Every student should be required to listen to this book.
Gabrielle Ford’s inspirational story begins when, during middle school, she is diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare degenerative muscle disease. Ataxia caused her to frequently stumble, wobble as if she had been drinking, and slur her words. Eventually she needed a wheelchair. Because of the disease’s symptoms, Gabe was bullied throughout middle and high school. Students would mock, tease, and even punch her. It is heartbreaking to learn how she was abused.
It took a long-eared coonhound named Izzy, who curiously suffered from a similar condition, to lift Gabe out of a deep depression caused by the incessant abuse. Much like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Gabe has become an internationally renowned speaker and anti-bullying advocate. Her story has been shared during a myriad of school assemblies, conferences and conventions, on the Today Show, and in the pages of Cosmopolitan Magazine. It is the most requested episode in the history of Animal Planet.
Narrator Susan Bennett’s comforting and pleasant voice adds another level of authenticity to Gabe’s story. The seasoned narrator’s clear and kind voice gently relays the importance of the story and is compassionate to both Gabe and the listener. She is a skilled voice artist. (Many people will recognize her as the voice of Apple’s Siri.) Bennett’s talents are a perfect addition to such a difficult yet encouraging biography.
Sidebars dot the story. Information on how to identify bullying, fight back when bullied, stand up for someone who is bullied, and help someone who is a victim of bullying is included in the narrative. Countless letters from students who have attended her school assemblies and are thankful for her bravery are also shared.
Gabe’s desire is to break the cycle of bullying. Listening to her story will help. Lisa Arnold.
Lisa Arnold spends her days teaching English to middle school students, her evenings working as a library clerk, and her nights reading under the covers. (www.gabenizzy.@yahoo.com) http://www.gabeandizzy.com
Gabe and Izzy 