Book Details:

Author: Mary Beth Moore
Release Date: September 8, 2022
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Disability, Parenting, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 218 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
“He is my son. A person. He is not a condition or a statistic. He’s my son.”
Mary Beth Moore chose to have hope in a situation experts deemed hopeless. She was encouraged to abort her son when an ultrasound revealed the presence of multiple disabilities. Years later, experts education said the limitations of the school system could not be changed to meet her son’s needs. Again, Mary Beth chose to have hope.

Unwanted is a powerful story about one mom’s journey to make the world a better place for her son. Full of heartbreak, grit, and triumph, it raises awareness for disability rights and advocates for the human right to belong.
The presence of disabilities is a natural part of humanity, and in no way makes someone less worthy of living a full, inclusive life. Children with disabilities face pervasive discrimination and systemic segregation in school systems across the United States and around the world. Unwanted explores the evolution of special education law, research on creating inclusive classrooms, and real-world stories of families and teachers actively fighting to protect the rights of children with disabilities in our education system.

Review

“Unwanted: Fighting to Belong” is a heartrending and deeply personal journey of a mother’s unwavering determination, resilience, and advocacy for her son’s right to belong. Mary Beth Moore’s narrative is both a testament to a mother’s love and a powerful call to action for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

From the onset, Moore’s emotional recounting of being encouraged to abort her son due to detected disabilities is both heart-wrenching and evocative. This crucial moment sets the tone for the entire book, showcasing a mother’s fierce determination to protect her child in a world that might not readily accept him. Moore’s persistence in the face of adversity is commendable, and her narrative is charged with raw emotion and palpable passion.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with an exploration of the evolution of special education law. Moore’s detailed examination of the history and present state of the education system in relation to disability rights is both enlightening and alarming. Through her eyes, readers gain an intimate understanding of the pervasive discrimination and systemic barriers that many children with disabilities face daily.

Moreover, “Unwanted” is not just a memoir but also an educational tool. Moore delves deep into research on creating inclusive classrooms, offering insights and solutions for a more accepting education system. The real-world stories from families and educators actively challenging the status quo add depth and dimension to Moore’s narrative, presenting a holistic view of the challenges and triumphs in the realm of disability rights.

In essence, “Unwanted: Fighting to Belong” is an inspiring tale of hope, persistence, and advocacy. Moore’s story is a clarion call for society to recognise and uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities, emphasising that their presence is an intrinsic part of our shared humanity. The book is a beacon of enlightenment, urging readers to rethink and reshape perceptions about disabilities, inclusivity, and the inherent right of every individual to belong. Highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families with children with disabilities and for educators and policymakers striving to make a positive change.

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