In her 13th winter, she finds the courage to confront her problems-and is diagnosed with a learning disability. If you’d like to learn more about the upcoming events or register for the book club or Jonathan’s presentation on Octo, check out Springer School and Center’s workshop page on our website.About the Book Samantha Abeel dreads school, and begins having anxiety attacks. And following this, we are excited to be hosting a presentation by Jonathan Mooney, himself. For our inaugural book club we will be sharing our thoughts on Jonathan’s book The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal.

One way Springer School and Center is encouraging community reflection is through hosting a book club. One of the things I especially love about reading is being able to share my favorites with others. His The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal and Normal Sucks: Learning to Live, Learn, and Thrive Outside the Lines was relatable, educational, and entertaining. Most recently, my reading has included books by a dynamic presenter and author Jonathan Mooney. Her story was both moving and infuriating but, because of her experiences, Paige found a positive path and became instrumental in framing anti-bullying legislation in the state of Indiana that helps protect all individuals with disabilities. Paige’s story was not related so much to a learning disability, but her exposure to discrimination and intense bullying due to an illness beyond her control. Samantha’s journey with understanding and navigating her learning disability was moving and inspiring.Īlso powerful, but in a completely different vein, was Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl. The first book I read after my daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability, which was probably not the wisest choice at such an emotional time but was also validating in a ‘someone else has been there’ kind of way, was My Thirteenth Winter by Samantha Abeel.

Whatever the reason, I think hearing the personal side of anyone’s story helps to build compassion and empathy for those struggling to navigate their way through life.Īs I reflect on those stories that were the most impactful, I recall two very powerful memoirs that have been difficult to forget. Perhaps that is because I have seen these struggles up close and personal, or maybe it is just a part of my personality.