October’s Books , For The Siblings of Special Needs Children

This month we focus on books that are geared to the siblings of the kids with special needs. There is so much to write about with this, the siblings carry burdens and have lots to share. Days can be extra stressful when their sibling does things in a “different” way. Sometimes there is shame, fear and many other emotions.
Here are some books covering this geared to all age groups.

Oh Brother! Growing Up with a Special Needs Sibling
Living with a sibling who has special needs can be difficult for a child to deal with, day after day. This book provides anecdotal examples, self-help guidelines and practical coping techniques to promote positive, realistic attitudes as well as the benefits of having a special needs sibling.

The Sibling Slam Book: What It’s Really Like To Have A Brother Or Sister With Special Needs

This book gives over 80 teenagers a chance to say what’s on their minds. The teens arefrom all over the United States as well as other countries. They get to talk about what it’s like to have a brother or sister with special needs. The book asks series of 50 personal questions, things like- What should we know about you? What do you tell your friends about your sib’s disability? What’s the weirdest question you have ever been asked about your sib? If you could change one thing about your sib (or your sib’s disability) what would it be? What annoys you most about how people treat your sib?

Just Because
This charming story is about a younger brother and how he describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much—just because, in this heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what. He is enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together.

My Sister is Special, My Sister Has Down Syndrome: A Story About Acceptance
This book is written by a Child Development Specialist to assist families. This book talks about preparing a sibling. My Sister Has Down Syndrome, Olivia prepares for the birth of her sister. She practices caring for a baby with her special doll. Her parents have prepared her for her role as a big sister, yet when her sister is born, all is not as Olivia presumed it would be. The adjustments, fears, some sadness and how to move forward are all addressed.