About the Author

Jo Meserve Mach (author) spent 36 years as an Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about sharing the stories of children with special needs. Jo embraces the joy that individuals with disabilities bring to our communities through their unique gifts. Jo is the cofounder of Finding My Way Books, which offers tools to help children without disabilities realize that children with disabilities are kids just like them.



Readers and teachers love her books, which they describe as great, fabulous, which showcase how a person with a disability can be a mentor to others, and make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students.



They are recommended for parents, teachers, elementary school libraries, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants a more just and inclusive world.



Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier worked professionally in Early Childhood and Special Education programming for 25 years. She has a PhD in Special Education from the University of Kansas and is currently working at Westat. Vera is passionate about the inclusion of each and every child in settings where they would be if they did not have a disability. Parenting two children with special needs enrich her life. Mary Birdsell is a professional photographer and a former Speech and Theatre teacher. She strives to create images that reflect the strengths of each child. Mary's background in education, theatre, and photography intersect as she visually creates our books. She uses colors and shapes to tell a story. For her, each book is like its own theatre production.

Reviews

"Neema's story is not an isolated one, but one far too common to children. An 11-year-old orphan with a learning disability has obstacles others may not face, but Neema is determined. A loving children's home in the mountains of Lushoto, Tanzania provides her with strength and opportunities to find her own personal place in the world. Inclusion is a strong desire of the heart and necessary to the fulfillment of life. The authors bring us this true story with hopes to encourage and inspire al. Celebrating their success and demonstrating how adults, other than a parent, can guide and build foundational skills into the children of our communities." Darleen Wohlfeil, Story Monsters Ink
"Finding My Way Books has made a very big impact on the KCPT's Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program. I work with over 600 high needs children in the district. Neema Wants to Learn: A True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination was perfect for this program." - Gary Brock, Director of EducationKansas City Public Television
"This story was so full of joy and so clearly showed the determination of a young girl who wants to grow up and be a full contributor and participant in her community. I was fascinated to read a story that took us to Africa and showed that anywhere you go in the world, all children, regardless of ability, want to feel included and feel confident that they are valued...Fabulous!"- Lori A. Eigenman, Ed.S