Look beyond our differences and honor our similarities.
Welcome to the children’s book series
Different, Yet Like Me™
By MARY SALZ
The series is designed to provide a better understanding of how illnesses, disabilities, and differences affect people.
Each book tells the story of a person with a difference such as a disability or illness.
As children read about things the person encounters and how they deal with differences, they may become more comfortable around people with different looks. They may be more open and kind in talking with people who have differences,
realizing that the similarities between them far outweigh the differences.
Perhaps some children with differences will become more comfortable going out and start feeling more free to do the things they like.
Book One
Different, Yet Like Me: DARLA
DARLA is Book One of this series about people with differences.
It is based on a true story and the setting is the Arizona desert.
Summary
Darla finds her best friend and has a carefree childhood until she loses a leg to cancer. Her journey is difficult, going through chemotherapy and looking different after her amputation, but Darla is brave. Despite her disability, she goes out to have fun with help from her friend and sweet little support dog, a teacup poodle. Getting a new decorated prosthetic leg helps her get back to her old life. She loves being with her friends again, who were at first nervous to be with her. She is able to do almost all the things she enjoys. To celebrate her health, they all go on a fantastic trip to the Grand Canyon!
Endorsements
As a former kindergarten and preschool teacher, I appreciate this book very much. The author presents “disabilities” as normal, not to be feared. She also presents the reality that people can be hurt by being isolated because of their disabilities. I believe it is advantageous to expose children to these issues as soon as they realize differences so they can be accepting and caring. In addition, it is hoped that children with disabilities may feel more confident after reading this book. — Gaye Fifer
This book is a wonderful read for students who are facing difficulties. It is a great reminder of the importance of acceptance and friendship. This inspiring story of resiliency will encourage elementary readers! — Allison Scull, Elementary School Teacher
Book Two
Different, Yet Like Me: LUKE
LUKE is book two of this series about people with differences.
It is inspired by real people and set in the Colorado Rockies.
Summary
Luke is a smart and funny boy who is missing just one thing…arms! Luckily, he has a great big brother, Ricky, to help him learn to navigate life without them – and have fun along the way.
Endorsements
“I love this book. Today, kids may be familiar with wheelchairs and sign language but someone with no arms? Not so much. More proof we are all our own “normal”. I should know; I also have no arms! — Alvin Law
As a former kindergarten and preschool teacher, I appreciate this book very much. The author presents “disabilities” as normal, not to be feared. She also presents the reality that people can be hurt by being isolated because of their disabilities. I believe it is advantageous to expose children to these issues as soon as they realize differences so they can be accepting and caring. In addition, it is hoped that children
with disabilities may feel more confident after reading this book. — Gaye Fifer
Thanks for letting me read this! This story is great and inspirational, and I love the jokes. — John Fox of Bookfox
Where to Buy:
and please ask your librarian to order it!
Available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook.
Contact the Author
Where to Buy:
Contact the Author
Life Lessons from Darla
By Mary Salz
Shock. That was Darla’s first reaction when her carefree childhood was disrupted by cancer. Her life became a roller coaster of intense emotions. Sadly, she lost her leg and, ultimately, faced death. During her illness, we shared difficult times, but also great times celebrating life as Darla grew in faith and joy.
My life was enriched by my precious friendship with Darla. She taught me to be more peaceful, loving, and accepting. My love for Darla and gratitude for the life lessons I received from being with her transcended the heartbreak of losing her. I learned that our choices shape our lives. Will we live in love or fear? Will we be courageous or withdraw when given challenges? Will we be caring or careless with others?
Here I share comical and touching tales of life with feisty Darla. I also include heartwarming stories about other amazing people with differences. Like Darla’s, their stories offer insight and inspiration. They show us that differences make the world a richer place.
Excerpts —
I remember walking down the hall of the hospital to visit Darla after her leg had been removed. I was very uncomfortable, literally shaking. My heart was racing. When we quietly walked into her room, my smile was weird. She couldn’t look at me anyway so I let the forced smile fall. She was extremely pale and her soft blue eyes blinked as though she hoped to wake up from a bad dream. Her trauma was obvious. I longed to comfort her. I desperately wanted to say, “It will be okay,” but how could I? I took a deep breath and slowly walked up to tentatively touch her hand. “Sorry,” came out as a croak. One small teardrop escaped, sliding down her beautiful face. Suddenly, we were weeping together—big, sad tears of anguish. She was a brave girl, but nobody should have to be brave all the time. Crying relieves stress. We let out all we could.
Nobody wanted to talk about her lost leg. I didn’t want to look at her legs either, but my curiosity was strong. I looked. I glimpsed a leg and a quarter of a leg under the sheet and looked away. My 12-year-old mind had a hard time with the reality. Then I found myself staring. It was really … gone. Flustered and not knowing what to say, I quietly sat by Darla while our mothers nervously chatted across the room, giving us time to reconnect. For several moments, we glanced at each other and looked away with a shyness, as if we were first meeting. Then a thought came to me. Was I looking at Darla’s body or at Darla? With fresh understanding, I looked at her and it was okay. Not so scary. It was my turn to give her the gift of acceptance, no matter what she faced. She was still my best friend, with a difference. A missing leg—a small change overall. When we think with our hearts, small differences are nothing. I smiled at her and she gave a tiny smile back. We finally talked normally and then hugged goodbye saying, “See you soon!” I didn’t like to see her suffering but left the hospital feeling happier.
*****
She wouldn’t have her dates or even a first kiss. So … she decided to live those things through me. Feisty little Darla gave me a smile one day. Not a sweet one—one of those sly little grins that made me cringe. I lifted my eyebrows and stared, waiting for it. “Go find somebody to kiss you,” she said nonchalantly. “Ha!” I squeaked, “I don’t think it’s that easy.” “Well, it can be,” she said. I was willing to do an awful lot for her, but this?
Table of Contents
- Darla
- Mary
- Best Friends
- Differences
- An Adventurous Friend
- Changes
- The Role of a Friend
- Sad News
- Blessings
- Dealing with Misfortune
- Not So Scary After All
- A New Leg
- Respect for Others
- Good News at Last
- A Sad Change
- Joy
- A Passing
Part 2 – Life Lessons from Darla
Purpose
Lessons
- People choose when to pass on
- Death is not to be feared
- Ask for and give help
- Focus on the positive and the present
- Love can come with the pain of loss, but it is absolutely worth it
- Connection
- Let love guide, not fear
- Compassion and service
- Understanding can lead to acceptance
- Stand up for others, nicely
- Anyone could quickly be different
- See the person inside
- Appreciate every person
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Courage to show differences and what can be accomplished
ENDORSEMENTS
I really like it! Told as one would relate to another, and in a clear, interesting, compelling and vulnerable way. – Rev. Dan Holloway
As a former counselor, I am highly impressed with the potential this little gem of a book could have in helping people face their fears about disabilities and death. This book is easy and fun to read as the story leads the reader through ups and downs of life. Darla is a wonderful role model for those wanting to live joyfully, no matter their circumstances. – Rebecca Wallace, MAADAM
This book takes a sensitive look at living with physical challenges, medical issues, and the emotions that arise from them. The author provides inspiring stories of spirited people with disabilities. Her insights focus on people’s actions and reactions to others. Her writing is full of raw emotion — compassionate and deeply felt. – Frank Birinyi, MD
Mary Salz
Mary Salz grew up in the arid Southwest among cacti, mountains, and stunning red rocks. She now lives in the Midwest amid green trees, deer, and her two delightful children. She credits her mother and Darla for inspiring her active volunteer life. She loves dancing to almost any kind of music!
Mary Salz
Mary Salz grew up in the arid Southwest among cacti, mountains, and stunning red rocks. She now lives in the Midwest amid green trees, deer, and her two delightful children. She credits her mother and Darla for inspiring her active volunteer life. She loves dancing to almost any kind of music!
Where to Buy:
and please ask your librarian to order it!
Available in print, large print, and ebook.
Also available at your favorite audiobook site.