Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination

by Melissa Hart, María Perera (illustrator)

In this illustrated biography collection, meet over twenty people with Down syndrome who have accomplished amazing things in their lives. Excelling in film, sports, business, photography, and more, these people are changing hearts and minds about their disability. Read about Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon, and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, the first designer with Down syndrome invited to showcase her work at London Fashion Week. Learn about the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and other organizations who support the Down syndrome community. Each of these stories will educate and inspire young readers, both kids with Down syndrome and their family members, friends, classmates, and teammates!

Included in this

AC Heigel

Alex Bourne

Alex Lee

Allison Fogarty

Chris Nikic

Christine Lau

Geoffrey Mikol

Grace Key

Grace Stroebel

Isabella Springmuhdi Tejada

Jamie Brewer

Jared Kozak

John Cronin

John Tucker

Kayla McKeon

Madison Trevlin

Meg Ohsada

Michael Holton

Nick Doyle

Ronnie Brown

Sofia Sanchez

Tommy Jessop

Yulissa Arescurenaga

Zack Gottsagen

Special Olympics

Best Buddies

National Down Syndrome Society

The Buddy Walk

Genres: Nonfiction, Disability, Biography, Childrens, Picture Books, Contemporary, Middle Grade

144 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

I'm an Oregon-based author, journalist, and instructor for the MFA in Creative Writing program at Southern New Hampshire University. My essays and articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, Real Simple, Orion, High Country News, The Rumpus, Brevity, Woman's Day, The Advocate, Parents, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Hemispheres, and numerous other publications.

I'm the author of The Media Adventurer's Handbook: Decoding Persuasion in Everyday News, Ads, and More (World Citizen Comics, 2023), Daisy Woodworm Changes the World (Jolly Fish, 2022), Better with Books: 500 Diverse Books to Ignite Empathy and Encourage Self-Acceptance in Tweens and Teens(Sasquatch, 2019), the award-winning middle-grade novel Avenging the Owl(Sky Pony, 2016), the memoir Wild Within: How Rescuing Owls Inspired a Family (Lyons, 2007), and the memoir Gringa: A Contradictory Girlhood(Seal, 2005).

I'm a contributing editor at The Writer Magazine, and I teach frequently at writing conferences, libraries, universities, and bookstores. I grew up near Los Angeles with my younger brother, who has Down syndrome. I live in Eugene with my husband and teen daughter, where I love to run and hike long-distance, cross country ski, kayak, cycle, cook, and roam the Pacific Northwest as an amateur naturalist.

Find me on Instagram and Twitter @WildMelissaHart.com, on TikTok @melissamhart , and at www.melissahart.com .

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have two major takeaways:
Inclusion matters!
Being a part of the regular classroom with their peers is incredibly important.
The illustrations are amazing!
Thank you to the author, Sourcebooks, and Goodreads for this giveaway copy that I enjoyed and will be passing along to a friend graduating as a special education teacher soon.

[nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in all the captivating stories and appreciated the book’s focus on more than one individual. The realistic portrayal of triumphs and challenges made it an authentic experience. This book would be an excellent gift for parents or individuals who work with people with Down syndrome.💙💛

My favorite quotes:
“I have one more chromosome than you, so what? And having Down syndrome is not a significant issue. I’m a successful businesswoman, a boss, a manager, a CEO, and a chef.”

[Faithe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down syndrome out loud by Melissa Hart illustrated by Maria Perera features 20+ true stories of disability and determination.

This book features:
Alex Bourne: the world traveler,
Alex Lee: the self- advocate,
Allison Fogarty: the dog treat Baker, AnnCatherine (AC) Heigl: the cheerleader, Chris nikic: the triathlete,
Christine Lau: the ballet dancer,
Geoffrey mikol: the photographer,
Grace key: the artist,
Grace Strobel: the joy creator,
Isabella apringmuhl Tejada: the fashion designer,
Jamie Brewer: the actor,
Jared Kozak: the voice talent,
John cronin: the sock tycoon,
John tucker: the rapper,
Karen Gaffney: the swimmer,
Kayla McKeon: the Congressional lobbyist,
Madison tevlin: the talk show host
Meg ohsada: the figure skater
Michael e. Holton jr: the teacher
Nick Doyle: the comedian,
Ronnie Brown: the fry guy,
Sofia sanchez: the model,
Tommy Jessop: the author,
Yulissa arescurenaga: the Zumba instructor,
Zack gottsagen: the actor.

The book also features some fun add ons at the back including: an events and groups section, quick facts about down syndrome and Down syndrome discoveries and developments.

From the list of fascinating people I recognized John tucker from the Born this way show and Zack gottsagen as the actor from the peanut butter falcon movie. It was also fun to read each person's story and how they are making their mark on the world.

Thank you Melissa Hart and Maria Perera for capturing these amazing stories and sharing them with the world. Thank you also for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Mellisa Hart fan, and this book was an inspiring read. As a mother of a tween with DS, I appreciated learning about all the pathways people took, their motivation, advocacy, and perseverance. I highly recommend this book!

[Jennifer Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully highlights accomplishments of many people who have Down Syndrome. I feel like this book would be especially beneficial to kids who have this genetic condition, but also to kids who may know someone who does. Such positive messages throughout.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a review.

When I saw Down Syndrome Out Loud, I was intrigued. I am always seeking engaging nonfiction, and I know this is an area of our library desperately in need of development. This book looked like it would be a great fit for our middle school library’s nonfiction section.

The book’s format and style lend itself well to a middle grades audience. I plan to add this title to our browsable nonfiction section.

Featuring profiles of people from around the world (though mostly from the United States) with Down syndrome, the style is clearly intended for a middle grades audience. In addition to the individual profiles, readers who are not familiar with Down syndrome get a clear and accessible overview of the disorder and its effects.

Each profile starts with a full-page illustrated portrait of the individual. On the facing page, the profile begins with their name, home country, and year of birth. Three pages of text about each person include biographical information as well as noteworthy accomplishments - and each individual profiled is noteworthy! The text is broken up with illustrations related to the subject’s area of interest.

One of the things I appreciated about this book is the wide variety of accomplishments that are highlighted. This book makes it clear that people with Down syndrome can do anything and everything. As with any person, they can compete at high levels and achieve great things with supporting families and mentors.

That message is regularly repeated: People with Down syndrome are first and foremost people. As talk show host and profile subject Madison Tevlin says, “I have Down syndrome and it’s the least interesting thing about me.” Several of the individuals profiled point out that while they may appear different, their appearances are not indicative of who they are or what they are capable of.

I appreciated the tone of the book - positive without being saccharine, willing to point out difficulties people with Down syndrome often face but not overly-fixated on the negative. I also like that the book wraps up with some short, accessible pages providing tidbits about Down syndrome and suggestions for further reading.

I also liked that the book focuses on individuals who are currently out in the world making their presence known. While there are references to individuals active in the Down syndrome community decades ago, they are mentioned in passing. This book is focused on the here and now! The end materials include some short overview pieces about the origins of the National Down Syndrome Society, and two timelines: “Down Syndrome Discoveries and Developments,” and “The Disability Movement in the US.”

One thing I noticed as I advanced through the book was that the structure of the profiles started to feel a bit repetitive. While each individual has their own specific story and accomplishments, the structure of the profiles tend to follow a few basic patterns. This is not a major draw-back; there is variety within the patterns, and each individual is truly interesting. Also, I don’t imagine middle grades readers would read this book from cover to cover in a single sitting. The short, individual profiles lend themselves to causal browsing. And the index at the end offers readers the ability to jump around easily to read about each person based on their main area of accomplishment. However, as someone who read from cover to cover, the pattern was something I noticed.

While Perera’s illustration work is top-notch, as I made my way through the book, I found myself wishing for some photographs to add another layer of visual interest to the book. While the illustrations make for a visually cohesive motif, I think the book would be enhanced with some photographic elements.

Overall, I would definitely include this title in my middle grades collection. I think it will benefit my students to have this engaging title available to help them gain some perspective. And it will be an excellent mirror for students with Down syndrome or other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). All our students need to see themselves on the shelves; and all our students should be able to read about lives different than their own to help them increase their empathy and their knowledge.

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, inspirational book! Author Melissa Hart has written a wonderful book about individuals with Down syndrome that is an essential purchase for all libraries. We should all be seeking to increase representation of people with disabilities in our collections and this book will help achieve that goal. 

Over 20 individuals of different ages, backgrounds, and parts of the world are featured. Each of their stories have similar themes: overcoming massive health, educational, and social challenges; the importance of accommodations, inclusion, and belonging; and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. Colorful, joyful illustrations accompany the text. Each individual gets a four page spread that explains their upbringing, challenges they faced, the unique gifts they bring to the world as athletes, artists, comedians, actors, designers, lobbyists, and entrepreneurs, and who they are in their personal life. Readers will come away from the book with admiration and increased understanding of the difficulties people with disabilities face and have overcome in their everyday lives. Melissa’s personal connection to Down syndrome via her own brother is explained in the beginning of the book in a letter from the author, but her passion for the topic and celebratory tone comes across on every page. Highly recommended!

Includes wonderful backmatter including quick facts, quotes from people with Down syndrome, a timeline specific to Down Syndrome, a timeline of the disability movement in the U.S., resources to learn more (including podcasts!), and an index. A section at the end also highlights specific events and groups that benefit people with disabilities such as the Special Olympics, Buddy Walk, Best Buddies, and the National Down Syndrome Society. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know there's a million of them now, but I really appreciate the format of these collections of mini-bios which really blew up with the success of the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls books. They make good read-alouds, and are accessible for readers. For kids who are growing up speeding their way through the Who Is .? or L I'mittle People Big Dreams series, it's nice to be able to satisfy that craving with this kind of collection.

With her subjects being living, contemporary, young, figures, Hart's bios read a little more like the celeb profiles you might find in a magazine. This is not a knock on it--I feel like going this route gives her subjects their chance to shine and keeps things lively, adding to the overall readability. It feels like getting to know a bunch of new friends; though each subject has a little tagline/label it's clear they're much more than any one thing. I found myself so piqued with interest I wanted to look up everyone after reading about them to see their websites/work/etc. and learn even more about them.

My only criticism is that with a number of artists featured in the book, it would have been great if the illustrations could have been done by an artist with Downs Syndrome, just as the Rebel Girls books feature the work of female artists from all over the world for their illustrations.That said, I enjoyed Perera's fresh, sherbet-colored tones in her illustrations, as well as the subjects' personalities that shine through their smiling portraits.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book clearly set out to show that people with Down Syndrome are much more than their disability. As one featured person indicates: "Yes I have Down Syndrome. It's the least interesting thing about me." I loved getting to know the people featured in this book, hearing a bit about their backstories, their proudest moments, and where they're going next. I found many of them on instagram, and I've been enjoying following them beyond the pages of this short book.

To be honest, the only reason I lowered my rating is that the formatting of this book got a bit tedious at times. I would have liked to see many of the "fun facts" like what a figure skater eats for breakfast, in a bullet point list or a sidebar. When everything was laid out in paragraph format, including lists of fun facts, it made it tiring to read more than a couple of pages in a row.

Nevertheless, I will very much be recommending this book to friends, family, students, and clients. It's a beautiful reminder that "disabled" is both a physical condition and a construct: many of the issues disabled people face are structural and social, such as business owners not believing a person with DS can do a job they're otherwise qualified for. I love the way that this book shows how by adjusting the world a little for a disabled person, rather than expecting that person to be typical, there's not much they can't do.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melissa Hart’s collective biography evolved from her relationship with her younger brother Mark and her admiration for his ability to succeed at so much more than others believed he could. Both became advocates for those born with Down Syndrome and other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs). Included in the many successful people in Hart’s book are from the fields of acting, advocacy, entrepreneurship and public speaking. There are artists, athletes, dancers, musicians, models and teachers. Truly a celebration of all that anyone can accomplish if given the opportunity and the support needed to achieve their goals. Included with the 58 biographies are organizations designed to support those with IDDs, additional research resources, a timeline highlighting key events in the disability movement, another timeline featuring discoveries and developments in Down Syndrome, a significant quote from many of those spotlighted, as well as a quick facts page.

Excellent resource for research in the areas of advocacy and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as well as an encouragement that we all can achieve great things with the right tools and encouragement. Recommended for libraries serving ages 9-13.

Thanks for sharing an arc with me, Sourcebooks Explore.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was young, I [religiously] watched a TV Show called Life Goes On. Chris Burkhart was an actor on the show, who just happened to have Down Syndrome in real life and who played a character with that diagnosis on TV. As Corky, he was able to bring authenticity to this role, and in this role, often stole the show!

Burkhart is not mentioned in this book, but many others are.

Inspired by her brother, Mark, Melissa Hart wrote this book in order to share more than 20 TRUE STORIES about other people with Down Syndrome who are making a difference, every single day.

For each essay, there is an illustration (wish these were photographs) of the person, the person's name, their role, their Home Country, and the year they were born. Each essay is three (3) pages long.

At the end of the book are sections on: Events & Groups, Special Olympics, Best Buddies International, National Down Syndrome Society, "The Buddy Walk," Quick Facts About Down Syndrome, "Our Words, Our Lives," Down Syndrome Discoveries and Developments," The Disability Movement in the U.S., and More!

[Rae Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination by Melissa Hart is an inspiring collection of illustrated biographies that showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals with Down syndrome. The book profiles over twenty people excelling in diverse fields such as sports, fashion, film, and advocacy, including notable figures like Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon, and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, a fashion designer featured at London Fashion Week. Through these stories, Hart aims to challenge stereotypes and highlight the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome, offering young readers and their communities a broader perspective on disability.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by her relationship with her brother, author Melissa Hart has assembled profiles of 20 individuals from a variety of backgrounds with Down Syndrome who have found success in fields like the arts, athletics, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Each profile includes background information about the featured person, challenges and instances of discrimination that they have overcome, and celebrates their accomplishments and successes. Passages are brief and accessible, with colorful illustrations. Additional content at the end of the book introduces readers to organizations that support individuals with Down Syndrome and encourages readers to further their learning. An inspirational and informative read for middle grade readers.

[Deena Lipomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

From athletes to business owners, and actors to activists, the international group of people profiled in this biography collection have achieved so much despite early childhood medical procedures and ongoing intellectual and developmental disabilities. But regardless of any challenges, their accomplishments are more than many people without a third chromosome have done. Each profile is short, but packs a punch, listing their awards, accolades, struggles, hobbies, and place and year of birth. The reader gets a lot in a little time, and will be inspired by their personal stories and get new perspectives on what anyone can achieve with familial support and personal drive. A great, accessible book in the biography genre.

[Faith J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and easy read sharing the meaningful message that people with Down syndrome are capable, beautiful, and deserve to be enabled and supported, not limited by low expectations. A constant theme of joy and positivity radiates from every person who shares their story, even in the face of surgeries, health challenges, and the judgment or hate they’ve encountered from others. The stories of Ironman athletes and marathon runners especially impressed me as they were exceptionally emotional, motivating, and powerful. This collection of stories reinforces how much we need more inclusion, representation, and equity in this world. It left me feeling grateful for the work the teaching hospital and research university I work for is doing to help make that vision a reality.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 4 out of 5]

i feel extremely privileged to be the first on goodreads to review this book.
this was an informative middle grade book where i learned about many people with down syndrome with a variety of unique life stories.
thank you to netgalley, author, melissa hart, and sourcebooks kids for this epub- i had some errors in the book but had some formatting issues within the book more of which i shared with the site privately. i am not sure if it is how i accessed(kindle). the words were fabulous but there were moments were i struggled.
there are profiles of down syndrome folk in modeling, acting, writing, and much more.

[Sharon Griede-Houtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really awesome! I”won “ the book from Goodreads giveaway, but after reading it I have ordered two. My friend John B is not in the book but he has the extra chromosome. I love him dearly and I appreciate the author who wrote this book to remind us what love is all about. The people that were chosen for this book have broke the barriers and reminds us what life is all about. I feel bad for those that don’t have a friend or family member with Down syndrome. There are no barriers if they are lead to find their paths. Excellent book for all. Go John and all others that have the special extra chromosome. Thank you to the author and illustrator.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary book designed for young people, but just a wonderful read for everyone. Hart writes 25 vignettes of folks with Down syndrome who have done amazing things with their lives -- actors, models, small business owners, athletes, dancers, teachers, musicians and public speakers. She closes the books with events and organization that advocate for people with disabilities, facts about Down syndrome, a history of the Disability movement in the U.S. and a dedication to her brother, Mark, who has the genetic condition, and is her inspiration to write this lovely book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories of people with Down Syndrome are inspiring and uplifting. Each person featured has accomplished amazing things while breaking the stigmas surrounding this condition. The stories are a fantastic reminder to all of us that no matter the challenges we face, they can be overcome. Melissa's upbeat writing style brings each person's story alive and makes me want to learn more about them as people and their amazing achievements.

[Rieta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently found out that my daughter in law is expecting a baby with Down's Syndrome. My husband grabbed this book for me to read. Very inspirational. A few sad stories especially about some bullying that happens to these kids but otherwise really great. I learned a lot and found lots of great shows, documentaries and programs to educate and help.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

October is #downsyndromeawarenessmonth
📢
In this #nonfiction #book we get to learn about the incredible achievements of 20+ entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, and actors with Down syndrome.
🗣️
Written by @wildmelissahart it’s inspired by her brother, Mark, who has Down syndrome. It’s such an inspiring read and perfect for #schoollibraries @sourcebookskids

[Alicia Clancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource showcasing the strengths and possibilities of the DS population for the young middle grade reader.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful, inspiring stories and a compilation of great resources.

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

P

[Kelly S. Irizarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inclusion makes a huge difference… in the classroom, on sports teams, in the church, and even in your family. When we believe in the possibilities and provide opportunities differences are made.

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done! A great book for kids or even teens!

[Amy Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring! The illustrations are fantastic!

[Brian Trapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book rocks. So many amazing people with Down Syndrome are profiled here. This is a must-read for anyone with a family member who has Down Syndrome or a great gift for someone with Down Syndrome. Melissa Hart has done a great service for representing how full a life someone with Down Syndrome can lead.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month this month, I want to share about this book that spreads happiness, inclusion, and reminds us to not judge a book by its cover.

I don’t know if I’ve ever had a book bring me so much joy! I hope it will bring you joy too. I also hope it will amaze and inspire you! I am in awe of all of the amazing people featured in this book. Not highlighted enough in the book are the families that believe in, encourage, and support their children to chase their dreams.

[Lindsay McDella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️

I absolutely loved Down Syndrome Out Loud by Melissa Hart. One of my favorite things about this book is how it dedicates individual pages to different people with Down syndrome, telling each of their unique stories about how they’ve built successful, fulfilling lives. I found it so inspiring to follow along with their journeys—each story is like a little window into their world, and I loved learning all the different ways they shine.

As someone who loves a young person with Down syndrome, this book gave me a lot of hope for her future. Seeing how these 24 people have each found their path, overcome challenges, and pursued their passions makes me feel excited about what’s possible for her too.

The book also does a great job teaching about Down syndrome in a way that’s clear and approachable, making it an excellent read for people who may not know much about it yet. I really appreciated that—it’s a great way to spread awareness and understanding.

I also loved how the book highlights groups and events that people with Down syndrome and other disabilities can get involved in. It shows that there are so many different ways to be part of a community, and that’s really encouraging to see.

One thing that surprised me (in the best way!) is that I only recognized two of the 24 people featured in the book. That meant I got to learn about so many new people, and I’m now following a bunch of them on Instagram to keep up with their lives and see where they go from here. I’m really excited to continue learning from them and watching their stories unfold.

Overall, Down Syndrome Out Loud is an incredible, uplifting read that I’d recommend to anyone—whether you know someone with Down syndrome or just want to be inspired by stories of resilience, creativity, and joy