Finding My World (Swahili)

In Onika Wants to Help, four friends share how their lives changed when an inclusive school was, built in their small African village. When they were young, their families had to keep them hidden because of their disabilities! For the first time in their lives, they are, allowed to attend school and it makes them very happy. Beautiful photographs take us onto the grounds of their Rainbow School and capture the essence of what it means to get to do something you have longed to do for many years. It's fun to discover the interests of the four teenagers. Onika, Teophani, Elibeth, and Agnes all share what they are learning and how they will someday be able to help others in their village. This book explodes with its powerful message of inclusion and shows how allowing everyone to participate makes the world a better place. By sharing Onika's story, we celebrate the four teenagers' many strengths and abilities. Onika has intellectual disabilities. Her friends have intellectual disabilities and autism.

In Neema Wants to Learn, a girl with learning disabilities shares how she likes to learn all day long. She introduces you to Mama Mdemu and her friend Joseph. Delightful photographs capture her interactions and activities as her day in an orphanage in Tanzania progresses. Neema tricks Joseph, helps Mama Mdemu, and helps care for the younger children. It's great fun to discover her favorite games and a fun coconut song she sings. Neema inspires us to learn throughout our day as we participate in our daily activities even if learning something new is difficult. By sharing Neema's story we celebrate Neema's many strengths and abilities. Neema has learning disabilities.