The S.S.P.A. Library was established in 1987 with its aim being to inform, reassure, support, encourage and stimulate SSPA members. Its collection includes a range of adult and children's fiction, adult non-fiction, reference materials, periodicals and videos, all dealing with the subject of short stature and its associated problems. All members are welcome to borrow from the Library via mail or, where applicable in person.

• Library report
• Borrowing rules
• Library holdings
• Book reviews
• Links to other library resources
• Contact the Librarian

Library report (July 2011)

Greetings from North Queensland.

I have received a number of enquiries regarding books that are suitable for younger children, mostly when they come to the age of realising that they are different, and are not growing as quickly as their friends or siblings. I know this review has been in the Journal previously, but I thought it a good time due to all the enquiries, that it be printed again.

Enjoy.

“I'm Just Small, That's All”
Written by Karalee Braithwaite; illustrated by Joanne Lusty
Published 2002

We donated this book to the SSPA library back in 2008, as we thought it is a wonderful book, and perfect for young children. We found the book on the LPA website, back in 2006, and purchased numerous copies. We gave one to the day care centre that our son Matthew attended, and also donated one to the school library. We found the book when Matt started having issues dealing with the fact that everyone around him was getting taller (he was about 3 years old at the time) including his younger sister, and he was not. He couldn‟t understand why.

The book is written perfectly to read to any youngster. The book starts off by saying „I‟m a little person who‟s just not tall, I have a condition that makes me this small‟ The book goes on to say that I am small, but I still run and play, and I still do the same things you do. The pictures on the pages are large and colourful. They are very easy for kids to see, and follow.

The child care centre would read the book every week or so, just to remind the kids, that no matter

how different someone may look, they can still play, and do what everyone else can do.

The book really helped Matt through a difficult time, and we feel it also helped the other kids to understand that he is just like them. The school actually read this book to all the Junior classes, when Matt started in Prep, and he has not had any issues with the kids from school.

We feel that this is a very helpful book for young children if/as they start child care, and/or school. We are very happy with this book, and would recommend it to any family with a short statured child.

Sandra Lundie

Library report (March 2011)

Greetings from North Queensland!

The library has been through a rather bumpy start to the new year, with Cyclone Yasi, and enormous amounts of rain, however, I am please to let you all know that it has made it through with flying colours.

I have not purchased any new books lately, however I am keeping an eye on a couple that look like they could be of interest to you all. Will keep you updated. I have also been informed of a new movie out, that I will look at purchasing also. It's called “I love you too”. It stars Peter Dinklage, and I have been told it is a lovely movie.

I am always open for suggestions, so please feel free to drop me a line sandra_lundie@live.com.au

Hope you are all going well
Sandra

Library report (September 2010)
 

Greetings from the far North! Where the weather is beautiful one day, perfect the next!
I don't have much to report at this time I am sorry to say. However, I am looking for your help in this matter...
I would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for books or DVDs that you would like to see in the SSPA library. Whether it be local or international books, we are looking for what you, the members of the SSPA would like to read about.

Below is a Review of one of the older books in the Library collection.
Hope you enjoy!

“Why Wasn’t I Told?”
A Goal Setting Program for young adults and anyone who hasn’t been told yet By Lisa Jane McInnes Illustrations by Robyn Wearing Smith
Published: 1986

This book will help you to decide what you want in life and how to go about achieving it.
The book is set out in an easy to understand list format. It is very easy to follow, and to take notes and keep track of them.
Some of the items covered are:
What is goal setting?; Why have goals?; What is a goal?; Do you know what you want in Life?; Taking Stock of myself; my assets, abilities & talents; my character; Goals I am already working towards; My relationships; Careers I'd like to try;  Places I'd like to go; Obstacles I must overcome; What to do next?; Problem solving; ways to relieve tension.
There are numerous other chapters in the book, which are designed for you to read about, and then document your own thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. The author puts difficult decisions and life choices in easy to follow, easy to understand context.
If you are at a time in your life, perhaps at school, or just in general everyday life, requiring important decisions to be made, or perhaps you have a relationship that needs some insight, this is a wonderful book to help you with the decisions you need to make.

I would also like to mention that I have downloaded a PDF copy of an article I found on the LPA (Little People of America) site. It is called “It‟s a Whole new view – A guide for raising a child with Dwarfism” It is written by Joanna Campbell & Nina Dorren, and published by the LPA. It seems it was first published in 1998, but has been updated in 2006. I have not read the whole article, but from glancing over it, it looks very interesting, and very informative. Like I said, I have a PDF copy of this, however I am happy to zip and email it out to you, or if preferred, I can print it out.
I hope to hear from you all very soon, with lots of good ideas, and requests for borrowing.

Have a good one
Sandra
 

Library report (June 2010)
 

“Never Sell Yourself Short”
Written by: Stephanie Riggs
Photographs by: Bill Youmans
Published 2001

This book is a wonderful book written in the words of ‘Josh’ a 14 year old.  Josh goes on to talk about the challenges he faced as a young child and also the challenges he now faces as a 14 year old.  Josh is a wonderfully upbeat young man, who is not afraid to ask for help if he needs it, but is also very determined to give most things a go.   

Josh has lots of friends that help him out, and stand by him when he needs support.  Josh is also there to stand by his friends, when they are the ones in need of some support.  Josh plays sport, and is the manager of his school’s basketball team. 

This book is perfect for young teens, young children, and anyone else who would like to read it.  It has large colourful pictures, so very easy to follow for younger children. 

 “I’m Just Small, That’s All”
Written by Karalee Braithwaite
Illustrated by Joanne Lusty
Published 2002 

We donated this book to the SSPA library back in 2008, as we thought it is a wonderful book, and perfect for young children.  We found the book on the LPA website, back in 2006, and purchased numerous copies.  We gave one to the day care centre that our son Matthew attended, and also donated one to the school library.  We found the book when Matt started having issues dealing with the fact that everyone around him was getting taller (he was about 3 years old at the time) including his younger sister, and he was not.  He couldn’t understand why.   

The book is written perfectly to read to any youngster.  The book starts off by saying ‘I’m a little person who’s just not tall, I have a condition that makes me this small’  The book goes on to say that I am small, but I still run and play, and I still do the same things you do.   The pictures on the pages are large and colourful.  They are very easy for kids to see, and follow. 

The child care centre would read the book every week or so, just to remind the kids, that no matter how different someone may look, they can still play, and do what everyone else can do. 

The book really helped Matt through a difficult time, and we feel it also helped the other kids to understand that he is just like them.  The school actually read this book to all the junior classes, when Matt started in Prep, and he has not had any issues with the kids from school. 

We feel that this is a very helpful book for young children if/as they start child care, and/or school.  We are very happy with this book, and would recommend it to any family with a short statured child.

Library report (May 2010)

Greetings from the Library far away in NQ!

I am very pleased to report that the SSPA Library has 4 new book additions! 

• In the little world – by John Richardson – non fiction/biography

From the back page:  “One of the most honest books I’ve ever read, and through it’s honesty it arrives at a true and nearly radical compassion”

      In 1997, almost by accident, John Richardson Found himself sharing a hotel with more than a thousand dwarfs.  Over the course of a single week, he begins relationships with some of the people at a convention that evolve into an affecting two year and beyond odyssey into the little world.

      He introduces us to character like a saintly but obsessed doctor and a mother who sacrifices her family to save her dwarf daughter.  He follow two dwarf lovers from their first meeting through their struggle to overcome fear ad shame and find the confidence to love each other.  He becomes personally involved in a tangled and often confrontational friendship with a female dwarf. 

Through these stories and musings, ranging from classic theories of beauty to the history of the disability movement, to post modern theories of difference, Richardson presents a world that is a skewed reflection of our own – and offers us a glimpse into the essential human condition. 

• The thing about Georgie – Lisa Graff – Fiction

From the back page:      “first novelist Graff employs a light touch, turning in a poignant often funny exploration of what it means to celebrate one’s skills rather than lamenting one’s limitations.  An upbeat and sensitive look at what it’s like to be different, this novel will spark discussion.” – ALA booklist.

                                          “This story about a dwarf will entertain and enlighten kids” - SLJ
                                          “A compelling portrayal of dwarfism, differences, and growing up” – Kirkus Reviews

      The thing about poodles is that Georgie bishop hates to walk them.
      The thing about Jeanie the meanie is that she would rather write on her shoe than help Georgie with their Abraham Lincoln project.
      The thing about Andy’s nonna is that she kisses Georgie’s cheeks and doesn’t speak one word of English.
      The think about Georgie’s mum is that she is having a baby – a baby who will probably be taller than Georgie very, very soon.
      The thing about Georgie… well, what is the thing about Georgie???  

• Who says I’m small – J B Tischendorf – non fiction

From the back page:      Walking small…

      A mum will walk any walk for her child.  Walk along with Juanita Tischendorf as she discovers that her son Erik was born “a little person – achondroplasic – at a tiem (1969) when far less was known about this form of dwarfism than is known today.  Affecting one in every 26,000 – 40,000 children, achondroplasia was diagnosed in Erik at age 10 months.  Juanita’s journey with her son, against all odds is a story with a message for all. 

• Not so small after all – Lilli Messina – Fiction

From the back page:      Lilly is the smallest in her class.  She wishes she were taller.  Maybe then her classmates wouldn’t make fun of her.
                                     Then something happens which helps Lilly realise that it doesn’t matter how tall you are, but how big you are inside.

If you are interested in borrowing any of the above books, please drop me a line at Sandra_lundie@live.com.au   

Stay tuned for more new book reviews, on the new books as outlined above.

Borrowing rules

Borrowing rules are as follows:
1. Library borrowing will be available to members of the SSPA only.
2. Initially members may only borrow one book at a time for a period not exceeding one month.
3. The borrower will be responsible for replacement of books in cases of loss or damage.
4. When books are borrowed through the mail, the borrower must, on return of the loan, enclose stamps to the value of the initial postage so the library will not incur extra costs.
5. Materials such as bibliographies, directories, etc. (which are mainly reference books) will not be available for loan but are to be used as sources for quick reference. For members wishing for information from these texts but who are unable to search them personally, please contact the Librarian who will be happy to assist.
Reviews of newly-purchased appear in the SSPA Journal on an occasional basis.

Library holdings

A complete list of the SSPA's library holdings is listed below:

Books

 A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | L | M | N | P | S | T | W | Y 

Videos

* Plus numerous journal & media publications/articles of medical/social/scientific significance to the SSPA.            

Book reviews

Reviews of newly-purchased items will appear in the SSPA Journal on an occasional basis. For the latest book reviews click here.

Links to other library resources

Links to other library resources dealing with short stature

LPA Online Library
Dwarfism.org Library

Contact the Librarian

The Library is currently in residence at the home of Sandra Lundie, SSPA Librarian..
For full details of library holdings and recent book additions contact her at the following address:

Sandra Lundie
32 Alsop Drive
Heatley Qld 4814
Ph: (07) 4779 3741
Email: sandra_lundie@live.com.au  

 

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Any comments or suggestions should be forwarded to: francisjk@bigpond.com
Copyright: ©2000 Short Statured People of Australia Inc. All rights reserved.
Last updated: 21 August, 2011