Connecticut author Anne Kelleher is hard at work on a new book for the differently-abled – and she’s asking for your help.
On Friday, Kelleher launched a campaign on Kickstarter that will allow interested parties to make donations enabling her to focus on the creation and completion of the third book in her David series, Where David Went, tentatively scheduled for publication in September of 2013.
Where David Went will continue the adventures of a young man with Down Syndrome as he navigates the everyday issues of family, friends, work and romantic entanglements.
The first book, How David Met Sarah, was not originally meant for publication; rather, it was written for the author’s youngest brother, David, who, like his namesake, has Down Syndrome. Kelleher wanted to provide him with a story that could not only be read and enjoyed but that would have a hero with which he could identify.
Early readers responded so enthusiastically to How David Met Sarah that Kelleher decided to make it available to others (through eFitzgerald Publishing); she also realized the potential for an ongoing series.
Upon its release, How David Met Sarah was met with acclaim from reading specialists, special education teachers, parents, and librarians, all of whom recognized that the book fulfilled a need that has been much overlooked: stories for young adult and adult readers who read at lower reading levels but do not necessarily enjoy children’s books.
How David Met Sarah has been endorsed by the National Down Syndrome Society, and the author continues to donate a portion of the profits from book sales to that organization.
A sequel, When David Was Surprised, followed in March of 2012.
In addition to a third book, Kelleher plans to write two more titles – What David Found and Who David Loves – before bringing the series to a close.
Those wishing to support the author in this endeavor can make a donation in any amount equal to or exceeding $1.00.
Additionally, there are incentives in place for three distinct levels of support.
For a pledge of $10 or more, donors will receive a mention in the acknowledgments section of Where David Went and a chance to name a character in the following two books.
For a pledge of $25 or more, donors receive a copy of How David Met Sarah immediately and a copy of the third book upon completion; they will also receive an acknowledgment in Where David Went and two chances to name a character in the following two books.
For a pledge of $50 or more, donors receive copies of How David Met Sarah and When David Was Surprised immediately and a copy of the third book upon completion; they will also receive an acknowledgment in Where David Went and two chances to name a character in the following two books.
The campaign has a goal of $5,000 and closes on Tuesday, April 16th.
You can learn more about Anne Kelleher’s Kickstarter campaign, or make a donation, here.
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