is an amazing juggernaut of a book. The author, Heather Avis, is a mom of three unique children who shares her parenting journey and struggles. The book is open, vulnerable, funny and tugs at the reader's heart in all the right ways. I found myself crying during some chapters, nodding and verbally responding,"YES!" in others, and laughing out loud throughout the book.

Avis does a wonderful job of explaining the need for inclusion in all aspects of life, not just parenting. The topics she addresses are handled with tact, lots of insight and an overall feeling of welcome, even if you haven't been in these waters before. She shares the challenges and joys of raising her adopted children; two which have Down syndrome and one who is neurotypical and of African American/Guatemalan descent. She shines a bright spotlight on the wonderful gifts of those same children. The reader connects with each of these amazing kids, from wild and wonderful Truly to sweet August and Macyn, the dancing wildflower.

Avis examines the overall motives of why we choose to settle for the comfortable, not noticing the ones on the fringe excluded from the table. Often we don't even realize we are leaving anyone out until it personally affects us. As the author shares the impact that raising kids who don't fit into society's molds for what a child 'should' be has had on her personally, it challenges the reader to think more of those around us, noticing the places within our reach that are isolationist or just plain forgetful to provide equality for those with differences, be that race or physical ability. (The discussion does go quite a bit deeper in later chapters, so don't assume the book is only about parenting or inclusion!)

The author draws the reader back to Jesus and His persistent inclusion of the ones society said were unclean, unworthy or not enough. She encourages us to embrace the uniqueness of those who view life differently and to value the joy therein. By sharing her real life stories of triumph, pain, consistent issues (that may or may not resolve as quickly as expected), Avis gives the reader insight to choose to face differences in those around us in a healthy, affirming way.

Witty, honest, and at times convicting, "Scoot Over and Make Some Room" is a book that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. As someone who has family members and friends who face challenges with inclusion on a regular basis, I appreciate this tender, yet fierce call to action by a Mom who has had to prove to a world that values conformity that those who are unique, wild and wonderful are worthy of a seat at the table. If we have the influence to change the narrative, we should be the ones stepping up. Don't expect to read this book and walk away unchanged--I don't think that's possible!

I able to read this book early, thanks to Zondervan. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Worsham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow.

Prior to reading this book, I thought I mostly knew how to center the marginalized and empathize with their lived experiences. This book helped me see that while that's true to an extend in the context of being trauma-informed and racism, I have not historically been that way for this who are differently abled.

Additionally, Heather's take on the pro-life movement is spot-on and a needed voice in today's western, white, Church culture.

"I do believe terminating a pregnancy based solely on a Down Syndrome diagnosis is a modern form of eugenics, and a tragedy. But when those of us who are pro-life put all of our energy and focus on the anti-abortion portion of pro-life worldview, we are only seeing a sliver of what it really means to be pro-life. We're also missing an opportunity to make the changes necessary to truly save the lives of the unborn.

"…If we're going to stand for life, then do we get to decide what kind of life we'll stand for? No. No, we don't. If we stand for life, then we stand for life. And if we say that we are pro-life, then we better say that we're pro-Down Syndrome. And pro-Black lives, pro-autism, pro-immigrant, and pro-person with a different physical ability who still cannot enter a building--maybe even their community church--because it does not accommodate their specific mode of ability. And if we say that we are pro-Down Syndrome, then we better be making darn well sure that people with Down Syndrome have a place in this world to be fully embraced just as they are.

"…Do you see how being pro-life is about being so much more than anti-abortion? It's about shouting the worth of all lives, and especially the lives of those whose worth continues to be questioned.

"…I believe The Church, the collective whole of those who love Jesus, follow His teachings, and meet together with a unified purpose to show our love of God and each other, has a powerful and important opportunity to share the love of Jesus with the world by shouting the worth of those who the world still sees as the unworthy. If the Church adopted a holistic pro-life stance, affirming the worth not only of the unborn but also the born, especially those who are still viewed with a negative lens, the world in which we live would be radically changed.

"…I wonder then if it's even possible to know God fully if we are not in relationship with ALL the image bearers of God."

[Annie Bilski · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Scoot Over and Make Some Room’ is a book that is going to change the mindset and thoughts of people from all over, from different walks of life, and varying perspectives. Heather Avis writes the words from her heart, Mom to Moms, Mom to Dads, Mom to teachers, Mom to Families, Mom to this world... her words are ones that we all need to stop and listen to. It is far too often that we become complacent in our little worlds that surround us, but it isn't until something or someone shifts rocks our world that makes us stop, think and change. It is time for us to OPEN our heart, ears and eyes to this entire world. As someone who worked in the Public-School System as a Special Ed Teacher who now works as a Director of Preschool at a church the need to have room at EVERY table, every setting for ALL people is so necessary. "Not to put too fine a point on it, but the majority of the schools in the United States still support segregation - it's called "special education." - this hit me like a TON. OF. BRICKS. falling from the sky. We owe it to our children, future children, to ALL people to start speaking up, to start STEPPING up and changing this practice. It is time for us to be honest, to educate those around us and to change the direction in which we have been going for far too long. "If students are not full citizens of their school, then they are simply visitors when they step outside the special education classroom…” ‘Scoot Over and Make Some Room’ should be in every college curriculum, every school professional’s hands, in every church leader’s visioning practice. Take the time, read the book. You’re not going to be upset that you did. Read it again, this time with a pen in hand. Mark it up. Every time you say, “Oh YES!” or “me too” or when the tears are shed, because it will happen as you read it, take it to heart. Then, “Book It Forward” – order this book for ONE person and ask them to do the same. Get this book into the hands of everyone you know. Thank you, Heather, for stretching me, for continuing to shout the worth of ALL people, for loving this world so much that you want us all to be better!

[Felicia Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely love and appreciate this book. Heather is really good and touching base on the raw feelings of parenting especially as a mother with a child who has different abilities. She entirely excludes the term “ special needs” .. not ONCE is that said.. which I noticed and even as a parent with a child I’ve referred to as having “ special needs” I’m finding myself rethinking that term more than ever.
ALSO in terms of special education.. it’s pretty typical to be guided into the herd mentality that a special needs program is the best option for your child and we often fight to get them IN those classes so that our child’s struggles are validated and handled by the appropriate specialists etc.. Heather shows that this is NOT the way to be thinking and that our kids deserve FULL inclusion. I have a lot to re-evaluate for the future of my daughter’s education thanks to this book.
Heather also addresses topics that WILL make you uncomfortable in a good way... things that need to be talked about such as Race.

Even though The Avis story is different from our own, she makes it seamless in finding relatable situations, pointing out moments of humility we all can learn from , and she makes it clear that no matter how influential you are, you’re doing an amazing job and it’s okay to admit faults in ourselves in order to learn and grow as human beings.
This book is faith based but I feel regardless of your faith, it truly is a must read for anyone who wants to better understand how to create space for ALL kinds of people.

[LaCrissa Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Avis is a Rockstar. Adopting three children, two of which have down syndrome, and one with a different ethnicity. She constantly pushes for people to make room for her children and fights for their rights.
When gifted this years ago by my dear sweet mother in law, I didn't know how important some of the messages in here would be, or how much I would relate. At the time, I didn't find as much importance, even as a 504 aide, this story didn't seem relatable. I wasn't a mom. I was only trying to help integrate a very special human in my life into society. If only I had read past the first 3 chapters. I would have understood WHY.
Years later, though I don't have a child with the exact same disability, I find myself lumped into the special needs mom category. And I do need to help the world see that they need to scoot over and make room for my family. I do need to be more proactive. I do need to be more willing to teach. I do need to keep pushing for inclusion and accommodation.
I'm one of those people, though not very religious, that will listen to a conference talk from time to time to find a message I need in the moment. This felt like one of those heartwarming messages. The whole book was a giant hug that I needed , and I will continue to look back on it and make notes over the years.

[Jannet Yoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is honest, perspective-changing, and endearing. As a parent of three kids who are often overlooked in society "because of their different abilities and brown skin," Heather Avis opens her heart and lets us into her world by showing us what inclusion looks like in her family. Each story will leave you laughing, crying, or deeply moved. Inclusion takes time, understanding, grace, and intentionality. It is messy and many times uncomfortable but if we all create space in our lives--in our churches, families, friendships, workplaces, and classrooms, we may find ourselves looking more like Jesus and less like what everyone else wants us to look like.

I am an Asian-American parent of a toddler with Down syndrome and I found this book to be eye-opening and encouraging. My son is still so young but I think about his future almost every day. I wonder what life will look like for him at school, in friendships, and in extra curricular activities. After reading this book, I am convinced more than ever to continue to advocate for him and to believe the best in him so that he can shine and be the person God has purposed him to be. I am also convinced that I still have so much to learn from those with different abilities and backgrounds because they are a gift to us all.

[Andrea Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across Heather Avis’ Instagram account The Lucky Few a few years back and have been captivated by this family ever since. In her newest book, Scoot Over and Make Some Room, Heather shares her experiences in being a shouter of worth and what often being categorized as the “other” has sometimes looked like for her children. Then, in a way that is less calling out and more calling in, Heather brings to light the ways that those of us in positions of privilege or power or who are generally considered “typical” can scoot over and consider a new way of doing things.

One of the most challenging moments of this book for me was when Heather said, “What if we began to see the difference between actions that are inappropriate and actions that simply make us uncomfortable? And what if we chose to embrace the discomfort, to lean into it and learn from it, rather than avoid it?”

This book is applicable to any reader who engages in life and society with folks who are different from themselves in any sort of way. Heather speaks as a graceful, honest friend, who is here to hold you accountable to scooting over, and I would highly recommend this read.

[Lauren Bunting · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book thinking it would offer a lot of insight about what it's like to be adoptive parents of kids with Down syndrome based off the summary. Though it did offer some insight, the majority of the book is spent on Heather telling people things that she personally believes, yet offers no data on. I appreciate that she is vulnerable in telling relatable stories that help the reader know she has similar experiences to them (her kids potty training, her daughter answering the door without clothes on 🙈, attending school meetings where she had to strongly advocate for her kids, etc). Truly, the stories she offered about her adopted daughter with Down Syndrome were heartwarming, especially the one about her daughters dance recital, and as someone who has longed to eventually adopt a child with Down Syndrome, I felt her stories were helpful. BUT - the way Heather chose to go on tangents about the manner in which people should be acting according to her own moral standard troubled me. When she quotes scripture, it is either grossly out of context or her own interpretation based on whether it fits her narrative, which is glaringly progressive. Ultimately, I found the book to be disappointing.

[Brenda Bare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scoot Over and Make Some Room encourages us to make room for people who are different than us. Heather Avis addresses making room for people with a disability, a different ethnicity, race, viewpoint. She welcomes the reader to her home and into her life as she shares her personal stories of raising her children and broadening her friendships to be more inclusive.

Six weeks after welcoming our beautiful granddaughter who was born with Down Syndrome, I read Heather’ first book, The Lucky Few. It was just what I needed at the right time! Thus, I was eager to read Scoot Over and Make Some Room. Not only did I love reading this book, I was challenged to truly become more like Jesus and branch out of my comfort zone to welcome those who differ from me to the table. I want to “listen, learn and love!” This book is a great read for those who want to make a difference in our world, one relationship at a time.

[Trinity United Presbyterian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scoot Over and Make Some Room is a sweet story about an amazing family who has adopted three children. Big deal, right? WRONG! Two of their children have Down syndrome and the other is multi ethnic with darker skin. Each child faces different challenges as they grow up in this culture. Heather Avis, author and mother of these kids tells an awesome story of how she and her husband followed God’s lead to not only adopt these kids but to FIGHT for inclusion in every situation. A quote from the book that resonated with me is that “When we tune our ears only to the voices we want to hear and tune out the voices that make us uncomfortable, we diminish our ability to hear the voice of God.” This was so challenging for me! It really makes me stop and see people as God sees them. I think this book will help anyone who reads it to do the same!

[Teresa Unnerstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scoot Over and Make Some Room extends the challenge to make room for not only individuals with Down syndrome but way beyond to all individuals with different abilities, ethnicities, race, viewpoints and perspectives. Heather’s book is filled with humorous stories, challenges and lessons she has learned raising her 3 children, navigating IEP’s, inclusion and acceptance. But this book dives down much further, by challenging the reader to look into their own lives and broaden your understanding and compassion towards people who may be different from you. As an parent, author and advocate of a child with a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD, I highly recommend this book as a great resource for parents, educators and anyone who wants to learn more, better understand and become a better advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

[Brittney Hiebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to change the world for the better. Heather sure digs into truths with integrity and grace and honesty. I love how her heart is laid bare in these pages for us to connect with and know we are not alone. No matter what your back ground ; parent, grandparent, teacher, doctor, pastor......this book is for you. If you need to Better understand how people with different abilities fit into our world, you need to read this book. If you’re someone who needs a boost for the good fight that is advocating. Read this to give you the armour to fight the good fight for your kids and people who need to be advocated for. Heather you are such an inspiration! Keep doing the amazing work God has placed you and your family in!

[Jennie Heigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scoot Over and Make Some Room is a great read for any parent, educator, child care worker, etc. The information and heartfelt stories that Heather shares give valuable insight to the world of parenting children with different abilities and points out that all children of all abilities want to be included - as well as applicable ways to do so. All children deserve an inclusive world that will make a little room for them and all of their beautiful abilities. As a parent of five, with 3 who have varying difficulties navigating their world, I wish everyone would take the time to read and grow and take the words printed on the pages of this book to heart.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scoot Over and Make Some Room is a beautiful book challenging us to take a closer look at our lives and see who we are leaving out or could be more inclusive towards. As a mother to a little boy with Down syndrome I often find there are so many places where we don’t fit so I tend to opt out. Heather challenged me to the brave step of showing up and showing the world my son is worthy of being included. Heather so eloquently and gracefully shares some hard truths everyone should hear. A brilliant book that demonstrates how opening ourselves up to those whom we would normally shy away from actually makes us more alive.