In Search of Better Angels
Stories of Disability in the Human Family
- J. David Smith - University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
In his book, In Search of Better Angels: Stories of Disability in the Human Family, author J David Smith appeals to the "better angels" of our character in a unique style of writing uncommon in literature for educational practitioners. The book seeks understanding for children with disabilities and the creation of a society that celebrates human diversity through a collection of stories. In Search of Better Angels discusses the challenges and possibilities for an inclusive educational system that accepts and welcomes students with disabilities. The stories presented throughout the book journey through the historical and scientific theories that shaped society's perception of people with disabilities. They include narratives of personal change and realizations, evaluations of trends in teaching and education for students with disabilities, and lessons we can learn as a society from people with disabilities and the qualities they possess
"We must first understand others before we can care about them and we must care about them before we can love them. In this book, J. David Smith takes us on a fascinating journey from understanding to caring to love."
Long version:
"This is not just a book about special education or people with disabilities, this is a book about humanity and what it means to be human!
J. David Smith carries on in the best tradition of the great Southern storytellers. He will make you laugh, he will make you cry, but most importantly, he will make you think!
There are insights in this wonderful book that, if taken to heart, can make us all "better angels!"
We must first understand others before we can care about them and we must care about them before we can love them. In this book, J. David Smith takes us on a fascinating journey from understanding to caring to love."