Book Details
"No matter who we are, inside our hearts, we are more alike than we are different."
-Anne Rugari
Just Like Me!
Just Like Me! was written to help all children understand that boys and girls with any rare disease are just like them. They may look or act different, but inside they are just kids, like them.
Hopefully the book will help encourage understanding of all children who are differently-abled. Such an important life lesson!
This book was inspired by Gina Rugari. Gina was diagnosed with Krabbe disease, a leukodystrophy, just weeks after she was born. Her journey to high school was filled with joy, laughter, tears, struggles and so many accomplishments. She loved crazy, painted fingernails, Girl Scouts, and watching American Idol. She made art, played soccer, and was great on the computer. Even though she continued to lose muscle control and finger dexterity during her life she became a wonderful teacher. She was a lesson in love, bravery, and persistence for so many classmates, teammates, friends and adults. Gina's smile could light up a room.
Please use the story in this book to give your smile away to someone who may be different in some way,
but is Just Like You!
Just Like Me! is beautifully illustrated by a variety of young artists who created images to depict an event
that occurred in Gina’s life. Each page enlightens the reader about the life of a girl with a rare disease.
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Each book ordered from this website will be signed by Anne Rugari.
Just Like Me Too!
Just Like Me Too! is a teaching tool for parents and teachers who want to help children understand and accept others.
Children can be taught to recognize and celebrate everyone’s unique differences! This book and my first book, “Just Like Me!” will help all children understand that boys and girls who don’t look like them or act like them are just like them on the inside. All boys and girls have dreams, hopes, and goals with the only difference being how they accomplish them.
This book will help encourage inclusivity and understanding of all children who are differently-abled. It’s such an important life lesson!
Just Like Me Too! is illustrated by Gina Rugari. Every page showcases a piece of Gina’s original artwork and
shares Gina’s views on the creation of each unique piece of art. Included in this book are actual pictures of
Gina that go hand in hand with her artistic ability.
Each book ordered from this website will be signed by Anne Rugari.
Quotes
So often children who are differently-abled experience isolation and loneliness as a result of their condition. “Just Like Me!” is a wonderful and sensitively written teaching tool that allows children of any ability to learn about those who only appear different but in reality are “Just Like Me!”
~Patti, CEO of Engage Health
The message in “Just Like Me”! is so powerful and needed in our culture. It is important to understand that all of the special “differently-abled” children have a mind and heart just like other children.
~Jacque, Krabbe disease Advocate and Krabbe Grandparent
“Just Like Me!” helps share the very important message that differences don’t have to separate us. Some of us need different types of support to get through our day, but we all enjoy life’s simple pleasures like friendship and laughter regardless of our needs.
~Brittney, Special Education Teacher
Just Like Me!” tells the important story of a girl who lived with a tremendous medical challenge. It is a story of her determination, special friendships and love for others. Gina’s story reminds all children that life, even with big challenges, is worth fighting for. The inspirational story will leave readers with the same spirit of determination, friendship and love.
~Ann Marie, Principal​​
“Just Like Me Too!” is a refreshing narrative that highlights the similarities between all students regardless of their abilities. I strongly feel that this book is a resource that should be in every classroom to support our students.
~Abbie, Special Education Teacher
It’s so important for girls and boys to learn at an early age that all children are differently-abled. “Just Like Me!” and “Just Like Me Too!” are wonderful teaching tools for parents, teachers and others to explain that acceptance and appreciation.
~Barb, Educator and Friend
“Just Like Me!” and “Just Like Me, Too!” are books that help students to set the standards on how to handle differences. As an observer of the interactions betweenGina and her schoolmates, a valuable lesson was learned that kids care and can handle differences when they have had the opportunity to learn about diversity and inclusiveness.
~Charlie, School Board Member
Comments
Gina was a spunky young lady who loved life. She was ornery and loved to play tricks on people just to have fun. Gina was smart and enjoyed her classes particularly when she was challenged to grow academically. She would light up when the high school volunteers would play games and do activities with her, especially the guys! Gina was also like many high school students, stubborn and liked to control her situation. Gina made an impact on the world! ~Paula, PE Teacher
Gina was my friend! She was spunky from the age of three and always found a way to be right in the middle of the action and fun! She used a flotation device to swim, a brace to help her sit up tall, a power chair to move in her environment, and a computer to talk. This did not change the fact that she loved to be with her friends, loved her dog, always has a lot to say, was a girl scout and was a complete girly girl who always had her nails done. Without these other things she still would have been Gina, but with them she was able to SHINE!!
~Missy, Therapist and Friend