It isn't too soon to begin considering the books you'd like to give this holiday season. Since many of the books covered here will have to be ordered, we're offering this roundup now so you can be sure they'll arrive in time for Christmas and Hanukkah.

The titles listed here are recent books related to issues of neuromuscular disease or disability. If they aren't on your bookstore shelves, you can order them through the bookstore or directly from the publisher. Or try one of the online book shopping sites such as www.amazon.com. You may also want to ask if the titles you're interested in are available on tape.

For other book gift ideas, check past issues of Quest. The book reviews are usually under "Resources."

You can probably find books suitable for just about everyone on your shopping list (including yourself). For others, how about a subscription to Quest?

FOR CHILDREN

Here are some books that might be enjoyed by a child with a neuromuscular disease, as well as by siblings or classmates.

Circle of Wonder: A Native American Christmas Story by N. Scott Momaday, 1994. 44 pages, illustrated, $14.95. Clear Light Publishers, (505) 989-9590.

A lovely story about a mute boy who connects with nature in a way that illuminates the meaning of Christmas. His spiritual experience makes him aware of his inner strength and his place in the world, offering him a type of "healing" from his disability. Illustrated with dramatic primitive paintings by the author.

I Wish I Could Fly Like a Bird by Katherine Denison, 1996. 24 pages, $17.95, with audiocassette. Wildwood Creative Enterprises, (518) 783-3421, www.wildwood.edu/chic/.

Chic L. Dee is a young bird who can't fly because his brain can't get the right message to his wings. His parents teach him that "differences don't have to make a difference," and through his friendship with a boy, he learns, "I'm a bird with possibility. Don't judge me by my disability." With large colorful illustrations by Tanya Weinberger, it's suitable for children ages 3-10 or groups. Comes with a read-along audiocassette tape featuring two songs.

Include Us!, 1997. 33-minute videocassette, $14.95 plus $4.95 S&H. Tiffhill Productions, P.O. Box 1138, Sioux City, IA 51102, (888) INCLUDE.

This video, available with closed captions, features young performers, some with disabilities. The eight original songs emphasize inclusion and appreciation of individual differences. Kids 2-11 may enjoy the Barney-esque flavor of most segments, which vary from sweet to lively. They'll probably especially like the animated number, "Noah's Ark," which invites singing along and making animal sounds. A 48-page educator's guide, which can be ordered for $17.95, gives a lot of ideas for discussion and activities on the theme of inclusion.

Martin the Hero Merriweather by Bobby L. Jackson and Michael Carter, 1993. 35 pages, $7.95 paperback, $15.95 hardcover. Multicultural Publications, (800) 238-0297.

Martin, a sixth-grader with muscular dystrophy, has only a few friends. He becomes a hero by crawling from his wheelchair to pull an alarm lever and save some kids who are near drowning. The event helps him develop the confidence to pursue his dream of becoming an athletic director. For grades four and up.

My Buddy by Audrey Osofsky, 1992. 28 pages, $14.95. Henry Holt, New York.

This isn't a brand new book, but it's a great one for youngsters about 6-11. A boy with muscular dystrophy describes his relationship with his service dog and "best friend," a golden retriever named Buddy. Charming illustrations show how the boy trained Buddy to help him at home and school by picking up his pencils and books, bringing him the phone, turning off the light switch and fielding when he plays Wiffle ball with his friends. The only warning: If your child doesn't already have a dog, this book will make him want one for sure.

Seal Surfer by Michael Foreman, 1996. 30 pages, $16. Harcourt Brace.

This book for children ages 4-8 combines messages about nature and family with a very subtle message about disability. Ben frequently visits the seashore with his grandfather, and one day they watch the birth of a seal. The pup learns to enjoy swimming and surfing near Ben and his friends, and the bond between the boy and the animal grows. The beautiful pictures by the author show Ben with crutches and in a wheelchair, but there's no mention of his disability or its cause in the text, making it incidental to the events of the story.

See Ya, Simon by David Hill, 1994. 102 pages, $14.95 hardback, $3.99 paperback. E.P. Dutton.

Told by Simon's friend Nathan, this story presents a bright, wisecracking 14-year-old who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Nathan describes Simon as "bad-tempered and funny, fierce-tongued and brave." The book realistically describes Simon's daily routine at home, school and neighborhood as well as the effects of muscular dystrophy on his activities. His classmates learn from and enjoy him. All this is laced with jokes and expressions of teen-age concerns about parents, the opposite sex and more.

The strong and popular central character with muscular dystrophy makes this a terrific read. But there are two caveats: The story is set in New Zealand and some terminology may need translation. Second, the story continues through Simon's death and its impact on his friends.

Views From Our Shoes: Growing Up With a Brother or Sister With Special Needs, ed. by Donald Meyer, 1997. 114 pages, $14.95. Woodbine House, (800) 843-7323.

Meyer, director of the Sibling Support Project at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, has written widely on sibling issues and developed the Sibshops workshops now offered in many states. In this book, children ages 4-18 tell, in their own words, how they feel about their brothers and sisters with disabilities. In heartwarming comments, they describe how they teach, help and defend their siblings. Other comments express their frustrations when they get less attention or have to make special allowances. All in all, the candid remarks offer insight that can help parents and teachers, as well as siblings, understand their feelings.

Meyer also provides some thought-provoking questions that may stimulate young readers to write and think about their own relationships with siblings. Though there's no account focusing on muscular dystrophy, the thoughts expressed are applicable to families served by MDA, and could serve to start a family or group discussion.

ALSO CONSIDER:

Are You Tired Again? I Understand by Marilyn Weisberg Deutsch, Ph.D., 1998. 42 pages, $14.95. Western Psychological Services, (800) 648-8857. See Quest review, vol. 5, no. 2, 1998. A workbook for children whose parents have disabilities or chronic diseases.

Computer Resources for People with Disabilities, 2nd ed., by the Alliance for Technology Access, 1996. 340 pages, paperback $17.95, spiral-bound $22.95, hardcover $27.95, ASCII disk $22.95. Hunter House, (800) 266-5592. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 3, 1997.

How It Feels to Fight for Your Life by Jill Krementz, 1989. Little, Brown & Co., (800) 343-9204, www.littlebrown.com. Candid profiles of 14 youngsters up to age 16 who are living with serious illnesses and disabilities.

The Road to College, 1996. Simon & Schuster, Kaplan Interactive, comes with CD-ROM. 800-KAP-ITEM, www.kaplan.com; (800) 223-2348, www.simonandschuster.com. Contains a chapter by MDA Board member Chris Rosa, "Accessible Academics: College for Students With Disabilities."

Taking Charge: Teenagers Talk About Life & Physical Disabilities by Kay Harris Kriegsman et al., 1992. Woodbine House, (800) 843-7323. Positive messages and frank advice on independence, emotions, dating, self-image, relating to others and the future.

A World of Options: A Guide to International Exchange, Community Services and Travel for Persons With Disabilities, 3rd ed., ed. by Christa Buck, 1997. 610 pages. Mobility International USA (MIUSA), (541) 343-1284, www.miusa.org. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 4, 1997.

FOR PARENTS

Changed by a Child: Companion Notes for Parents of a Child With a Disability by Barbara Gill, 1997. 314 pages, $19.95. Doubleday, (800) 323-9872, www.bdd.com.

Barbara Gill's first child was born with Down's syndrome, an unexpected event that left her and her husband with intense feelings and unanswered questions. Now she's written the book she wishes had been available to her at that time. She offers thoughts, observations and quotations from others on a couple of hundred topics such as "Fate," "Magical Thinking," "Tiger Mothers," "Bad Luck," "Energy," "Humor" and "Holidays."

Presented in one-to-two-page bites, the book can be read on a busy parent's catch-as-catch-can schedule. Some entries can be used as affirmations; others will be appreciated for their calming or amusing effects. This book is an ideal way to give parents the uplift they sometimes need.

Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability by Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., 1997. 222 pages, $21.95. Carol Publishing Group, (800) 447-2665.

Naseef is a Pennsylvania psychologist who specializes in treating families of children with special needs. His qualifications are more than professional: His son has autism.

The book builds on insights Naseef has acquired through personal experience, beginning with reading an article that helped him realize, "I am a bereaved parent." In the ensuing years, one of the most important lessons he's learned is to understand and love the child he has, instead of expending energy trying to change his child.

This book combines Naseef's own story with those of people he's counseled and learned from, and presents helpful information and advice about grief, understanding your child, dealing with siblings, effects on marriage, working with professionals and other insights. This book's advisory and thought-provoking tone could help parents who may be having trouble adjusting to their special children's special needs.

Uncommon Fathers: Reflections on Raising a Child With a Disability, ed. by Donald J. Meyer, 1995. 206 pages, $14.95. Woodbine House, (800) 843-7323.

This collection of 19 essays by men whose sons and daughters have disabilities touches on many relevant topics: the struggle to accept a child's disability, changing family and personal expectations, the father's role after divorce, fear for the child's safety, a sense of helplessness. The well-written accounts show how fathers have coped with these and other challenges.

Authors include the father of actor Chris Burke, and Larry Searcy, director of programs and government relations for the National Parent Network on Disabilities, whose son Aaron has FSH muscular dystrophy. A very nice gift for fathers, especially since very little is written with dads in mind.

ALSO CONSIDER:

The Best Toys, Books and Videos for Kids by Joanne Oppenheim and Stephanie Oppenheim, 1994. 375 pages, $12. HarperCollins Publishers, (800) 242-7737, www.harpercollins.com. See Quest review, vol. 2, no. 3, 1995.

Sports, Everyone! Recreation and Sports for the Physically Challenged of All Ages, 1995. 247 pages, $16.95. Conway Greene Publishing Company, (800) 977-2665. See Quest review, vol. 3, no. 1, 1996.

That's My Child: Strategies for Parents of Children With Disabilities by Lizanne Capper, 1996. 198 pages, $12.95. Child and Family Press, Child Welfare League of America, (800) 407-6273, www.cwla.org. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 2, 1997.

FOR CAREGIVERS

Parents, spouses and other family members, as well as nurses and personal assistants, might enjoy receiving one of these books.

Caring & Competent Caregivers by Robert Moroney, Ph.D., et al., 1998. 196 pages, $18 paperback, $40 hardcover. University of Georgia Press, (800) 266-5842.

Drawing on research at the Rosalynn Carter Institute at Georgia Southwestern State University, this book picks up after Carter's 1996 book for caregivers, Helping Yourself Help Others (Times Books, (800) 733-3000, www.randomhouse.com; see Quest review, vol. 3, no. 3, 1997). It's geared to help professionals to understand the needs of families and to communicate better with those they serve. A nice gift for anyone in the helping professions as well as for families.

Making Moments Count: Leisure Activities for Caregiving Relationships by Joanne Ardolf Decker, Ph.D., 1997. 192 pages, $14.95 paperback, $29.95 hardcover. Johns Hopkins University Press, (410) 516-6900.

Decker, a therapeutic recreation specialist, offers detailed strategies for building leisure into the caregiving experience. Separate chapters cover physical, intellectual, emotional and expressive, social, and spiritual activity, and each contains many examples of and suggestions for specific activities. Practical checklists help caregivers determine realistic leisure ideas for individuals of different ages and abilities. The book can be used by professional, family or volunteer caregivers.

ALSO CONSIDER:

The Resourceful Caregiver: Helping Family Caregivers Help Themselves by the National Family Caregivers Association, 1996. 144 pages, $12.95. Mosby Lifeline, (800) 325-4177, (800) 633-6699, www.mosby.com. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 2, 1997.

BIOGRAPHIES

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby, 1997. 132 pages, $20. Knopf, (800) 726-0600, (212) 572-8700, www.randomhouse.com.

The author, a French magazine editor, woke after a rare brainstem stroke to find himself "locked in" -- mentally intact but unable to move or speak -- a condition similar to that of some people with advanced neuromuscular diseases. By blinking his left eye in response to an assistant's reading of an alphabet board, Bauby wrote this memoir.

He muses on practical concerns -- learning to swallow excess saliva, communicating with hospital staff -- and reflects on the experiences and people who've given meaning to his life. Most interestingly, Bauby uses his imagination to relive sensory experiences -- the smells, sights and sounds of his worldwide travels; the tastes of a fine meal.

Bauby died shortly after his book's initial publication in French. But he left readers the gift of his insight into the inner life: "I can listen to the butterflies that flutter inside my head. To hear them, one must be calm and pay close attention, for their wingbeats are barely audible."

From Tears to Triumph by Nancy Coleman Carley, 1992. 141 pages, $10.00 (includes shipping). 1618 Curtis St., Loma Linda, CA 92354-1706, (909) 796-2039.

As a teen-ager with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, Nancy Carley felt self-conscious and lonely and had no idea what kind of life she might have. Gradually she developed confidence -- learning to make flattering clothing, clinging to her belief that she would be loved (she was married in 1977) and growing in her Christian faith.

She was well into adulthood before she overcame her embarrassment about using a wheelchair. Her biography concludes that, had she not struggled with acceptance of her disease, she wouldn't have developed the empathy for others that now helps her in her church work. A sweet story with a heavy religious emphasis.

Meditation From a Movable Chair, essays by Andre Dubus, 1998. 210 pages, $23. Knopf, (800) 726-0600, (212) 572-8700, www.randomhouse.com.

Andre Dubus has, in 35 years of writing, explored on paper the contradictions within his soul and the force of his emotions. Like any serious writer, he's committed to an honest examination and revelation of what he sees, knows and feels, whatever he may find.

After being injured by a car in 1986 and losing the use of both legs, Dubus continued to scrutinize himself in the same way, including his fears, his loss, his embarrassment and his anger. The results won't always please those who emphasize adjustment and acceptance, or those who see disability as a political matter in which the world has an attitude problem.

Dubus views himself as a "cripple" and sometimes seems obsessed with what his disability has taken away. But he isn't interested in giving advice or pleasing a constituency, only in showing his soul. However, "Letter to Amtrak" and "Song of Pity," among other essays, make eloquently clear that he knows exactly how the world marginalizes the disabled.

If you like powerful, thought-provoking writing, you will find much to admire in these essays. Bring an open mind to them and you'll see a heart bared in all its pain and pride.

ALSO CONSIDER:

Crying in the Night, an Autobiography by Matthew Brown, 1995. 264 pages, $25. Mission Publishing, 3605 Spruell Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30201, (770) 442-3488. See Quest review, vol. 3, no. 2, 1996. The autobiography of MDA's 1977-78 National Poster Child.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, 1997. 192 pages, $19.95. Doubleday, (800) 323-9872, www.bdd.com. See Quest review, vol. 5, no. 2, 1998. The best-seller about the relationship between a sociology professor with ALS and one of his former students.

Help Yourself: Problem Solving for the Disabled by Douglas R. Bucy, 1996. 176 pages, $14.95. Macmillan. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 3, 1997. The author shares lessons learned during his time with ALS, including the roles of family and professional caregivers.

How Will They Know if I'm Dead? Transcending Disability and Terminal Illness by Robert C. Horn III, 1997. 146 pages, $12.95. St. Lucie Press, (561) 274-9906. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 4, 1997. Horn, professor emeritus of political science, tells of his life with ALS.

GENERAL INTEREST

These books might make good gifts for your school, library, support group or an individual.

Free Appropriate Public Education, 5th ed., by H. Rutherford Turnbull III and Ann P. Turnbull, 1998. 410 pages, $54. Love Publishing Co., (303) 757-2579.

Though this is the fifth edition of a 1977 book by a husband-and-wife team whose son has a disability, it's completely rewritten to reflect new laws, including the 1997 reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Turnbulls trace how laws and policy regarding public education for children with disabilities have been shaped by court cases. Chapters explain such principles in educational law as: the zero reject policy, appropriate education, least restrictive environment, placement and due process.

Not a how-to book, this is a thorough, well-written reference that should engross those interested in disability law or educational history, including students writing theses or planning careers in one of those fields.

The Special-Needs Reading List: An Annotated Guide to the Best Publications for Parents and Professionals by Wilma K. Sweeney, 1998. 318 pages, $18.95. Woodbine House, (800) 843-7323.

This book lists hundreds of resources, with brief descriptions and ordering information, that parents of children with disabilities might find useful.

Books, periodicals and organizations are listed in several broad areas, including disability awareness, family life, behavioral concerns, education, health care, legal rights, technology, recreation, relationships and the future.

Separate chapters cover two dozen types of disabilities and disorders, including learning disabilities, and muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases. Though the chapter on muscular dystrophy contains only a few titles, the more general chapters list many valuable resources parents may be unaware of.

Talking About People: A Guide to Fair and Accurate Language by Rosalie Maggio, 1997. 436 pages, $27.50. Oryx Press, (800) 279-6799, www.oryxpress.com.

This book dives deeply into the treacherous waters of the language usage guidelines often belittled as "politically correct" but regarded by others as having a powerful impact on perception.

Maggio, who has written several books on (and in) bias-free language, gives the cultural origins and current implications of hundreds of terms -- everything from "alma mater" to "yuppie."

In the area of disability, she explains the "people first" rule; points out that some terms are more euphemistic than useful ("differently abled," "physically challenged"); and alerts users to be aware when language assumes that those with disabilities are the "other."

The thoughtful, sometimes humorous volume might be enjoyed by anyone interested in language, including writers, teachers and students. It's full of intriguing tidbits: Do you know the derivation of "hooker"? Why do some people consider "denigrate" particularly derogatory? Have you ever met a "go-go boy"?

ALSO CONSIDER:

Coping With Prednisone by Eugenia Zukerman and Julie Ingelfinger, M.D., 1997. 208 pages, $21.95. St. Martin's Press, (212) 674-5151. See Quest review, vol. 5, no. 2, 1998.

Does It Run in the Family? A Consumer's Guide to DNA Testing for Genetic Disorders by Doris Teichler Zallen, 1997. 200 pages, $24.95. Rutgers University Press, (908) 445-7762, (800) 446-9323, rutgerspress.rutgers.edu. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 6, 1997.

Jamie: A Literacy Story by Diane Parker, 1997. 128 pages, $14. Stenhouse Publishers, (207) 363-9198. See Quest review, vol. 4, no. 6, 1997. An appealing true story of a teacher who helps a child with SMA develop her intellectual potential.

BOOKS TO AVOID

Waist-High in the World: A Life Among the Nondisabled by Nancy Mairs, 1996. 212 pages, $20. Beacon Press, Boston, www.beacon.org.

Don't say she didn't warn you. Mairs ends her first chapter stating bluntly, "This is not, however, a 'feel-good' book." Her writing is honest and forthright. And anything but cheery. Throughout the book's dark journey the author speaks in a language foreign to most readers, "crippled" or otherwise. (She refers to herself as a "cripple" and others as "normals.") There's no story here. It's 209 printed pages of whining and lamenting Mairs' loss of usefulness, loss of purpose, loss of independence, loss of sex life ... you name it, she's lost it and she wants us all to know.

The author, in her 50s, has a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and in a period spanning 12 years went from using a cane to a power wheelchair. She is a self-described "suicidal depressive," classifying herself as "utterly useless" and "defective," while groping with her "unlivable," "good for nothing" life. (Not exactly good gift-giving material here.) My 7-year-old son summed it up best, saying, "She must not think much about herself."

If you can get past the dogma, Mairs raises sound discussion on issues such as public access and the ADA, employment, selective births, health insurance and freedom of choice such as with the "right to die" issue. I suppose if one hasn't the foggiest idea of what living with a disability or assisted living is, then this book might be of interest.

In her last sentence, Mairs does finally "choose joy" over suicide, by the way. Other than the last few chapters that touch on hot-issue concerns, some strong coffee may help one wade through this ho-hum diary.

-- Jan Blaustone

On the Edge; Now or Never; and Chance of a Lifetime by Melissa Lowell, 1997 and 1998. Bantam Books Gold Medal Dreams series. Ages 9-12.

Precious few children's books feature kids with disabilities, and only a fraction of those are about muscular dystrophy or have a girl as a central character. So this series, featuring a teen-age figure skater who develops myotonic dystrophy (MMD), is doubly disappointing.

The first two books focus on Tori's efforts to deny and hide her disorder. In the third book, she not only qualifies for the U.S. Olympic team but earns a gold medal at Nagano! The implication is that willpower can enable a person with a serious disease to perform extraordinary physical feats -- not a truthful or helpful message for readers with muscular dystrophy, and misleading to others.

In addition to the unrealistic depiction of myotonic dystrophy, there's not a word about how Tori learns to have a fulfilling life with her disorder.

-- C.S