The 2011 Willow Awards
Snow Willow Nominee
Free As A Bird
Ruby Jean has Down Syndrome. When her grandmother dies, she is sent to live in an institution for developmentally disabled people, where she must endure isolation, boredom and every kind of abuse. She can hardly remember if she’s ever been happy, but finds a way to learn patience and perseverance.
Check out this booktrailer made by students of St. Mary School in Moose Jaw.
About the Author
Gina McMurchy-Barber was the recipient of the 2004 Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. She majored in archaeology at Simon Fraser University, studied orangutans in Borneo under Dr. Birute Galdikas, and led backpack tours to Asia and South America. Her first novel, Reading the Bones, was nominated for the Silver Birch Award and the Langley Book of the year Award. She lives in Surrey, British Columbia.
Book Reviews
Suggested Activities
- Want to learn more about Down Syndrome? KidsHealth.org is a great place .
- Down Syndrome is often feared and misunderstood. Read some personal stories from the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.
- CTV’s W5 program featured Woodlands Institution in one of their programs, entitled Children of Woodlands. Read about it here.
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