September 23, 2005
Raising Blaze by Debra Ginsberg
Blaze and his mother's story is one I fear will haunt me for a lifetime. As Blaze goes to kindergarten for the first time and comes home having been labeled - in one day and after only brief evaluation - as being a problem child, years of shuffling in and out of special education rooms, teachers' aids, and his mother sitting with him in school begin. Ginsberg's portrayal of her son, her involvement in his education, and the challenges they both faced in the public education and medical systems is well-rounded and honest, giving the reader a strong sense of Blaze as a special and wonderful and troubled young boy. Blaze's mother's struggles to keep him in school, to keep him from being rashly and wrongly diagnosed, to keep him off of medications, and to keep him as mainstreamed as possible are at times heartwrenching at times frightening. Undoubtedly this book has particular resonance for parents, but as a story of love, the power of family, and unfailing hope and courage, Raising Blaze is a testament all should read. As my own preschooler approaches entry into the elementary school system, the story of Blaze floats in the background of my mind, a sad and cautionary tale, but also a tale of a parent's love and heroism.