The story
Super powers: that is what Travis has, the ability to bring people together. Hugs, Handshakes & High Fives is a delightful story about a super-child with an uncanny ability to brighten people’s thoughts about how they look at and treat others, all by using hugs, handshakes and high fives.
The Alexander Foundation published the book to raise awareness about how people with disabilities are treated and to show children a more positive way to interact with everyone. It was our first step toward the foundation’s education goal, and it is still the one that reaches the most kids.
Our goal: a copy in every elementary school library
We want this book in every elementary school library, public library, doctor’s office and community space where children gather. If you would like to help spread the message, buy a copy or several and deliver them to schools, hospitals, libraries or other places in your community.
If you work at an elementary school, daycare, children’s hospital or anywhere else the book would fit, contact us . We will work with you on a plan for distributing the book and sharing its message.
Placeholder photo. Requires iStock license (#2167068298).
How one dad used it
Dominic Prioli read the book with his own children, then bought a copy for every first grader in his child’s class at St. Cecelia’s Catholic School and came in for a Reading Day. He turned handshakes into a Goldilocks lesson, had students read pages aloud, and explained that a classmate who uses a wheelchair wants to be included just as much as they do.
Twelve more books we recommend
The foundation also curates a collection of picture books about difference, disability and belonging, from All My Stripes to When Charley Met Emma. See the full collection.