What's Wrong with Timmy? by Maria Shriver
Illustrated by Sandra Speidel
Warner Books - October 16, 2001
ISBN: 0316233374 - Hardcover
General Fiction
Ages 5-8

Reviewed by Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.com
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Shriver tells the story of Kate and her friendship with Timmy, a mentally retarded child that she meets when she and her mother go to the park. At first, Kate is uneasy with Timmy because he looks and acts "different." Soon, though, Kate and Timmy are laughing and playing together. They discover that they do have some things in common, including their love of basketball, and Kate invites Timmy to play basketball with her and her other friends.

Maria Shriver has remarkable insight gained from her family's personal work to improve the rights of the disabled, and the founding and support of Special Olympics. She shows extraordinary sensitivity in her compassionate treatment of this great kid, Timmy. We all know a "Timmy," maybe not mentally retarded, but handicapped in some way...different. Shriver has given us a tool to help children understand and react in a positive way to the differences of the disabled. They are, after all, just like all the rest of us; they want to be included, and loved.

I loved this book. I wish all young children could read it. The wonderful illustrations by Sandra Speidel add a stunning visual impact to the message. Parents and teachers will want to read this book with children and to discuss it to reinforce its principles. Included in the book is a list of organizations offering help and information on various disabilities, and the link below will allow you to download a Teacher's Guide to accompany this book.

Teacher's Guide

Link to brief author biography