Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters [Paperback]

Brian Skotko (Author), Susan P. Levine (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Even the closest brothers and sisters don't always get along or understand each other. Add a disability like Down syndrome to the mix, and that sibling relationship gets even more complicated, especially for teenagers. This is the first book written exclusively for teens with a brother or sister with Down syndrome. In an easy-to-read, question & answer format, it tackles a broad range of their most common issues and concerns. Nearly 100 questions - all posed by teen siblings - are grouped into the following categories: facts and statistics about Down syndrome; how people with Down syndrome learn; handling parent and family conflicts; dealing with your sibling's frustrating behaviours; managing uncomfortable situations; sorting out your feelings; becoming an advocate; what the future holds for you and your sibling; and, finding local and national resources. Thoughtful, knowledgeable answers are provided by Brian Skotko, the brother of a young woman with Down syndrome, and Sue Levine, a social worker focused on sibling issues for the past 30 years. This book gives teens the green light to explore their own feelings and questions about their sibling with Down syndrome and how their relationship may change in the future.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-9–Skotko and Levine address preteens and teenagers who have a sibling with Down syndrome, answering questions that have been generated through their work with this population. Siblings want to know everything from what causes this condition to how to be protective and how they can make sure things are fair at home. They want to help when they can, but don't want to be burdened with too much responsibility. In clear, concise language, the authors ensure that siblings know that all of these concerns are normal and they are careful to honor their feelings. They point out that it's okay to feel jealous of a sibling with Down syndrome, just as it's okay to feel jealous of any sibling at different points in the life of a family. The authors are also quick to suggest that readers consult with their parents or seek help from another adult if situations get too difficult to manage. With a wealth of information, numerous resources, and the reassurance that all siblings of people with disabilities sometimes go through periods of contradictory feelings, this is an excellent guide for young people who are trying to figure out how to negotiate an often-confusing relationship.–Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD
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Review

It may be a crash course but this book's wisdom is for the ages--heart felt and head smart. --Dr. Tim Johnson, Medical Editor, ABC News

This guide to the world of Down syndrome for teenagers is written in your own language and filled with shared experiences and ideas on how to be a great brother or sister. --Allen Crocker, Down Syndrome Program, Children s Hospital Boston

This is a wonderful hands-on, practical guide for families. It answers all those questions you have and don't know who to ask. I wish we'd had a copy growing up! --Jennifer Owensby, sister of a person with Down syndrome and Producer & Director of The Teachings of Jon

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House (March 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890627860
• ISBN-13: 978-1890627867
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #418,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was fabulous!, May 22, 2009

By 

Stephanie A. Cartier (Lincroft, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters (Paperback)

Even though my child with down syndrome is 10 yrs. old and has 2 older brothers, I learned so much from this book...even after 10 years. I think that all families of children with down syndrome should have this book in their homes as it is a wonderful resource. It's the kind of book you don't have to read cover-to-cover..you just reference what you need. Everything is explained in simple, understandable terms. My 13 and 15 yr. old sons could have used it over the last 10 years although they will still benefit from it even now. I also felt that the book would be great for teachers of students with down syndrome to read...especially if your child is in any inclusion settings. And...the book is humorous! You can't beat that!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fasten your seatbelt: a crash course on Down Syndrome for brothers and sisters, February 26, 2010

By 

J. smith "js" (cedar hill, tx) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters (Paperback)

Lots of good information. Not written for younger children to read by themselves, or in such a way that you would read it verbatim to a child under 5. Very useful, though, as you develop your approach to explaining things to the sibling.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For kids and parents, December 8, 2009

By 

Jean A. Herrington "Jean" (NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters (Paperback)

Reading this book is just as beneficial to parents as it is for siblings. It is very helpful and insightful for siblings but just as much for parents. It gives a window into the diversity of thoughts and feelings that siblings have but might be afraid to discuss with parents. It is a good springboard for parents to have discussions with all their children about thoughts, fears and feelings at all different developmental levels. It's wonderful for siblings to have their very own book, written just for them!