Firsts: Coming of Age Stories by People with Disabilities

Take a step back in time with some of the best writers with disabilities as they recount their first adventure, their first heartbreak, and the first time the unexpected treaded into their life. From body transformations to societal setbacks, to love affairs and family trauma, Firsts collects the most thought-provoking and exciting stories of our time by people with disabilities. Contributors include Nigel David Kelly, Kimberly Gerry-Tucker, Caitlin Hernandez, Andrew Gurza, and David-Elijah Nahmod.

What people are saying about Firsts: Coming of Age Stories by People with Disabilities:

"Powerful and intimate self-portraits from writers who have much to teach readers."

-- Kirkus Reviews

"...an anthology that should be considered a foundation pick for any collection strong in disability literature and personal stories of growth."

-- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"I feel like I was given a ring of keys, and that each one allowed me to enter a different world. Each narrator is unique, each world fascinating -- at turns heartbreaking, funny and hopeful -- and yes, disability is centerstage but it's not the only thing that makes these characters jump off the page."

-- Amy Silverman, commentator, KJZZ, the NPR member station in Phoenix, AZ, and the author of My Heart Can't Even Believe It: A Story of Science, Love and Down Syndrome

"These eleven authors do not ask for pity or sympathy, they are looking to be heard, to find love, to be creative...to live."

-- Gregory G. Allen, Diversity Advocate and author of Chicken Boy: A Super Hero with Autism

"These authors share stories of vulnerability, honesty, and courage as they create their own paths to overcome negative assumptions about people with disabilities, held both externally as well as within."

-- Emily Smith-Beitiks, Associate Director, The Longmore Institute on Disability, San Francisco State University