Eyes Different Than Mine

Book excerpt: A six-year-old girl gets a new baby brother. She marvels at his tiny fingers and notices the palm of his hand has different lines than hers. She looks into his sparkling eyes and notices they are a different shape than hers. She is delighted by the shape of his feet. Her brother has Down syndrome, and the family receives him with joy and love. Sister and brother grow up to be best friends, and this book traces their relationship from childhood to adulthood. Themes of acceptance, inclusion, and identity are woven into this beautiful story that acknowledges and celebrates the realities that are unique to a family with a child with Down syndrome. At the heart of the story is the strong bond between the siblings, highlighting the gifts they each bring to the relationship.