Book featuring children with intellectual disabilities- Praise for Special Stories
BELOW READ WHAT SOME NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS SAY ABOUT THE NEW BOOK “SPECIAL STORIES…” WHICH FEATURES CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES
“In life you meet a lot of very interesting people. Some are takers and others are givers. Mike Kelly is a giver and he has done so for many years. His work with children with disabilities is admirable. His compilation of stories about these young people will bring joy to your heart and tears to your eyes. I hope you enjoy the stories as much as I did.” —RICK BARRY, NBA Hall of Famer Named by the NBA One of the 50 Greatest Players of All-Time
“Mike Kelly’s unique and insightful stories illuminate, inspire, provoke, and undoubtedly entertain.—TIMOTHY J. MCKINNON, Author of “NEVER: Jens Pulver and the Wednesday Group That Will Change The World”
“Author Mike Kelly provides a heartwarming and insightful glimpse into his work with children with special needs. After reading the first Special Story, I felt compelled to read them all” —ROSA DUARTE, Reporter, WFMZ-TV
“Mike Kelly has put together amazing stories about successes and challenges of adolescents with special needs. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always interesting.” —BUCKS COUNTY HERALD
“Progressive change began in 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted. SPECIAL STORIES represents that change in action, inspiring all to see individuals for their ABILITIES.” —JIMMY CURRAN, Founder & CEO of [dis]ABLE The Brand
“SPECIAL STORIES is an outstanding book that captures how Mike Kelly uses the gifts of presence, acceptance, and understanding to help young people with a range of disabilities define their own identity and internal spark to successfully address the challenges of life.” —JONATHAN GREEN, Internationally Acclaimed Artist
“Too often we have the tendency to view people in two groups: the abled and the disabled. Mike Kelly’s stories bridge that divide. Through sharing the struggles and triumphs with a variety of mental and physical challenges, Kelly makes it apparent that we’re all facing some hurdle in life, whether it is our own or someone close to us AND, more importantly, that these hurdles can not only be surmounted, the leap over can prove to be some of our greatest moments in life. Kelly serves up a generous portion of inspiration here.” —PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
“A must-read book that challenges public perception and will change the way you see individuals with disabilities.” —ALL ABOUT ABILITIES, INC.
“When Mr. Kelly gave up a lucrative paycheck as a PR man and traded it for a job working with disabled children, he said, ‘although my wallet became empty, my heart became full and I soon realized I had actually never been paid more in my life.’ His book, SPECIAL STORIES, shows us in case after case how his statement is true and how these children are really special, even inspirational. Be sure to have tissues when you read this heartwarming book.” —BUCKS COUNTY MAGAZINE
“This book not only highlights the amazing things that Mike Kelly is doing for children with special needs, it also takes a closer look at the children themselves, proving that ALL children are amazing.” —THE FOLLY CURRENT
“The stories about the kids were informative and entertaining. And the stories about Mike’s experiences navigating his way through the disability world were both interesting and eye-opening.” —AMY KATZ, Parent of a Child With Special Needs
“We praise Mike Kelly and the special stories he brings forth with regards to our youth with disabilities.” —CHARLESTON INSIDE OUT MAGAZINE
“It is inspiring to see the work Mr. Kelly has done for his students. His stories highlight their potential, are entertaining, and his ideas carry the seeds of social change. Should be required reading for every special educator and administrator.” —NEW JERSEY SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER
“Everyone needs a Mike Kelly in their corner! He is truly an outstanding advocate and activist for individuals who are differently-abled. He goes above and beyond for the individuals he supports and his out-of-the-box thinking produces amazing life-changing results.” —COMMONWEALTH CHARTER ACADEMY
For more information on “Special Stories: Short Stories On Youth With Disabilities And My Adventures Working In The Disabilities Field” by Mike Kelly (2017, Vendue Books) visit www.specialstoriesbook.com.
