Gerald's Journal: The Life of an Everyday Hero

Monday, September 18 In the morning time as the buses came in everybody was talking about what they did that weekend. As usual I sat at my desk working on the handwriting worksheets that Mrs. Baker gave me. I learned a long time ago when I was just a little kid that I have to work harder on some things than the other students. Z in cursive is really hard to do and it looks strange to me. Steven was walking around handing out invitations to his birthday party to all of the boys in the class. Bobby was really excited because Steven said the party was at a club in the country that his family belongs to and there is an indoor pool with a slide. Mitchell said he has been there before and that it is really fun. Even Jimmy got invited and he is a bad boy. I did not get invited. I know I am different in some ways, but really, I like all the same things as the other boys too. I love pizza, ice cream, swimming and recess, just like everybody else. I pretended that I did not hear them talking about it. I wish I could go. It sounds like it will be fun. Gerald is just like every other kid. Yet he's different . . . and he has a little trouble fitting in because of his disability. Over time, his traits of kindness, compassion and honesty pair with his great sense of humor, and his differences disappear behind his delightful personality. Gerald is truly the kind of hero we should all aspire to be. "You're going to love Gerald and his journal! You'll discover that when it comes to life and love - we are all very much alike. Highly recommended." - Anita Higman, Bestselling, Award winning author of 40 Books "Gerald's Journal proves that beneath our differences - as large or small as they might seem at first glance - we're all human. A touching, fun book for readers of all ages." - Garrett Calcaterra, author of The Dreamwielder Chronicles "Moms and Dads should read Gerald's Journal with their children and talk about his thoughts and feelings. I think everyone will see something about themselves in Gerald's words." - Karen Gaffney, public speaker and celebrated endurance athlete who swam the English channel among her many swimming accolades. She also has Down syndrome. "Gerald's Journal shows us that a little kindness and goodness can go a long way. Gerald is the person we should all aspire to be." - Jerry Clark, North Journal editor "McElhinny's gift for storytelling and descriptive prose shines through in his portrayal of Gerald, a student who reaps the benefits of classroom inclusion. The writing style is humorous, colorful and compellingly accurate. McElhinny's book is an inspirational learning tool for readers of all ages." - Chris Scarnati, 5th- Grade English Teacher and Sports Illustrated correspondent "Gerald is 100% pure superhero. He's real. He's genuine. And he's not afraid to be exactly who he is - which is a pretty great guy. David McElhinny's honest, heartwarming depiction of a boy who just wants to fit in will bring a smile to even the most stoic reader, and offers valuable life lessons for us all. This book should be required reading for every school, everywhere." - Renae Brumbaugh, former teacher and bestselling author of Christmas Stories for Bedtime and Mystery at Discovery Lake