Source: Loving Healing Press, Inc.
Paperback, 30 pgs
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My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy by Shaila Abdullah and Aanyah Abdullah is a story about overcoming fear of the unknown to find new friendships are everywhere as long as you remain open to them. Suhana has cerebral palsy, who expresses delight and plays differently from other kids. Her friend has learned how to connect with Suhana through art and color. Rainbows and kites are among her favorites, and through this simply told story, young readers will learn how to connect with those who are different.
It is clear from the back of the book that Abdullah has taken inspiration from her own 10-year-old daughter’s interactions with the disabled children at a local community center. The story is sweet and touching, and the explanation of cerebral palsy in the back of the book can be a jumping off point for discussion with kids. Friendship is about connection, and that connection does not have to be expressed in words alone.
My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy by Shaila Abdullah and Aanyah Abdullah is another great book to read with children to begin teaching them about different friendships, compassion, and never underestimating the ability to love that is within all of us.
Previously reviewed books:
About the Author:
Noted as “Word Artist” by critics, Shaila Abdullah is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. She is the 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 and Patras Bukhari Award for English Language. 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.
