My Sister, Alicia May
Nancy Tupper Ling, Author
Shennen Bersani, Illustrator
Pleasant St. Press, Fiction, 2009
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Down Syndrome, Sisters, Bullying, Special Needs
Opening: BANG! Every morning Alicia May throws open my bedroom door. Crack! The “Stay Out!” sign falls to the floor. “Here I am!” she crises “Rise and shine!”
Synopsis: In many ways, Rachel and Alicia are like any sisters. But Rachel knows her sister is very different, and very special. She has Down syndrome. Alicia May likes dogs and horses, is curious about ladybugs and dragonflies, talks to animals at the zoo and calls them funny names, loves to paint her nails, is friendly and gives good hugs. Sometimes Alicia May is annoying and embarrassing and Rachel doesn’t want to be around her. But, when boys on the bus tease Alicia May, Rachel is the first to stand up for her sister.
Why I like this story: This is a heartwarming story for siblings of children with Down’s syndrome. Nancy Tupper Ling based the story on the lives of two real sisters she’s close friends with. It is a compassionate story that offers a peek into the daily life of a child with special needs and the complexities for the family. I like that the story is told from Rachel’s viewpoint. Shennen Bersani’s illustrations are colorful pastels and almost photographic in their detail. Look at the pictures of the girls at the end of the book as she has really captured their features and personalities. Check out Nancy Tupper Ling’s website.
Resources: Contact the National Down Syndrome Society for more information on resources, success stories, transition tool kits, caring for your family and advocacy.
Children's Books Heal 
Some friends of ours have a Down Syndrom daughter. She battles many health problems, but she is absolutely the sweetest little thing. I think it’s such a tragedy that 90% of these babies are being aborted. Their lives count!
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I know many kids of all ages with DS and I am I’m impressed with how well they do. One in college and another working and living independently. Have never heard those statistics.
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That Alicia May is sure a cutie! This sounds like a must read book! Thanks for sharing!
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It is a cute book, but an important one about sibling relationships.
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Thank you for sharing this book! Two of my friends have just had a baby with the Down Syndrom, so I shared the book with them. They have two older daughters so I think this book can help them to understand what they may feel in the future.
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Thanks for sharing that with me. Made my day to know you had someone to share the book with.
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This book feels full of joy, Pat.
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It is filled with joy. Alicia is so sweet and loving
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This sounds like a very special book! The sister bond can be a powerful one. Thanks for sharing this one. Great review, Pat!
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I agree. Sibling bonds are powerful and this story is based on a true story.
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Sweet. I’m sure there’s lots to learn about this topic for families living it as well as for kids new to accepting the differently-abled.
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I like differently abled. So positive .
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As usual, you’ve found a jewel of a book!
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Thanks Penny. It is really hard to find good books on DS. So few out there.
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This book sounds like it shares a fantastic message. One that definitely needs to be shared and bring love and understanding to more people. Love seeing what books you find to share with us. They are always so wonderful.
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Thank you Leigh. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Not many good books for kids with DS.
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A great addition to the classroom for sue. I’d like to se the artistry you describe, and the sample sounds rather lyrical too.
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The artwork is beautiful and realistic. The story is lyrical!
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Thanks for this selection, Patricia! As with siblins with Autism this disability or different ability needs to be explored and talked about. A discussion from a picture book is both educational and non threatening. I need to read this book. I”m looking for it at my library. 🙂
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Glad you liked my selection! It is an important book!
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I used to work with Down’s Syndrome children; I taught a little boy who could have been this little girl’s brother.
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Thank you for commenting. This is a wonderful book for siblings.
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So important to read a story from the point of view of the sibling of a special needs child. What a delight to get to know her through the eyes of her sister.
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Very important book siblings. Hope I can find more on DS.
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What a great book! I love stories that tell about a disability from a friend/sibling POV.
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It is a great story from a sibling’s POV. Glad you liked it.
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Just saw your lovely review. So grateful! Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed My Sister, Alicia May. The only sad news is that it is officially out of print now. I’m trying to learn about making it into an eBook or paperback since I would like it to continue to be available to readers. I still have some copies at home is anyone is interested just connect with me through my website. NancyTupperLing.com. Best!
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I’m glad you liked the review. It got a lot of traffic on twitter the last ten days! It’s still in the public libraries. There are so few good DS books for kids. eBook would good, as well as paperback. Have you thought about Kickstart or crowdfunding? I know some authors who have successfully raised the money to publish their books. Wish you the best. Thank you for leaving a comment.
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