Post contains affiliate links, which make it possible for giveaways like this one. Opinions shared are mine.
When I had the chance to read Sam’s Top Secret Journal: Memorial Day by Dr. Sean Adelman, it was a pleasure. The books are thoroughly delightful on their own, but knowing that Sam has Down syndrome makes them even more special. One of my BFFs has a daughter with Down syndrome, and she’s a big ball of wonder. Her happiness is contagious, with those bright blue eyes and spirited play. If you saw little M playing with a group of children, you’d quickly realize that she’s not set apart. Instead, she’s completely one of the gang. Like M, Sam is high functioning and ready to take on the world. We all get to join her adventures through her journal!
I love that Sam is a typical teenager who asks innocent questions and thinks the best of people. As with many teens, Sam has to deal with social issues such as bullying and crushes. One thing I like about this series is the way that Sam interacts with her peers, family, and classmates. Down syndrome doesn’t define her in a negative way; instead, she’s made even more special because of it. Sam’s way of looking at the world is more understandable than a typical teenager. Reluctant readers will appreciate the way that the book takes a slower pace, as seen through Sam’s eyes. This provides an opportunity for success for students who might not normally read without taking the time to consider the main idea. The mystery aspect of the book, hinted in the title, gives the story an air of intrigue.
There are three books in this series. The most recent title, Memorial Day. Of the three books, this one has a more sophisticated air. It could be Sam’s age and maturity, or it could also be the change in subject matter. I felt that Sam developed a stronger personality and perhaps a greater understanding of the world around her. As she learns to deal with a tough situation, she learns a little more about herself as well. Middle school students will be able to relate to this message.
I have a son with special needs and I would love to read these books.
My niece would love these books!
My daughter would enjoy them.
I want to win the books because I think my daughter would enjoy them. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love to win this for my classroom library.
I think my kids would enjoy this book
my niece would love them thanks
I want to win because my kids need new books.
Another reason I want to win the books is because I like the covers. Thanks for the giveaway!
A great way to teach kids about being different and that’s ok.
I would love to win these books for my sister, who has Down Syndrome. It would be great for her to read a book with a protagonist “like her.”
I like that Sam is proud of who she is.
My nephew would get a kick out of this book.
Thanks for the contest.
These books would make a nice gift for my niece.
I’d love to win! Thanks for the chance!
I like that they have a moral lesson.
I also want to win these books because I’m interesting in learning about children with Down syndrome. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to win the books for my great niece. She would love them to read!
I like that kids can read about a protagonist with special needs. So, when they meet someone in real life, its not strange or different at all.
I want to win them for my daughters.
I’d also like to win these books because they are written by Dr. Sean Adelman. Thanks for the giveaway!
I also want to win these books because the reader gets to join Sam’s adventures through her journal!
Would be a good book to help kids understand others.
I want to win these books because Sam is a typical teenager who asks innocent questions and thinks the best of people.
Not enough good books like this around.
I would love to win these books for my niece! She would enjoy it so much!
I want to win them because my library doesn’t have them.
It is hard to do the right thing especially when faced with tough situations. I think my grandkids could benefit from this book.
About the Author
I’ve really enjoyed writing this series of books. One of the main reasons was to give hope to parents of kids with “Special Needs”. I wanted to have a character that would inspired others. When you enter a world different than you planned on you need characters to give you hope. Sam is a very able young lady. She is smart, caring, independent and happens to have Down Syndrome. I wanted this book to be fun for all readers; not limited to the “special ed” world. My dream is for the world to recognize the worth of each individual. Exposing all kids/readers to all kinds of people through books is a great way to influence the future. Enjoy
I also want to win these books because Sam has to deal with social issues such as bullying and crushes. Thanks for the giveaway!
They would be a good gift either to my grandchildren or as a birthday gift to one of their friends–there are a LOT of parties going on!
I would love to win these books for my nephew.
I want to win for my nephew.
I think my daughter would enjoy reading it.
These look like great books and my daughter would just love these !!
I would like to win these books for the kids
I think that this book would open peoples minds to what can be done if you or someone you know has Downs and I really like that the author Sean Adelman is a practicing orthopedic surgeon in Seattle.
I would love to win for my kids.
My daughter loves reading and these books sound interesting.
I would like to get this book because I like books about high school.