MyaGrace Wants To Make Music: A True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination

By Jo Meserve Mach and Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier

MyaGrace Wants To Make Music is written by Jo Meserve Mach and Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier with photography by Mary Birdsell. This book supports inclusive education.

MyaGrace has Cerebral Palsy, Autism and as a result, significant intellectual disabilities. She was adopted from India into a family who want her to fully participate in family activities. MyaGrace wanted to play the piano, so her mother worked hard to find a piano teacher who would teach MyaGrace. Her family felt it was important MyaGrace be involved in a musical activity that was not therapy.

We chose to write this story because MyaGrace and her piano teacher demonstrate how a child with special needs can fully participate in a fun music activity.
Her mother and her piano teacher have high expectations for MyaGrace and her ability when she plays the piano.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Finding My Way Books
• Release date: Nov 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781944764265

Jo Meserve Mach

Jo Meserve Mach (author) spent 36 years as an Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about sharing the stories of children with special needs. Jo embraces the joy that individuals with disabilities bring to our communities through their unique gifts. Jo is cofounder of Finding My Way Books, which offers tools to help children without disabilities realize that children with disabilities are kids just like them. Readers and teachers love her books, which they describe as "great," "fabulous," which "showcase how a person with a disability can be a mentor to others," and "make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students." They are recommended for parents, teachers, elementary school libraries, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants a more just and inclusive world.