Monday, January 3, 2011

Second Chance by Sandra J. Gerencher (book review)

Second Chance How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog


About The Book
The timeless tale of a boy (with autism) and his (shelter) dog. Over the past 10 years, author Sandra Gerencher has been on a mission to save dogs from high-kill animal shelters. Her first rescue was P.J., the black and white Pomeranian in the story. She also adopted the orange Pomeranians Shelby and Lil Rascal, and of course, Chance, the big black Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix. All characters in the story are based on Sandra's real life family. The book is filled with softly blended watercolor photos of her loved ones. Her most significant adoption was her son, Terry. He was considered a special needs child because he was born with a genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder can cause many cognitive disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation and depression.




Sandra J. Gerencher Bio:
Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).

My Review
Second Chance is a charming story written in the point of view of a rescue dog. Chance is adopted by a family with an autistic child, Ryan, and three other dogs, P.J., Little Rascal, and Shelby.  The book is a wonderful way to teach children about autism, and adoption of both children and dogs.

If you want to purchase this book you can do so HERE

Book web site:
http://www.chancetheshelterdog.com

Sandra J. Gerencher Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579236662

   Awards:
PBS Kids Recommended title
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/adoption/print_books.html

1 comment:

  1. Chantale - thank you for sharing SECOND CHANCE with the readers of Geeky Girl Reviews. We appreciate your pointing out all of the different aspects of the book - autism, adoption, shelter dogs. Sandra addresses a lot of issues through the eyes of Chance the dog making them easier for children to understand. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it.

    Best wishes,
    Nicole
    Tribute Books

    ReplyDelete