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For the Love of Stephen: The Story of a Boy Who Was Never Broken
“Stephen’s story is beautifully told through the eyes of his brother, Stuart. Steve was different, not less. You will love his story.” — Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Author & Advocate
Born premature in 1954 and diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Steve Jones was never expected to live a “normal” life. Professionals urged his parents to institutionalize him, to forget, to move on. Instead, they chose love.
For the Love of The Story of a Boy Who Was Never Broken is a powerful sibling memoir that spans five decades of Steve’s life from the small-town prejudices of the 1950s, through public school desegregation for students with disabilities in the 1970s, to the quiet injustices and quiet joys of his adult years. It is a story of resilience, laughter, heartbreak, and radical belonging.
Through sharp honesty, satirical critique, and moments of deep tenderness, Dr. Stuart D. Jones shares the story of his brother’s courage and humanity in a world that too often refused to see it. Along the way, readers will
The absurdities and heartbreak of a system that failed people with disabilities
The fierce love of a family that defied societal norms
The triumphs and humor of a man who refused to be defined by labels
A tragic ending that underscores the urgent need for justice and inclusion
Perfect for readers of Riding the Bus with My Sister (Rachel Simon) and Life, Animated (Ron Suskind), For the Love of Stephen is both personal and universal—an unforgettable story that asks us to see differently, love fiercely, and never look away.
Born premature in 1954 and diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Steve Jones was never expected to live a “normal” life. Professionals urged his parents to institutionalize him, to forget, to move on. Instead, they chose love.
For the Love of The Story of a Boy Who Was Never Broken is a powerful sibling memoir that spans five decades of Steve’s life from the small-town prejudices of the 1950s, through public school desegregation for students with disabilities in the 1970s, to the quiet injustices and quiet joys of his adult years. It is a story of resilience, laughter, heartbreak, and radical belonging.
Through sharp honesty, satirical critique, and moments of deep tenderness, Dr. Stuart D. Jones shares the story of his brother’s courage and humanity in a world that too often refused to see it. Along the way, readers will
The absurdities and heartbreak of a system that failed people with disabilities
The fierce love of a family that defied societal norms
The triumphs and humor of a man who refused to be defined by labels
A tragic ending that underscores the urgent need for justice and inclusion
Perfect for readers of Riding the Bus with My Sister (Rachel Simon) and Life, Animated (Ron Suskind), For the Love of Stephen is both personal and universal—an unforgettable story that asks us to see differently, love fiercely, and never look away.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
4 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 27, 2025
Stuart Jones breaks your heart with stories Stephen and his family experienced and puts it back together with the unwavering love of that same family and their community.
The way he tells Stephen’s stories, it’s like he’s telling them right to you, the reader. These stories emphasize the realities of differences, strengths, kindness, and inclusion. While this story is about Stephen, the author peppers in relevant and easily digestible research about IDD throughout the years.
This was such an enjoyable memoir and really opens the reader’s eyes and mind to a world that many may not be familiar with. Stephen’s parents didn’t back down and kept their love and motivation for their son forward facing and that shines throughout the book. When you read this book be prepared to laugh out loud, wipe away tears, and really sit and think about what you’re reading. Thank you, Stuart Jones, for sharing your brother’s story so honestly and beautifully.
The way he tells Stephen’s stories, it’s like he’s telling them right to you, the reader. These stories emphasize the realities of differences, strengths, kindness, and inclusion. While this story is about Stephen, the author peppers in relevant and easily digestible research about IDD throughout the years.
This was such an enjoyable memoir and really opens the reader’s eyes and mind to a world that many may not be familiar with. Stephen’s parents didn’t back down and kept their love and motivation for their son forward facing and that shines throughout the book. When you read this book be prepared to laugh out loud, wipe away tears, and really sit and think about what you’re reading. Thank you, Stuart Jones, for sharing your brother’s story so honestly and beautifully.
November 21, 2025
I laughed, I cried, and laughed and cried some more. Steve's story is one of heartache, joy, perseverance, and resilience. it is an excellent lesson to never underestimate those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or anyone for that matter).
I've had the pleasure to have recently joined the Jones family, and am sad that I never had the opportunity to meet Steve. It has always been clear how deeply he is loved. Thank you, Stuart, for sharing Steve's story with the world.
I've had the pleasure to have recently joined the Jones family, and am sad that I never had the opportunity to meet Steve. It has always been clear how deeply he is loved. Thank you, Stuart, for sharing Steve's story with the world.
December 27, 2025
Deeply moving story, well told.
This book is both a tribute to a beautiful life that transcended disabilities to touch lives with love and grace, and of a family who loved him, fought for his place in society, advocated for dignity and acceptance for him, placed him before themselves, and mourned his death profoundly. Kudos to Stuart for undertaking the project of writing this book with deep emotion, and capable skill. I am grateful for this book and the lives it will touch.
This book is both a tribute to a beautiful life that transcended disabilities to touch lives with love and grace, and of a family who loved him, fought for his place in society, advocated for dignity and acceptance for him, placed him before themselves, and mourned his death profoundly. Kudos to Stuart for undertaking the project of writing this book with deep emotion, and capable skill. I am grateful for this book and the lives it will touch.
January 5, 2026
A lovely tribute to a brother that taught his family how to love and laugh but also how to fight for him when it mattered most. Dr. Jones captures his brother’s legacy as well as the historical background of the world of education and intellectual disabilities in an easy to read format with plenty of smiles and laughs along the way. Well done, Stuart.
November 26, 2025
For the love of Stephen is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story that provides a much-needed shift in perspective. It allows us to see the human behind the diagnosis, label, or name that society gives them. This is a beautiful tribute to a boy who was never broken.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews