Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing: A Mother's Story

by Beth Harry

Gripping, raw, and beautiful, this book reveals the struggles and rewards of caring for a child with severe disability and helps professionals work more sensitively and effectively with families of children with special needs. Written with grace and candor by special education professional Beth Harry, the book chronicles the life of her daughter, Melanie, who was born with a rare form of cerebral palsy and died less than 6 years later. Captivating the reader from page one, Dr. Harry illuminates the full spectrum of her parenting experiences—from the day her "little bird" came into the world to the day she left. Readers will come away with a deep understanding of Ideal for use as a supplemental text in courses for preservice early interventionists, early childhood special educators, special educators, and health professionals, this book gives readers an unforgettable inside look at what families experience when their child has a disability—and how to meet their needs as their child grows. And, a Reader's Guide is included! Perfect for use in the classroom or in book clubs, the thought-provoking discussion questions help professionals absorb the book's lessons and apply them to everyday practice with families. Eye-opening and inspiring, Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing will leave a lasting impression and will, as Dr. Harry urges, prepare readers "to believe the messages of their hearts as they make professional decisions."

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2008

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing read for any parent of a child with an exceptionally, any teacher as well. I highly recommend this book.

[Mills College Library]

618.92011 H3238m 2010

[Jackie Chin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully heartbreaking 💕

[Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and poignant account of a mother's unconditional love for her child

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable story! Beth Harry’s portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster she experienced over the years as the mother of a special needs child, was starkly honest. Her inner struggle with negative thoughts about her daughter were, at times, replaced by the undeniable beauty of her, yet she was conflicted about how she was going to take care of Melanie. As time passed, and Beth’s support system grew, so did the confidence in her ability to care for and give Melanie the best possible life she could. Through the darkest times, all of the sickness, hospital visits, and the severity of the diagnoses, Beth never gave up hope.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heartfelt story about a mother's struggle to cope with learning that her baby has been born with a disability. It is honest and truthful about what a mother must feel, and never actually want to say out loud. A must read for anyone in the education field, or anyone who works with special needs children. This book showed me a whole new perspective on my job and the relationship I need to build with my student's parents.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for school. It's a very detailed intimate, and first person account written by a mother whose young daughter had cerebral palsy. It gives a wonderful perspective to educators about what it's like to be a parent of a child with severe disabilities. The book is very insightful, but it does have a sad ending.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful for healthcare professionals and families affected by disability... Everyone should read

[Stephanie]

Memoir from a mother of a child with CP born in the 1970s. Insightful for professionals who work with the families of disabled children.