THE BOOKS
DeCamville Arts Stories
The first of their kind, these stories are thoughtfully written especially for teens and adults with varying intellectual abilities such as Down syndrome, autism, CP, Fragile X, learning disabilities, reading processing issues, or Traumatic Brain Injuries. Younger readers, siblings and classmates can enjoy the stories, too! Great care is taken with every aspect of the reader's experience.
Scroll down to see what makes each of these books so special!
Bloom Dogs
Molly has Down syndrome and loves her life in the town of Bloom, especially her job at Bloom Dog Rescue. When a fire breaks out, will all the escaped dogs be found? With help from neighbors, a rescue mission begins. At the end of the day, a small gesture of kindness makes a big difference.
*The ripple effect of kindness
18th Birthday
When Ella learns that turning 18 means becoming an adult, she is worried that she'll no longer be able to enjoy the things she has loved her whole life. Will she have to start drinking coffee and drive the car? Can she still watch her favorite movies? You're invited to follow Ella through her 18th birthday!
*What it does and doesn't mean to become an adult
Blue Pumpkin Party
Luna's family has an autism-friendly party every Halloween. The costumes, pumpkin carving and games are all so much fun and not too scary. This year, she faces a spooky challenge. Is the house on the hill really haunted? Come along to the Blue Pumpkin Party and find out!
*Facing your fears
DeCamville Arts Stories have:
RELATABLE CHARACTERS
* Main characters with intellectual disabilities such as autism or Down syndrome
* Relatable characters and settings (ex. work program center)
* Our characters are not being bullied, but rather living their best lives. (That trope can retire.)
* Names on each page (not just pronouns) to keep clear who is talking.
* Many characters' specific disabilities or ethnicity are left ambiguous for peak relatability. Anyone can easily place themselves in the story.
READER-FRIENDLY PAGES
* Simple sentences
* Reading levels from Level 2 (just 1-2 sentences per page) to Level 4 (more on the reading levels below)
* Wholesome stories that children and adults will enjoy
* Extra large print
(story text is well above the required 16 pt. font "large print")
* Dyslexia-friendly fonts and layouts
* Some fonts are paired with a straight left edge but jagged right edge to the paragraph for ease in keeping your place
* Each page has just a few easy-to-read sentences
* No awkward page turns mid-sentence
* Each page holds a complete thought
* Plenty of good stopping places (every single page, actually)
* Discussion pages at the end with trivia, fun facts and thought-provoking questions. These offer clarity, whether for a classroom or someone reading individually.
* Definitions where needed.
DIGNITY
* Minimal, dignified illustrations
* Front covers that mature teens and adults are proud to carry
* Back covers with photos that aid in picturing the story (2024 revised)
QUALITY
* 5 star reviews on Amazon from happy parents
* Free shipping with Amazon Prime
* Opportunities to have a 1:1 online meeting with the
author for a customized book club experience
(subject to availability)
Reading Levels
Thank you for giving your time to learn about these special books.
Please reach out to me with any questions!
-Cristin