Born With - Erika and Gianni by Lorna Schultz Nicholson

 

I have read a few other books by Lorna Schultz Nicholson Bent Not Broken  and Fragile Bones are both books that share stories of high school students involved in the 'Best Buddies' program and really highlight how much we can all learn from each other.  

Born With is the story of Erika, a girl with Down Syndrome and Gianni, a boy who has been paired up with her at school.  Erika and Gianni are great characters, they both love to sing and act and are both auditioning for the play Grease put on at their high school.  Both Erika and Gianni have different problems that they must face.  While it is challenging for both of them, they learn from each other how to face these problems and move forward.

Once again, Lorna Schultz Nicholson does a great job describing the characters and situations that many people can relate to.  I would highly recommend this series of books!

Fragile Bones - Harrison and Anna by Lorna Schultz Nicholson

 Several years ago I read Bent not Broken  that told the story of the 'Best Buddies' program at a high school where special needs students are paired with a student in mainstream to have fun and learn about one another.  I really enjoyed Bent Not Broken, and then I realized that there were more books in the series.  

Fragile Bones is the story of Harrison, a boy in grade 10 who has autism and Anna, who is in grade 12 and is wanting to be a doctor.  The two are paired up because of Anna's interest in medicine and Harrison's love of knowing all of the bones in the human body.  When Harrison gets upset, he recites the bones in certain locations in the body.  As both Anna and Harrison learn about each other, they also learn about themselves as they are pushed to try different things.  

While this book is set in a high school, it is appropriate for Intermediate students.  I really love how Lorna Schultz Nicholson describes the characters, they are always very believable.