I learned so much about human
nature reading this book that I forgot to
worry about the disability of one co-author
and the enormous frustrations of the other.
It’s not that this exceptional
mother-and-daughter team glosses anything
over; they face all of it like warriors, with
ingenuity and courage, and we learn a great
deal from that, too. Rather it’s their focus
on the power within that struck me to the
core. It’s hearing myself laughing out loud at
their beautiful sense of humor. It’s
understanding through them that the strength
it takes to face life head on can inspire
readers like me, who feel genuinely renewed at
book’s end. — Patricia Holt, former book
review editor, San Francisco Chronicle
——————————-
Very powerful
narrative in two voices. This book should be
required reading for teachers and everyone in
equity and critical disability studies.
–Gloria Filax, Ph.D., Professor of Disability
Studies, Athabasca University
———————
Tell Me the Number before Infinity is
enlightening, moving, often funny, sometimes
enraging, and just a plain old good read…. it’s
a big thing to feel one’s life has been changed
by something–and reading this book has done that
for me. –Kathryn Chetkovich, author of Friendly Fire
—————–
Tell Me the Number Before Infinity is
a book I hope EVERY educator will have an
opportunity to read…. It has been said that
disability is the next civil rights movement. It
is long overdue. I was inspired by their
heartfelt writing and know that their book
contributes to a needed understanding about
disability, for all community members, but most
especially for those who teach our children. —
Susan Cushman, Family Support Director, United
Cerebral Palsy of Oregon & SW Washington
—————————–
This is a surprising book — unsentimental,
sparse, courageous and loving. Two remembered
stories of lives impacted (but not defined) by
cerebral palsy. A must-read for teachers, social
workers and parents. It will change how you
think about cerebral palsy and families. –Julie
Olsen Edwards, Early Childhood & Family Life
Education specialist, co-author, Anti-bias Education
for Young Children and Ourselves,
Cabrillo College faculty.
———————–
I sat down to read a few chapters and could not
put this book down….it tugged at my heart, made
me laugh, infuriated me and gave me deeper and
richer understanding of what it’s like to be in
the world with a physical disability. I applaud
these two strong women for their clarity,
honesty and humor. –Helene Simkin Jara, author
of Because
I Had To and upcoming True Doll Stories——————————————
I feel as though I were invited into Becky’s
family. Dena shares intimate feelings as she
experiences the challenges of raising an
independent-minded daughter with cerebral palsy.
As a teacher, being a part of Becky’s
mathematical thinking is a rare treat. It’s fun
experiencing Becky analyze the world around her.
–Lynne Alper, mathematics educator
————————————–
Tell Me the Number before Infinity allowed
me to walk into Becky and Dena’s life, sit down
at their kitchen table, and listen to their
story firsthand… and what a story it is! I
picked the book up and did not put it down. This
narrative is a gift for all allies of people
with cerebral palsy. Teachers, parents, and
counselors can use this book as a guide to make
our spaces more welcoming, more supportive, more
embracing of all of our “trailblazers.” –Kathryn
Harmon, Library Media Specialist
——————-
Quirky indeed! WILD indeed! Trailblazing
disrupter Becky and her fiercely candid mama
tell it like it really is. An amusing,
thoughtful, and poetic memoir. A must-read for
teachers, parents, and anyone navigating our
increasingly diverse world…. This family truly
taught me what it meant to be an advocate for
one’s child…Undoubtedly my best math student
ever, Becky arrived in my third-grade classroom
and crashed into my heart forever. –Marcia
Areias, Becky’s third-grade teacher
———————
Becky says that if she was different than she
was, she wouldn’t think the way she does, and
this is beautiful, important for everyone to
think about. The back and forth layout between
mother and daughter makes me eager to read the
next piece. The great beauty of the book is that
we experience the honest, blended lives and
feelings of these two women, from different
viewpoints that are very deeply intermingled.
This is an important book. It carries strength,
humor, and pain, and it will make a profound
difference in people’s lives. –Stan Rushworth,
author of Going to Water: The
Journal of Beginning Rain
—————
This book is a much needed ‘reality check’ about
what it is truly like for families with kids
with special needs. It is unique in interpreting
eloquently both parent’s and child’s
perspectives, a must read for teachers,
professionals and families alike! –Cece
Pinheiro, Executive Director, Special Parents
Information Network (SPIN)
————
This book is relatable to everyone in the
special needs community, and provides insight
for those who are unfamiliar with the challenges
and obstacles that are faced on a daily basis.
The stories can help raise awareness which may
lead to a more enlightened and informed
community. –Barry Gardin, United Cerebral Palsy
of the Golden Gate
—————
My 11-year-old stayed up all night finishing
this book! I don’t think he could really
articulate why he liked it so much, but I think
he found it very inspirational and affirming,
even if he wouldn’t have used those words. I
highly recommend it for anyone whose kids are
“different” in any way. –Ty Alper, Professor,
U.C. Berkeley School of Law