Praise
"Life With a Superhero is a welcome and necessary book about raising a child who has Down syndrome. With a huge heart, this book explores the Hulings family’s experiences as their son and sibling, Michael, grows into young adulthood—the same stage of life my son Max, who also has Down syndrome, is entering. In each chapter, Hulings establishes that unlimited joy and life-affirming moments will continue to unfold in wonderful,
unexpected ways for families who already celebrate existence with a person who has special needs—or need assurance that such a thing is possible."
– John C. McGinley, star of stage and screen (Scrubs, Platoon, Wall Street, 42, Glengarry Glen Ross, and many more), and noted advocate for individuals who have Down syndrome, serving as Ambassador for both Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society, board member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and one of the original creators of the Spread the Word to End the Word National Campaign
"In Kathryn’s book, Life with a Superhero: Raising Michael Who Has Down Syndrome, she chronicles their story with such beautiful language that this one-of-a-kind memoir reads as easily as a novel, with a cast of characters as entertaining and emotional as those in our favorite family dramas. Honest, compelling, engaging and witty, Life with a Superhero is a must-read for parents of children with special needs—but as someone who does not yet have any children or any direct family members living with special needs, it’s still a book that will stay with me for years to come." You can see the full interview by clicking this link: LifeInLA.com
—Jenny Platt, LifeInLA.com
Ms. Hulings fills her pages with the joys, challenges,
"Life with a Superhero is such a delight to read! Toward the close of the book, Kathryn Hulings considers a reader’s comment that she is the central character in the book. Well, this may be somewhat true. Within a few pages, you feel you know her – and she is, I will admiringly say, “a character,” in the best sense of that phrase. But Michael, the Superhero, is definitely the central character in this family’s life, and his life - from shaky beginnings to today’s triumphs - is the focus of this book.laughs and tears that are part of the journey of all parents with a child who has special needs. These experiences will resonate with anyone that has walked those steps; it will speak a familiar truth to their extended families, and it will ring true to all who have worked with families and appreciated the dedication and tenacity that advocacy requires. But the best reason for you to read Life with a Superhero is that it will bring you laughter and a big virtual hug that you didn’t even know you needed!"
—Chris Kelsey, Early Childhood Intervention Director, Retired. Winston-Salem, NC
"Kathryn tells the story of Michael with passion- she is his mother, his advocate, and his protector. From the stories of school, to the funny ways that Adam Sandler impacted the Huling’s life- to Michael growing, reaching milestones, and thriving- this book is a love letter to her son. A way to document the good times, the challenges- and the pure joy of raising Michael. At times, funny and always heart-warming- for a fan of non-fiction, this book might be exactly what you are looking for!"
— Tamara Welch,TravelingWithT.Wordpress.com
"This book is instructive, touching and absolutely priceless and I am so thankful to have it!"
— Izabella Vajda, PlayingWithAngels.Wordpress.com
“Life with a Superhero’s greatest strengths are the aesthetic value of the writing—it’s very lyrical and beautiful—and the uncommon perspective on parenting an older child with Down syndrome.”
—Kathryn Soper, author of The Year My Son and I Were Born and editor of Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives
"Make no mistake: This is a love story, one that is at once foreign and familiar, painful and poignant. Like all great love stories, it is also a story about taking in and letting go. Whether or not you are a parent of a child with special needs, you will have a place in your heart for taking in Michael. As I read, I was taken on a truly incredible journey, one fraught with “the sweetness of secrets and the necessity of betrayals.” Kathryn Hulings does, indeed, deserve 'way better than a plus sign'; she deserves a star."
—Pamela K. Coke, Associate Professor of English Education, Colorado State University
"It might be that this powerful and complicated story is mis-titled, for Life with a Superhero suggests that only one heroic figure makes an appearance here. Yet, from the first page, this memoir that reads like a novel brims with characters who sometimes struggle mightily yet in the end perform lionhearted feats almost every day, year after year--from adoptive mom Kathryn Hulings to her husband Jim and their biological kids to inspired teachers of many kinds. By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Kathryn Hulings' debut book is a moving portrayal of family and community, dedication and love."
—John Calderazzo, author of Rising Fire: Volcanoes and Our Inner Lives
"I knew from that moment I met the Hulings family that it was all going to be 'good in the neighborhood' (our school motto) for Michael at Blevins Middle School. I could write my own book, just about Michael stories, but it would not have the voice that Kathryn brings to hers! I am honored to have been able to share the experiences with the Hulings and their amazing journey with their son, Michael."
—Tracy Gefroh, MA, Special Education Teacher, Blevins Middle School, Fort Collins, Colorado, 2007-2008 Poudre School District Excellence in Education Award recipient.
