Books
Looking for a good book to begin your book club?
Sometimes it is hard to find the right one that is both relevant to our adult readers and easy to read. Our Founder, Dr. Tom Fish saw a huge need for books with high interest and age appropriate content with lower reading level language. We have a couple suggestions that have been tried and tested with many book clubs and might be exactly what you are looking for!
What Do You Want on Your Pancakes?: Short Stories for All Paperback
Tom Fish, Gail Ritter, Anke Gross-Kunkel, Desi Doolin
For far too long, there has been a shortage of literature that addresses adult issues and experiences in a way that is both easily readable and meaningful for readers of all levels. That’s what inspired us to write What Do You Want on Your Pancakes? Our collection of short stories and a play uses easy language, big print, and pictures to enhance readability and comprehension. We also make sure each page ends with a complete sentence.
Originally, we had the members of our Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) in mind when writing What Do You Want on Your Pancakes? The Next Chapter Book Club is a literacy program established in 2002 at the Ohio State University by Dr. Tom Fish. NCBC is a community-based book club program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) that provides weekly opportunities for members to read and learn together, talk about books, and make friends in a community setting.
Beyond being full of easy-to-read selections, What Do You Want on Your Pancakes? is also interactive! The stories and the play include questions or thoughts interspersed throughout for the reader to consider. This was done to spark conversation and to help readers focus on the issues addressed in each selection.
Another unique feature of this book is that, at the end of each selection, readers can access hands-on activities related to what they have just read. These activities are fun, creative, and can be completed either individually or as a group.
Having completed What Do You Want on Your Pancakes?, we realize that our targeted readership goes well beyond the members of our Next Chapter Book Clubs. We are hoping the selections in our book ring true with a wide range of readers. After all, everyone should have access to a good book! Happy reading, one and all!
Something’s Brewing: Short Stories and Plays for Everyone
Thomas Fish, Ph. D. & Jillian Ober, M.A., CRC
Delightful stories about navigating the ups and downs of adulthood while living with a disability. The characters’ perspectives are fresh and honest as they overcome heartbreak, face disappointments, renew friendships and celebrate triumphs. An informative read for anyone who is curious about what it is like to live with a disability, or just wants a feel good tale about the power of friendship and belonging.
Tom and Jillian have done it again – engaging their audience in stories that speak to the lived experience of individuals with developmental disabilities. Being able to see and hear oneself in the characters of a story or play is empowering. The characters in Something’s Brewing are sure to be a hit with readers around the world.
“As the authors point out in their foreword, it is a challenge to find books that are accessible and age-appropriate for adult readers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Something’s Brewing does this masterfully, using the authors’ long experience interacting with book club members to fashion stories and plays that adults with IDD can relate to, share and enjoy together…. As a librarian I appreciate a thoughtfully written and entertaining read, and Something’s Brewing fits the bill!”
– NCBC Facilitator
Lucky Dogs, Lost Hats, and Dating Don’ts
Thomas Fish, Ph. D. & Jillian Ober, M.A., CRC
Got roommate troubles? Adore your pets? Starting to date? Like outdoor adventure Having ups and downs at work?
It’s all here in Luck Dogs, Lost Hats, and Dating Don’ts.
If reading is a challenge for you, these 14 short stories illustrated with photos are just for you. And, they talk about real life! Whether you are in middle school or are already out of school, you’ll find stories that will grab you because they are funny, sad, and suspenseful. You will read about characters with and without disabilities who are dealing with tough problems, falling in love, and living on their own.
Check out the questions at the end of each story, answer them on your own or bring them to your next book club meeting.
“This is a wonderful collection of personal real-life short stories that relate to this group of readers. “Emerging” readers will enjoy the large text and wider spacing between words and lines. Although the text and print are written for young readers, the content and photos are suited for adults. Very well-done – MORE of these types of books need to be created and available! My gratitude to the author!”
– Mom of a son with down syndrome
New Love, Spilt Milk, and Potbellied Pigs
Thomas Fish, Ph. D. & Jillian Ober, M.A., CRC
Have you ever wondered…
- What it would feel like to be a chocolate cake, or
- How you would react to not getting your paycheck on time, or
- How to get out of doing your laundry, or
- What it would be like to have a pet pig, or
- What it means to be in love?
New Love, Spilt Milk, and Potbellied Pigs explores these questions and many more. The diverse stories, plays, and poems in this book are relatable and easy to read. If you are looking to have fun, laugh out loud, explore your thoughts and emotions, and read about real life, you have picked the right book!
“An easy read that does a fantastic job catching the reader’s attention and keeping them engaged the entire time.”
“This book was at an easy reading level but had engaging and relevant stories.”