ANNIE'S SONG

New title calls for change in Sabbath-keeping churches everywhere

Author Issues a Relevant, Passionate Cry for Reform

New title calls for change in Sabbath-keeping churches everywhere

2009-04-20


LONGWOOD, FL--In God's eyes, we are all people of special needs. Some of us wear those needs on the outside and some of us wear them on the inside. One thing we all have in common, though, is that we all have contributions to make and we all deserve love. Annie's Song ($14.99, paperback, 978-1-60791-369-6; $22.99, hardcover, 978-1-60791-370-2), by Xulon Press author Betsy Corona, tells the uplifting true story of the unusual friendship between two 10-year-olds in the 1950s. Emma is funny and smart and lives with her Italian family across the way from Annie, who is mentally challenged. Together, they prove that love does, indeed, conquer all. This story is a glorious tribute to special needs children everywhere and to everyone who would befriend them.

Says Corona, "Although Annie's Song is a story revolving around a mentally challenged little girl, it is also funny and honest as well as inspiring. It will definitely leave the young reader feeling good. There is a huge void in our elementary school libraries when it comes to stories--positive or otherwise--about special needs children. And my book helps to fill this void. The special needs child needs to be portrayed in a positive light. Annie's Song accomplishes this."

Corona, the real life "Emma" of the story, says that Annie lived across the street from her throughout the '50s and early '60s, and that for 10 years the pair was inseparable. All throughout her adolescence, the author knew she would grow up to get married and have children, but Annie would not. "[This story] is a tribute to her and the positive things she brought to my life," she said. "We remain friends to this day."

 

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