"A beautiful book that provides insight into family life with Down syndrome; recommended for public libraries."
-Library Journal Xpress Reviews, June 12, 2007

"Gifts is a poignant and inspirational collection of stories written by mothers of children with Down syndrome. These mothers, each with a unique story, graciously and honestly offer us a glimpse of their journey. Some describe the raw anguish felt upon learning that their child had Down syndrome, their sense of loss and even despair. Many speak of the fierce protection they provide their child in terms of advocacy and education of others, and how they, as mothers, have grown strong and assertive in providing for their children’s needs. All talk of unyielding love and admiration for their children and the joy the children have brought to their lives.

Written to help others who are experiencing similar circumstances, Gifts explores relationships between a parent and child, with siblings and with the larger community. It tells of the 'light burning brightly' and 'the tiny hands of comfort' offered by the child with Down syndrome. It shares stories of families who are reveling in the journey that they had once feared.

This book will accompany the reader long after it is placed on the bookshelf. The advice and resources provided will help many, and the theme of determination will inspire all to cheer for those with Down’s, as well as their families. A companion volume is in the works offering more stories of love, acceptance and hope (writer’s guidelines are available at www.giftsds.segullah.org).

I thoroughly enjoyed this paperback book. Not often can a book touch one’s heart--I found, more than once, a tear in my eye and a smile on my lips. It is a testament to what can be accomplished with love, patience and determination and will be an invaluable resource for anyone associated with the care of individuals with Down syndrome."
-ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy Practitioners, July 7, 2008

"This fine book helps dispel the fear and misinformation about Down syndrome that many parents and prospective parents face. As these deft essays convey, the world would be a sweeter place with more Down syndrome citizens, not fewer."
-George F. Will

"Through Gifts we hear the powerful voices of mothers who said 'yes' when others might have been saying 'no.' These mothers take us on their journey filled with wonder, courage, and the belief that children with Down syndrome can and will succeed."
-Brian G. Skotko, M.D., M.P.P. Physician, Children's Hospital Boston and Boston Medical Center
Author, Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome
Board of Directors, Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

"If a birth mom you know is expecting a child with Down Syndrome, here is a resource to have on hand. Specifically addressing the blessing of Down Syndrome, this book could be just what a mom needs to read to make a life decision for her baby."
-NATTHAN NEWS, Spring/Summer 2007

"This book tells the story of 64 individuals, all born with an extra chromosome and therefore labled with the diagnosis of Down syndrome. Though the reader will encounter many of the symptoms and challenges related to the presence of Trisomy 21, the focus of these stories, written from mothers' perspectives, is the person. You will discover unique personalities, temperaments and dynamics in these narratives underscored by hope and inspiration.

The editor has organized the chapters according to the gifts these children offer including respect, strength, delight, perspective and love, gifts which most parents consider to be universal. While many of the mothers reflect on the challenges they have experienced relating to societal attitudes, medical complications and altered expectations, the universal gifts that accompanied the birth of their children remains consistent in their stories.

With a contribution of only 3 stories from Canada, this book primarily presents an American perspective within the context of traditional two parent families who openly share their faith affiliations. Each short story can be read within minutes and provides an informative read despite highlighting the same message, that every baby is unique.

There are no strategies for coping in the pages of this book: rather it aims to provide a source of support, encouragement and joy for new parents."
-Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, December 2008

"I have reviewed this book from different perspectives. Firstly as a parent of Biddy, aged 18 years [who has Down Syndrome] secondly as an LMC midwife and thinking how useful this would be for women.

The book comprises of 63 personal stories from women who have children with Down syndrome. They describe the gifts of respect, strength, delight and love which their child with Down syndrome has brought into their lives. The women who contributed to these stories have diverse personalities and perspectives and draw from a wide spectrum of ethnicity, would views, and religious beliefs.

Some never considered terminating their child, some struggled with the decision. They all dealt with the diagnosis in different ways.

Recently I cared for a family with a 4 year old with Down syndrome. She had been given this book when her daughter was born and found it was very helpful. Other women in her early intervention group also found it very useful. It is a lonely time going through the grieving process; you still have a baby that you love dearly but the future is far from what you have dreamt and planned before they are born; the support of reading a book like this can be immense.

I think this book would be a useful resource to recommend to families who are faced with the challenge of a diagnosis they were not expecting."
-New Zealand College of Midwives Midwifery News, Issue 62 September 2011