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2005 Overview

Riding the Bus with My Sister
by Rachel Simon

September 24, 2005 through November 12, 2005

Highlights

This non-fiction book about a woman coming to understand the surprisingly rich life of her developmentally disabled sister touched many people in the county. CCR collaborated with groups such as the Special Olympics organization, The Arc of Centre County, Strawberry Fields, and CATA to hold discussion sessions for the people who serve and are served by these organizations. Rachel Simon visited and talked with several of these groups, and the public talk and signing proved to be popular.

About the Book

Rachel Simon's sister Beth is a spirited woman who also happens to have developmental disabilities. 

Beth spends her days riding the city buses, and she challenges her sister to ride with her for a year. Rachel is changed by that journey, and you may be too.

More about the book (and the TV movie starring Rosie O'Donnell and Andie MacDowell)

More about Rachel Simon

"Perceptive, uplifting...unforgettable... Rachel comes to a new appreciation of her [sister], and it is a pleasure for readers to share in the discovery."—Publisher's Weekly

Partners for 2005



Pictures and Movies from 2005 Events

Sept. 24 Kickoff. Honorary co-chairs Sue Paterno and Jeff Brown and others address the crowd in front of the new library.

Oct. 12: Brown Bag Luncheon and discussion at the PSU HUB

Oct. 14: Movie Night. Attendees saw and discussed the movie version of the book

Oct. 23: Meet Rachel Simon Talk and Book Signing

Nov. 12: Book Fair at Barnes & Noble—A Thank You to those who helped raise money for next year!

Tips for Teachers

For ideas on incorporating this book with your classes, see the Riding the Bus with My Sister Literature Mini-Unit (Word file), appropriate for students in Grades 7-9.


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