I Just Am [Hardcover]

Tom Lambke (Author), Bryan Lambke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1589850203 | ISBN-13: 978-1589850200 | Publication Date: January 10, 2006

All too often, we shroud ourselves in ignorance, thus preventing us from learning from others whom we consider to be somehow "different." In a book that is both charming and disarming, Bryan Lambke—a young man with Down syndrome—invites us into his world where he lets us know he shares the same dreams and emotions as everyone else. "I have a disability," says Bryan. "It is not my fault. I just am." Bryan, with the help of his father Tom, helps us all examine what is normal about each of us. The book includes additional information about Down syndrome.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up–A black-and-white photo-essay by a young adult with Down syndrome. Bryan, who wrote the book along with his dad, speaks candidly about his disability, It is not my fault. I just am. This active young man has an infectious personality; he knows that he's not stupid, but acknowledges that he is slow. He knows that he does not look normal, but questions just what that means. I am not perfect. Who is? I look different. Doesn't everyone? The snapshots, depicting Lambke from toddlerhood to the present, are a bit grainy, which perhaps adds to their immediacy. Readers see his friends, pets, bedroom, activities, and family, and learn how very much he is like his peers. Concluding information describes medical ailments associated with Down syndrome, suggests language usages (avoid saying that someone is a Downs), and presents statistics and endorsements. This engaging and helpful book updates older titles that might describe people as suffering from or being afflicted with mental retardation. Weed those and replace them with this one.–Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
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Review

...an extraordinary, honest, real-life look at a young man's journey as he overcomes great obstacles to achieve incredible feats. -- Mark Villa, Former Special Olympics Coordinator

As Bryan and Tom so movingly reveal, obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal. -- Chris Burke, Actor

Bryan has taught his father well what it means to truly love and accept all people for who they are. -- Gina Johnson, President/Founder of Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona, Inc.

I applaud Bryan and his family in bringing our sameness and difference to the page. -- Steven N. Shively, Ph.D, 2005 Arizona School Psychologist of the Year

Tom's passion and dedication in assisting people with disabilities is unmatched. He's making a difference, because, he "just is" too. -- Janet Giel-Romo, President of DSNetwork Arizona

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Five Star Publications, Inc. (January 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589850203
• ISBN-13: 978-1589850200
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 9.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,263,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: I Just Am by Bryan and Tom Lambke, June 14, 2007

By 

Jill Hart "cwahmjill" (CWAHM.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Just Am (Hardcover)

Bryan Lambke has grown up knowing he was different. He doesn't feel different, but the people around him tell him that he is. Bryan was born with Down syndrome.

Throughout the book written by Lambke, with the help of his father, he explains what Down Syndrome is and his feelings about growing up with this disability. Lambke states, "Down Syndrome is having an extra chromosome. It makes me look different than others. I don't feel different. I just am."

The book is prefaced by an interview with Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Cheryl's sister, Robin Elizabeth, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome as a baby. Robin Elizabeth lived less than two years, but her birth and life deeply affected Cheryl and she has never been forgotten. Dale Evans wrote a book about Robin's life titled Angel Unaware.

I Just Am is a poignant look into the life of someone living with Down syndrome. Throughout the book you can sense Lambke's confusion and frustration at being treated differently. Yet despite the obstacles, he is now twenty-three years old, works two jobs and has met two mayors and a governor as well as numerous celebrities. Readers will come away knowing more about Down syndrome as well as what day-to-day life is like for someone like Lambke.

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful young man, July 8, 2009

By 

M. P. Shelton (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Just Am (Hardcover)

Bryan and Tom Lambke have written an inspirational and thought-provoking title. This book challenges readers with questions about labeling and normality. The father and son team have created a strong title based on the life of Bryan Lambke who is a person with Down Syndrome. The book starts with Bryan as a baby and brings the reader to the present time showing how having an extra chromosome does not get in the way of growing up. At the age of 23, Bryan has two jobs and two girlfriends-How normal is that? The book includes an interview with a daughter of Dale Evans and Roy Rogers who had a sister who was born with Down Syndrome. At the end of the book, there is a definition and afterwords that define Down Syndrome as well as a description written by a mother of a Down Syndrome child of what it is like to be expecting a child and and being sent on a detour. It is a great image of what it would be like. This is an inspirational, educational and thought-provoking book that has photographs on every page to illustrate Byran's life. I would highly recommend this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have, March 23, 2008

By 

Yvonne Pierre "Author" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Just Am (Hardcover)

"I Just Am," is a great book to read. As a parent of a six-year-old with Down syndrome, I found this book to be very inspirational and a must have! If you are a parent of a child with Down syndrome or not this book will inspire you. I recommend this book for all to read. This is an easy to read book and overall great book!