Leah Marie and Her Friends

In the times we are living in, we all need to be more aware that we should not be focusing on differences, but rather on how we are alike. All children want to have friends, especially in school. However, some children may worry that they will not be understood in their attempt towards friendship, as they have difficulty communicating. In this story, Leah Marie, a little girl with Down syndrome who cannot speak clearly, wonders how she will make friends in school. The dilemma is solved when her school celebrates World Down Syndrome Day to help the children better understand how Leah communicates and how they can help her learn. The moments shared in this book come directly from the experiences of Leah Marie, the great-granddaughter of one of the authors. This book is relatable to all families, caretakers and teachers who struggle to help children realize the many ways they can express their thoughts and feelings. There is a positive message at the end about creative and unique ways to communicate with others. This is a must-read for a wide audience of those who live with and interact with children of all ages and abilities every day.