Do I have Something on my Face?

There is beauty in our differences.

D. L. Benedetto introduces us to her nephew, Michael, who has Down syndrome, in Do I Have Something on My Face. There are those who have been put here on Earth to teach us kindness and patience. Michael is a sweet boy. He has a loving and caring family. This children’s book should be on every child’s bookshelf at home and elementary school’s library.

Anyone with down syndrome has feelings. They know when they are being stared at, they see the expression on others’ faces. The artwork is very expressive and shows the range of emotions others have when encountering someone with down syndrome. Some don’t know what to do, some are judgmental, and others are empathetic.

Michael struggles to understand why people stare at him. My brother had a learning disability, he was “different” and got stared at too. The writer discusses Michael’s home life contrasting that with people who stare at him while out in public or at school. Michael is growing up and is noticing more people staring at him. He keeps trying to talk to the other kids at school. Michael’s resolution is claiming “I am normal” and “life is wonderful”. He knows his family loves him. He is happy with himself.

Michael’s family is considerate of his needs and accommodates him, when necessary, like road trips instead of taking an airplane, and giving him headphones when the noise is too loud. Michael is helpful to his family too. He does his chores and helps his grandma. Michael discovers he has a hidden talent that other people might not be able to do. The story shows that with love, caring, and kindness someone with down syndrome can learn many things.

A child reading might want to talk about the emotions the book invoked in them while reading.