Sensitively addressing the experiences of being bullied and living with a progressive disability. |
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"Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress." Mahatma Gandhi |
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Aunt Scarlett's FarmExperiencing childhood with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, (CMT) is anything but dull for eight year old Peggy Thompkin. Although she walks with the aid of a cane and wears plastic AFO leg braces, Peggy embraces each day as high-spirited as the racehorses on her Great Aunt Scarlett's farm. Orphaned at the age of four, Peggy was quickly adopted by her widowed Great Aunt. A no nonsense, non-coddling parent, Aunt Scarlett models for Peggy the virtues of gentle strength. Surrounded by a menagerie of animals, Peggy pulls her own weight and follows all the important farm rules. Faced with daunting schoolyard ridicule by three notorious bullyboys, Peggy learns to conquer obstacles that come her way. Together, readers walk with Peggy step by step and experience the physical and emotional challenges and triumphs of life with a progressive neuromuscular disease. What people are saying …about Aunt Scarlett’s Farm “Aunt Scarlett’s Farm is a most valuable classroom teaching tool when used to address both bullying and special needs within the elementary school setting. It delivers an important message to children of all levels of ability” “The problems of bullying, coping with unfamiliar situations, following the rules, the responsibility of friendship and fear of the unknown are addressed from a child’s point of view. The two main messages about bullying and living with a disability are repeated in almost every chapter – repetition being a major learning tool.” “Both children and adults need books like this to help them understand the feelings of those with physical differences. Mostly, this book emphasizes that Peggy, although she has CMT, is just like the rest of us. Ms. Wheeler has presented many lessons within the story but has done so in a manner that keeps the readers wanting to learn more about Peggy and her surroundings.” Author: Susan D. Wheeler, BSW
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