Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing:

Gripping, raw, and beautiful, this book is an unforgettable inside look at what families experience when their child has a severe disability. Written with grace and candor by special education professional Beth Harry, the book chronicles the short life of her daughter, Melanie, who was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy.

Illuminating the full spectrum of her parenting experiences, Dr. Harry gives readers a deep understanding of

the complex emotions that parents experience as they adjust to life with a child who has special needs

the practical and emotional aspects of supporting a child with feeding difficulties, vision impairment, and limited motor skills

the joy patents experience when their child begins-to communicate and make personal connections

the services, therapies, and interventions that improved Melanie's quality of life-and how they've changed since her story began in the 1970s

A lyrical testament of love and a frank examination of the dark and light sides of parenthood, Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing is an eye-opening must-read for both professionals and patents. Educators and interventionists will have the insight they need to work more sensitively with families of children with special needs, and parents will find inspiration in Beth Harry's strength, candor, and profound love for her “Little Bird.”

Gripping, raw, and beautiful, this book reveals the struggles and rewards of caring for a child with severe disability and helps professionals work more sensitively and effectively with families of children with special needs. Written with grace and candor by special education professional Beth Harry, the book chronicles the life of her daughter, Melanie, who was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy and died less than 6 years later.

Captivating the reader from page one, Dr. Harry illuminates the full spectrum of her parenting experiences—from the day her "little bird" came into the world to the day she left. Readers will come away with a deep understanding of

• the complex emotions that parents experience as they adjust to life with a child who has special needs
  
  
• the practical and emotional aspects of supporting a child with feeding difficulties, vision impairment, and limited motor skills
  
  
• the joy parents experience when their child begins to communicate and make personal connections
  
  
• the lasting impact a professional's words can have on a parent, and the need to provide positive support that allows a child to reach her full potential
  
  
• the services, therapies, and interventions that improved Melanie's quality of life—and how they've changed since her story began in the 1970s

Ideal for use as a supplemental text in courses for preservice early interventionists, early childhood special educators, special educators, and health professionals, this book gives readers anunforgettable inside look at what families experience when their child has a disability—and how to meet their needs as their child grows.

Eye-opening and inspiring, Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing will leave a lasting impression and will, as Dr. Harry urges, prepare readers "to believe the messages of their hearts as they make professional decisions."

Reader's Guide included! Perfect for use in the classroom or in book clubs, the thought-provoking discussion questions help professionals absorb the book's lessons and apply them to everyday practice with families.