ROCKFORD — Kimberly Bell Mocini knew she wanted to write a book when she heard her son, JD, who was diagnosed as a child with learning disabilities and autism, give the valedictorian address at his high school graduation.
“I wanted to tell his story to give parents hope and encouragement. When he was young, they said he’d never test well, but I said he’ll be the best he can be,” said Mocini.
She chronicles the story of JD, who struggled with language, social skills, and fitting in, and her own story of becoming his advocate in the education system. Her story is honest and deeply personal, while offering parents’ resources and advice.
Her publishing journey began with research into self-publishing companies, and she nearly signed with one but didn’t trust the owner. She came into contact with Dirk Wierenga, who led her to Principia.
“It was a wonderful, pain-free experience working with Dirk and Principia. Trust was immediate; they are wonderful people to deal with and very professional. I enjoyed the entire process,” said Mocini, who is a partner in Bell’s Home Furnishings in Rockford.
My Child Wasn't Born Perfect is a story of the journey of JD from early childhood to young adulthood, as told through his mother's eyes and voice. JD's mother shares the struggles of educating a child with language and social challenges in the 1990s when there was limited knowledge of Hyperlexia (the ability to read before his peers) or Autism Spectrum Disorders. All she knew was that JD learned differently, and that she had to be his advocate.
This book tells a story of helping a child with a special learning disability to be successful. It is written in a truthful, sometimes heartbreaking, fashion - his parents always searching for ways to enable Mocini's child to be successful. While it seems to be written for parents of special needs children, I can see parallels that would apply for any child. This does not mean that one rushes in to rescue a child from a difficult situation but rather can be a guide to assist the child to develop his/her own problem solving skills and therefore independence. I recommend it for all parents.
-M. Thompson, Retired Elementary Principal
If you have children of your own and care about them deeply you need to read this book. Yes, it is a story about one family's quest to help their autistic son reach his potential but it's much more than that. It's about a mother who would not give up or give in when she ran into road blocks in her son's development. Reading it gave me a sense of pride and astonishment at what they were able to accomplish because they all worked together to see that one individual in their family had the opportunities we all take for granted. Once I began the book I couldn't put it down. I read it from cover to cover in one night. I know you're going to think, laugh, and be moved to tears when you read their story. Tell your friends and tell the teachers who teach your children... they all need to read this.
