![]() Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw ISBN: 978-1250080103 Publisher: Square Fish Copyright Date: 2014 Reading Age: 14-18 Reading Level: Grades 9-12 Awards: Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Genre: Young Adult Biography Subgenre: Nonfiction Humor Plot Summary Shane Burcaw has been in a wheelchair since he was two, but he doesn't let that slow him down. With honesty and sharp wit, Shane discusses living with spinal muscular atrophy. He discusses awkward moments, having a girlfriend, and the risks involved in being in a very breakable body. What could have made him bitter instead made Sean realize just how important it is to celebrate life's moments—and how important it is to keep your sense of humor. Critical Evaluation Shane Burcaw writes with humor and frankness about his life in a wheelchair and the challenges that surface because of it. His spinal muscular atrophy also causes his body to be quite fragile, and his discussions of the fear of being inadvertently broken are raw and cause for empathy. Books on people with disabilities are still quite rare in the teen collection, and this is a good option for a library since it unapologetically explores what it's like to do the normal things in life when the world doesn't address one's needs or abilities. There are some problematic aspects of Shane's discussion of others with mental disabilities that can at times border on bullying and further harmful stereotypes. But the good outweighs the bad in their book. What could have made him bitter instead made Sean realize just how important it is to celebrate life's moments—and how important it is to keep your sense of humor. Shane Burcaw shares his experiences with wit and humor, answering many of the embarrassing and not-so-embarrassing questions people have about those who live with disabilities. His raw portrayal of his life experiences is approachable to teens and will give them insight into living with a disability. Shane is full of sarcasm and biting wit, and it gives the stories he tells a sparkle that makes the experiences relatable even if the reader has never had to deal with the challenges Shane faces on a daily basis. Reader’s Annotation Shane Burcaw shares his experiences with wit and humor, answering many of the embarrassing and not-so-embarrassing questions people have about those who live with disabilities. ![]() About the Author In 2011, a kid named Shane Burcaw from Bethlehem, PA started a humorous blog to tell his life story of living with a disease that made his muscles waste away as he grew older. The blog blew up, achieving HALF A MILLION followers (a number that still grows to this day). Shane realized how badly people needed humor in their lives, so he set out with his cousin Sarah (top picture) to create a company that could help people laugh more and help others living with the same disease. Since the founding of Laughing At My Nightmare, Shane has gone on to start a viral YouTube channel with his wife (bottom picture), Hannah (Aylward) Burcaw. The channel is called Squirmy and Grubs. Shane's disability plays a huge role in their relationship, but not in the way that most people expect. Watch them navigate their life together and laugh with them along the way! (About the author and photo can be found here.) Booktalking Ideas
Shane and Hannah Burcaw run a successful YouTube channel. Discuss what makes their vlogs so interesting. Talk about how humor can make what seem like unbearable situations more easy to navigate. Challenge issues: strong language, mental illness stereotypes, sexuality Challenge Issue Resources: Nevada County Library Selection Policy Selection of materials is based upon a number of criteria that include:
The Library selects materials in accordance with the guidelines stated by the American Library Association in its Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statements. The Library supports diversity of expression and views in its collection in an attempt to provide patrons with a foundation for making informed decisions and formulating personal opinions. The Library does not exclude items because of the race, nationality, social, political, or religious views of the authors. The presence of controversial materials in the collection does not represent the Library’s endorsement of the opinions expressed therein. Although some materials selected may contain language and/or illustrations that may be offensive to some patrons, the Library cannot undertake the task of pleasing all individuals by censoring such items. Active Listening Skills Staff should listen calmly to the patron’s concerns without judgement or commentary. They should acknowledge the public’s right to challenge materials and help the patron find an alternative item that will fit their needs. Nevada County Library Reconsideration form Any citizen may challenge materials. If the citizen chooses to submit a written Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials, Library staff will collect reviews and accumulate data on how the material conforms to the selection policy. An ad hoc review committee consisting of the Library Director, Branch Manager, one other librarian, and a citizen appointed at the discretion of the Library Director will review the material, judge whether it conforms to the Selection Policy and submit its report in writing to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Concerned parties will be notified of the final decision in writing. ALA Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials ALA Bill of Rights on Intellectual Freedom The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. Why Included While there are some issues in how the author refers to people with mental disorders, Shane Burcaw confronts his own challenges with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with humor, wit, and courage. His frank portrayal of his life experiences is approachable to teens and will give them insight into living with a disability. |