Born Extraordinary: Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities Paperback – March 7, 2023

Meg Zucker's excellent and important book is based on her experience of more than fifty years of dealing with having been born different. But it also includes numerous experiences from the lives of many others (including her two sons) born different or disabled. They learned not only how to deal with their differences but also with the well-meaning but often mistaken relatives, friends, or strangers whose understandable desire to help could get in the way of developing independence. It's something Zucker learned early on from her parents, who in this regard became models of parenting her own children. All these brief stories of disappointment, struggle, and success , when parents, siblings, teachers, friends, and Zucker herself discover something important, are the heartbeat of this informative and deeply moving book.Leon Waldoff

Meg Zucker should absolutely flaunt her candid ability to share her authenticity and voice. This read defines why we should never limit ourselves to a label, and learn to embrace the unique differences of others. I am more empathetic because of her words, stories and ideas.

This book is a special one. Through sharing her personal life story, Meg gives us insight on how to not only raise empathetic children but how to be a kind human being. I love how open and honest she is about learning how to love herself— and through that self-love she teaches not only her children on how to be but the world at large with her nonprofit Don’t Hide It, Flaunt It. She’s gathered advice from other parents raising children with visible and invisible differences which again, are so applicable to anyone interested in becoming a more empathetic person. I loved every minute of this book, couldn’t put it down. Meg is a powerful, inspirational woman who I admire greatly.

This is a super inspiring book for young and adults. A must read - discuss such an important topic!

Drawing on her personal experiences, Meg Zucker does an amazing job guiding parents of children with disabilities and differences (visible and invisible) on how to help their children thrive despite their challenges and achieve self-acceptance and self-love. Her very readable book is filled with practical advice and is invaluable for ALL parents as she also teaches us how to be empathetic and put ourselves in others' shoes. It's no wonder the American Academy of Pediatrics said Born Extraordinary should be "required reading for all pediatricians and parents." I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Although my children don’t have visible differences I found great value in getting a glimpse into the lives of those who do and ideas about how to better interact with them. Meg’s stories and her frankness make for a great read.

Through her inspirational story, Meg Zucker's Born Extraordinary leaves a lasting impact. This is an engaging and touching read that offers a powerful message of resilience, compassion, and self-acceptance. Meg shares valuable lessons on of navigating life's challenges with grace and wisdom. Everyone can learn from her insights and experiences, regardless of whether or not they, or their child, have a physical difference.

This book gives a powerful voice to the differently abled. Zucker’s words are prolific and thoughtful. We are truly not defined by levels, but empowered by them. Thank you for sharing your family with us. The perfect read for parents and teachers needing practical, real world advice.

Recommended by a friend, I couldn't put this book down! So many of the themes resonated with me. As an adult who suffered from traumatic childhood illness, I read it through the lens of a child who felt different and an adult who appreciates the perspective of being "Born Extraordinary."Empathy is born from understanding and the acceptance and tolerance of our own and others differences, whether visible or invisible. This book has many great examples of how to teach/guide children to reframe narratives in their head about visible and invisible differences. This is true for their own, or others situations. By listening and adapting, the teachable moments provided many opportunities for the adults to grow and learn too.Self-acceptance isn't always quick and easy, but it ultimately leads to gratitude and the resilience to live life to the fullest; most parents greatest wish for their children.Thank you to author Meg Zucker and her family for sharing their stories, and for curating a thoughtful list of contributors.Books like this stand to make the world a better place.