Reviews of
YOU CAN FIND ME IN HER SHADOW
“An honest, humbling, emotional, joyful chronicle of unconditional sibling love. A must-read for parents, teachers and anyone who strives to become a kinder, more compassionate human being.”
~ JULIE HANSON, beta reader
“In sharing her truth, Kylainah has show me a better way to interact with differently abled individuals. I have a new perspective on my own behaviour. Her journey demonstrates growth we can all learn from. Her deep love for her sister shines through the narrative.”
~ DEB BROOKS, beta reader
“You Can Find Me in Her Shadow provides a unique glimpse into a world most are unfamiliar with. Zacharczuk’s personal, honest, and often raw accounts of her experience of being raised in a family with a special needs sibling have come together as more than a memoir or diary.
Through her words, we, as the greater community, are reminded that not only do we need compassion and understanding for the special needs sibling, but we also need to allow space for the families, parents and siblings to help inform us and guide us as to what their specific needs and supports are throughout their journey. In her first publication, Zacharczuk is providing a voice that few of us hear.
Her observations, and at times, heartbreaking reflections, will resonate for many people living ‘in a shadow’ while giving hope that others may also find strength in their own voice to access supports they are rightly entitled to.
As educators, medical support, extended family and friends, we need to ask more open-ended questions and provide space for the whole family’s needs and support to change as their journey and needs change.
Zacharczuk reminds us that assuming we may know what is best for the sibling of a special needs family, however well intended, can create undo harm that ripples throughout the entire family unit.”
~ MICHELLE VAN MANEN, Secondary Special Education Resource Teacher, WSRDSB, beta reader
“As I read your work, I believe that you bring hope, understanding, courage, support and social guidance to everyone who reads and learns your values for human life together.”
~MARILYN DALTON, Elementary school teacher, behaviour teacher and mother to 4 children, beta reader
“Captivating! This is a brave and honest recount of the personal struggles of being a sibling to an individual with special needs. I was brought to tears more than once reading about the enduring strain that challenged this young family, and the feelings of loneliness and confusion the author experienced in her younger years. This book shines a light on the often-suppressed emotions and unmet needs of siblings dealing with special needs. This story is important to tell. I highly recommend to anyone experiencing the same challenges in their own journey, and a required read for those supporting special needs families.”
~ Chris E, beta reader