AMPUTEE VENUS
by Takao Ochi, photographer
This beautiful book—intended to change people’s attitudes toward people with disabilities—contains full-color photographs of 11 young Japanese amputees. The women are shown in various poses, each proudly displaying her prosthetic leg while doing a variety of activities, such as snowboarding, snorkeling, and running. The photographs demonstrate that anything is possible for amputees—that abilities are far more important than disabilities. For more information, visit www.hakujunsha.com/amputee-venus.
BOO-BOO’S NEW LEG: A TRUE STORY OF ILLNESS, ACCEPTANCE, AND HEALING
written and illustrated by Mary Garcia
While technically a children’s book, this story and its colorful pastel illustrations can be enjoyed by children and adults. When her older friend has an amputation, 10-year-old Sara learns about the operation, what it means, and why it is done. While Sara is sad to see her friend lose her leg, she also learns valuable lessons from the experience. Garcia encourages people to use this book as a tool to talk to children about what can happen during illness, treatment, and recovery. “Sometimes the most difficult medical choices can bring about the healing of not only the body but the inner self as well,” she says. For more information, visit www.marygarciabooks.com.
