My Buddy --- Halley Smith

Halley Smith

My Buddy

Audrey Osofsky

4-8 years

            I chose this book because it is based on a young boy who has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair as his mode of transportation.  Several children who attend Robertson elementary have children with intellectual and physical disabilities in their classroom.  This book gives children a way to view a disability in a positive light and see how important assistance is for someone in a wheelchair.  This story has a great story about trying to be independent, but knowing it is okay to ask for help from friends and family.  The young boy's seeing dog shows children that these dogs are arms and legs for children who cannot do certain tasks by themselves.  I chose this book because it has a great message for any child who knows someone with muscular dystrophy or uses a wheelchair on a daily basis.

            This story is about a young boy and his dog, Buddy.  The young boy has muscular dystrophy and this makes his muscles weak, so he moves around by wheelchair.  His dog, Buddy, is a seeing-eye dog and travels everywhere with him to assist in any way he can.  Buddy has always been a helpful companion and worked alongside the young boy since they both were very young.  Buddy had to learn the commands given by the young boy and it was difficult for Buddy to achieve them at first.  Buddy's leash stayed on the boy's wrist so they could spend every second together, even sleep together.  Buddy spent time with his friend even outside of home including: the shopping mall, the pet store and even school.  When Buddy came to school, he stayed focused on his work and would help his friend get to where he needed to be.  Buddy was best friend's with the young boy and they loved spending time together.