Onward, Crispy Shoulders!

by Mary Haakenson Perry

This book tells the story of Jim Haakenson, an individual with Down syndrome, growing up in the midst of a large family in the small town of Anchor Point, Alaska. It is an inspiring, heartwarming story of Jim's life, and how he overcame prejudices and preconceptions about people with disabilities.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Cassondra Windwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike many writers who draw inspiration for their work from their own lives, Mary Haakenson Perry not only doesn't make herself the star, she hardly features in this beautiful, inspiring story of courage and love. Rather, with healthy doses of good humor and wry wit, she recounts the story of a hard-working, adventurous young couple homesteading in the Alaskan wilderness while raising seven children, including their son Jim, who has Down's syndrome. Jim rapidly wins the reader's heart with his vivid imagination, willing spirit, and dogged determination. While all professionals caution the young parents to institutionalize Jim and give up on him, his parents never consider that possibility and instead equip Jim with the skills and ethics to lead an unusually long and productive life, a life that ultimately touched nearly everyone in his community in unforgettable ways. The author, who went on to become a special education teacher herself, beautifully portrays how a person who in so many ways was outcast and ostracized because of his differences manages to grow Into that difference around which a whole society is shaped for the better.

[Lizze Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun read. Particularly, the beginning. If you think you have a lot to do, then remember you are not a mom of 7, with one who has set backs, with a husband gone most of the time, in backwoods Alaska, in a single room cabin. Sure that wasn't the book's point, but still. Also what an encouragement to hold all of our children even the ones that doctors say "can't or won't" as able to love their siblings, enjoy the world and give their whole heart to God.

[Debbie Haakenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but I enjoyed another of her books more

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enlightening book. We have a Grandson with Down's Syndrome and this book helped us understand many characteristics that are often by people with Downs. It was also a very human, touching story.