Second Chance

Second Chance


I have a daughter who has Asperger’s Syndrome, what many consider to be a mild form of autism, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I’m glad that I did. Although my daughter is not adopted, I gained many insights from reading this delightful book.

Second Chance is a heartwarming tale of love, acceptance and adoption, both human and animal. It is told from the point of view of the adopted puppy, Chance, with just the right blend of humor and seriousness. Chance takes us along on his journey from shelter to new home and allows us to experience what he experiences as he settles in. We meet and learn to know the new rules, his new mom, his new pack and a very special little boy named Ryan. Chance allows us to see Ryan as he sees him….without embellishment or apology. This allows us to see how the relationship grows and develops. It is the interaction between Ryan, who is autistic and Chance that really held my attention.

There are many parallels between Chance’s experiences in life and Ryan’s and it is Ryan who helps Chance understand what adoption means. Ryan offers Chance unconditional love and acceptance, as do the others in his new family and Chance flourishes. Chance returns the favor and adopts his new family.

I think my favorite part of the book is when Chance and Ryan converse and the pictures. I learned so much about autism and adoption in those brief talks. The pictures are rather indistinct, but it works well because they don’t interfere with the story. This is a wonderful little book that parents and children should read and discuss together. I highly recommend it.


Awards:
PBS Kids Recommended title
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/adoption/print_books.html

Book web site:
http://www.chancetheshelterdog.com

Sandra J. Gerencher Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579236662

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
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Sandra J. Gerencher Bio:
Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).



Buy links:
http://www.tribute-books.com/shop.html#children6

Excerpt:
http://www.freado.com/read/8704/second-chance-how-adoption-saved-a-boy-with-autism-his-shelter-dog