Tuesday, January 2, 2018

‘Gabe & Izzy’ by Gabrielle Ford

Book cover, 'Gabe & Izzy, Standing Up for America's Bullied' by Gabrielle Ford with Sarah Thomson. Cover image depicts a profile-view of a blond-ponytailed young woman in long-sleeved blue shirt and pants, sitting in a wheelchair and hugging a dog who has reared up so that its front paws are supported by the woman's arms. The woman and dog are rendered through photography and  a blue and white check floor and bookshelves are added to the scene, possibly through watercolor.
As a survivor of bullying, I enjoy reading the accounts of fellow targets like myself, who devote their efforts to speaking out against bullying and raising awareness of how serious it is.

In Gabe & Izzy, Gabrielle Ford shares her experiences during middle- to high-school when she was bullied by classmates but bullying was not spoken of openly at her school. She didn’t know how to ask for help, or even which adult to talk to.

Having been diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia — which as it progressed affected how Ford was able to move and to walk — Ford exhausted herself with trying to appear “normal.”

When a dog named Izzy entered Ford's life, Ford was completely isolated, but Izzy’s own unique challenges helped Ford to become more involved with life again.

Written for young readers, this book is Ford’s generous gift to students who face bullying. Interspersed with her story are facts and suggestions about what is bullying and how to address it.

Disclosure of material connection: My taxes support local libraries’ acquisition of this and other resources. I consider the access I enjoy to be a “priceless” return on my investment.

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