When David Was Surprised

David #2

by Anne Kelleher

What readers are saying about this "How David Met Sarah" is terrific... the character of David has a lot of heart, is full of happiness and is very thoughtful. Anne Kelleher wrote from her experience of what it’s like to have a brother with a disability. If you want my advice, you should read this book about the world of young adults with Down syndrome.Actor Chris Burke, “Corky” from Life Goes On and Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society"How David Met Sarah" is a rare resource that not only entertains but also exposes the realities of what it’s like to live with a disability. Ultimately, though, [the books's] greatest achievement may be something far It reminds us that, no matter our background, we all desire the same things in life – and that a sense of love and belonging is chief among them. While "ground-breaking" is not a term to be used lightly, "How David Met Sarah" is deserving of such praise, and so much more. John Valeri, The Hartford Book ExaminerAs the mother of a developmentally delayed adult son, I can tell you that Anne Kelleher is a gifted storyteller and takes it to another level with a book that anyone with a family member with special needs can relate to. This is a heartfelt story full of emotions for anyone to enjoy. I found myself rooting for David and Sarah and wanting more at the end. I hope there's a sequel.A Mom from Wallingford, PA Reading specialists, special education teachers and librarians agree that there are no other titles like this available. "When David Was Surprised," is the second in a series of five books written for intellectually or developmentally disabled individuals and those who love them or wish to see the world through their eyes. David is a young man who works in a mailroom and lives at home with his parents. In the first book, "How David Met Sarah," a young woman moves to his neighborhood and begins to attend his church. David believes she’s the girl of his dreams, and would like her to become his girlfriend.In this, the second book in the series, David encounters some unexpected conflicts between family members as they search for the right way to handle his growing independence. David is determined to ask Sarah on a date -- but there is someone else who is also interested in him! Through a series of adventures (and a few misadventures) that illustrate the challenges and rewards of life as a differently-abled person, David gets a chance to show the girl of his dreams how much he cares. "When David Was Surprised" is a very special story written from the point of view of a young man who is developmentally disabled. It includes suspense, conflict, romance, and all the appeal of an adult book while using vocabulary appropriate for those who read at an elementary level.The author, who has been published multiple times and translated into five languages, was inspired to write this story by her brother. The real "David" is no longer interested in children's books but is unable to read traditional adult novels. For him, and for people like him, the David series will satisfy a previously unfilled need for accessible and entertaining stories. For further information, read about the David series at or see videos of the author and her brother, the man who inspired the book series, at

Genres: Fiction

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2012

About the author

Born and raised at the South Jersey shore, Anne holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University in Medieval Studies and has studied English language and literature at the University of Connecticut and Storytelling and Oral Traditions at the Institute for Graduate Studies. The mother of four, Anne now resides in Connecticut and Hawaii. Find out more at www.annekelleher.net.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly enjoying the David books. This story, written at an elementary reading level, is one all special educators and of young adults with cognitive disabilities should read with them. I'm planning to read When David Met Sarah with one of my classes in a couple weeks when our state testing has been completed.

I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first book. I love watching David experience new feelings and figure out why people react the way they do to different situations. I can't wait to see what happens to David (and Sarah) in the next story. (Thank you, Ms. Kelleher, for sharing the first chapter of the next book! I'm anxious to read it.)

[Angela Holtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

Thanks Anne for letting me review this! I was dying to read it since finishing How David Met Sarah. And I was not disappointed.

It has the same fluid writing. Simple, yet fast paced. I think David is a wonderful guy. David's parents took David out for a surprise on a Sunday and it turned out he was the date of one of the young ladies from his socialization class. She keeps getting mad at him and he is thoroughly confused. Every man on the planet has been there, and his pops told him as much.

Sarah has competition in this story. And honestly, I found myself cheering for the new girl. Mariah's not really new, David has known her for years. But she's got a new haircut and a new wardrobe and she did catch David's eye.

I have a ton of respect for him because he doesn't forget Sarah. And I love Mariah because she's willing to wait for him. The reason I'm cheering for Mariah is that she loves to do all the same things David loves to do, like going to the theater and drama classes. Sarah has autism and doesn't like to be around large groups of people (something I totally understand), and while David adores her, they don't share much common ground.

But I suggest you read this book and come to your own conclusions. I'm happy there's another one coming out, Where David Went. The 1st chapter is included at the end of When David Was Surprised. I haven't read it yet, because I know I'll just want to keep going. I would say Anne's writing and David's story are like warm comfort food.

[Patrice Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in Anne Kelleher's David series, written from the point of view of a young man with Down Syndrome. David is caught up in the expectations of his family with regard to how much independence he should have. Just about to be 25, he is interested in a romantic relationship -- is that appropriate for him? Is the young woman's family in agreement? What if David gets hurt?

This series and this book in particular raise important questions about how we relate to developmentally disabled people and how they relate to other folks. What's wonderful is that the story is also entertaining, and gives us a fascinating glimpse into this world.

"When David Was Surprised" and "How David Met Sarah," (the first book in the series), are essential books for readers who are themselves developmentally disabled and for those who love them. In addition, anyone interested in gaining some insight into this population is urged to pick up a copy.

Written at an elementary reading level, these books are nevertheless fun and informative for anyone.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free through Goodreads. The book was very interesting to read, I completed it within a day. It was simple enough for younger people to read but it also appealed to me. The story line was nice and you get an inside look into the life of people with Down Syndrome. I didn't read the first book in the series but I wasn't confused at all, which is sometimes worrisome when starting a book in a series without reading the others. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway than gave it to a friends daughter she said it was a good book just not really the type of thing she reads to often. She wished the book was longer and that she could have gotten more details from the writer but overall she said she would recommend the book to other children who may be a little younger than her (she is 10) or readers who may have some reading difficulties.

[Jan]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway in December. I'm still waiting anxiously for the book to arrive.

Update - this book never arrived. Will mark it as not read.