Colin Gets a Chance

About the Book

Colin Gets a Chance is an inspirational look into a day in the life of a special needs child and how the acts of a child's peers can have such a significant impact.  Colin has Down syndrome.  Colin Gets a Chance is based on the premise that children with Down syndrome and other special needs have so much to offer society if just given a chance.  It's a book about awareness regarding a delicate subject many parents and teachers find challenging to discuss with their children.  The story centers around Colin's baseball team and takes place on the day of the biggest game of the year.  The bigger story is how Colin's teammates rally behind him to finally give him a chance, which is all Colin's ever wanted since the first day he put on his uniform.  Not only is it a chance to play but, for Colin, it's a chance at life.  Colin Gets a Chance is based on the author's son, Colin Beale.  You'll be cheering for Colin from the time you open the book to the very last word.  The best part about Colin Gets a Chance is that every illustration was completed by individuals with Down syndrome, which exemplifies just what these individuals can do if given a chance.  This book is sure to open up the lines of communication with your children as they learn more about Down syndrome and how much these individuals are really like them; once they're given a chance. 

About the Author

Author, Brian A. Beale, and his wife, Mary, were so excited about having their first child when they were thrown life's biggest curveball with just five words; "Your son has Down syndrome."  Not long after receiving this news, Brian wiped the tears from his eyes, realized nothing was going to change the love he had for his newborn son, and set out to turn this experience into a positive one.  Brian and Mary founded a non-profit foundation to raise the awareness of Down syndrome and how much these individuals have to offer society, while donating the proceeds to special needs organizations.  While starting this charitable initiative is good, Brian always knew he wanted to do more to raise awareness and acceptance of Down syndrome, particularly among school-age children.  With a Bachelor's Degree in English and a passion for writing, Brian decided to write his first children's book in an effort to open up the lines of communication between parents and teachers with their children regarding the sensitive and often very delicate subject of Down syndrome and special needs.  Brian decided all the illustrations in the book would be completed by individuals with Down syndrome, which truly exemplifies what they can do if just given a chance.  As Brian collected illustrations for this book, he could not help to feel inspired, motivated, and generally overwhelmed with a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing how hard each of these kids worked to be a part of this book.  Brian and Mary live in Springfield, Pennsylvania with their son, Colin, and his two younger sisters, Samantha and Chrissy, who are learning more every day about Colin, Down syndrome, and acceptance.  Brian's hope is through his book, Colin Gets a Chance, many other children will learn the same.