Review of I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance

Written by:  Andrea Coventry • Edited by: Laurie Patsalides
Updated Jul 5, 2011
• Related Guides: Down Syndrome | Special Needs | Physical Disabilities
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Bryan Lambke wrote his book, "I Just Am," with assistance from his father, Tom, to bring about awareness and understanding of Down syndrome. Filled with photographs and Bryan's own words, it is a great resource for both adults and children.

Inspiration for I Just Am

When people hear about Down syndrome, they have many misconceptions. They think it is a disease, and one from which people can die. A few think it is contagious, or that people with DS are stupid. Some continue to use the passe and derogatory term "Mongoloid". Bryan and his father Tom wish to dispel those misconceptions and to eradicate such terms from the vernacular.

Bryan wishes to inspire other people with Down syndrome to embrace their physical disabilities and to take pride in their abilities. He wants them to set goals and dream big, then work toward those goals. By focusing on the positive, they can find the same level of happiness that he has achieved.

Tom wants to teach the world to be more tolerant and understanding of people like his son. Specifically he wishes to address Down syndrome, but generally wants to see more awareness of special needs.

I Just Am

As an introduction to the book, Tom Lambke interviews Cheryl Rogers-Barnett. Her parents were the famous Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Her younger sister Robin Elizabeth was born with Down syndrome, and her mother had written a book called Angel Unaware about her. In her interview, she talks about life back in the 1950's with a child with Down syndrome. Lambke chose to interview her as he had read her mother's book and found it quite inspirational.

The next 68 pages are filled with black-and-white photographs of Bryan, each captioned in his own words. He explains that Down syndrome means having an extra chromosome, which results in him looking different from others. He is also a little slower than others. But at the same time, he is normal. He is happy, but can feel sad. He attended high school and has a regular job. He has friends and girlfriends. He loves music and sports. He wants to have a motorcycle and to get his license. He goes shopping and to the movies. He has dreams and goals. He isn't perfect, but then again, neither is anyone else. He wishes to be normal, but then again, so does everyone else. He just is.

Following Bryan's words are a few sections to educate about Down syndrome. Numerous facts about the scientific definition and physical manifestation of the syndrome explain the truth about DS, and work to dispel misconceptions. Statistics provide further knowledge. Language guidelines teach how to properly discuss DS.

Author Emily Perl Kingsley shares a personal anecdote about raising a child with special needs. Several people in various aspects of the educational world also share their endorsements of the book.

An Great Resource About Down Syndrome
Rating Good

I Just Am easily reaches its goal of educating about Down syndrome. Hearing Bryan's own words about his life and his feelings about how people treat him, bring about a more personal touch than someone else just writing about DS. He shares photographs of his life that prove how normal his life can be, as similar photos can be found in just about anyone's personal photo album.

The wealth of information provided at the end of the book provides a foundation for further research into the topic, if desired. It focuses on the facts to dispel the common misconceptions. It is only lacking in lists of helpful websites, books, or organizations for further information, beyond those who contribute.

Parents who have a child with Down syndrome can feel inspired to help their child achieve his own goals and dreams. They can feel more at ease that they did nothing to cause the syndrome. People who have Down syndrome can also feel inspired that they, too, can lead a normal life.

Educators can take advantage of this book to teach respect for children with special needs in their classroom.

Images

Tom and Bryan Lambke with Eunice Kennedy ShriverBryan Lambke with Sargeant ShriverBryan Lambke with Joey Kramer of Aerosmith

Resources

Coventry, Andrea. "Authors Bryan and Tom Lambke Speak Out About Down Syndrome". Associated Content. Retrieved 12-28-09 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2486342/authors_bryan_and_tom_lambke_speak.html?cat=4.

Lambke, Bryan and Lambke, Tom. I Just Am: A Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance. Chandler, AZ: Five Star Publications, 2006.


 
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