We love sharing books with you that we’ve enjoyed, found helpful, or made us laugh! One of the missions of JJMF is to share resources that families not only find helpful, but that also spark joy. Enjoy this recap of some of our staff’s favorite books in 2023–and here’s to more reading in 2024!

The Five Minute Journal

Who loves the beauty of a new journal as much as we do at the JJMF? All those beautiful, sometimes daunting, blank pages are one of the best gifts of self-care. Inspired by JJMF’s executive director, Genny Jessee, we value the power of journaling. We believe that the practice of “gratitude journaling” can be highly beneficial, especially for parents and caregivers who are facing the challenges of their children’s conditions. As Genny found when June was alive, her journal could easily become a record of June’s medical journey, but adding a place to write down blessings each day helped to transform her outlook.

Buy it on Amazon 

Love Grows Everywhere by Barry Timms & Tisha Lee

Of course, we went with a Valentine’s Day theme for our February Book of the Month. We’re sure your little ones will enjoy this adorable LOVE themed book with striking illustrations and an even more beautiful message on the different ways that love makes our world go round!

“Love grows everywhere
Enough for all. A gift to share.
Budding, branching, leaves unfurled…
love will brighten the whole world.”

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The Gift of the Unexpected: Discovering Who You Were Meant to Be When Life Goes Off Plan  by Jillian Benfield

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your most authentic self? Jillian Benfield tells the story of her “before-and-after moment” when she received the phone call notifying her that her unborn child could have multiple medical conditions.

This story is a journey of self-reflection, identifying and spending time in your feelings, and a spiritual growth journey like no other. Overcoming the unexpected wasn’t an option for author Jillian Benfield. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become. Reading this book will challenge you to work through your pain rather than avoid it to achieve true healing. You’ll also discover how your internal transformation leads to external purpose.

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Let’s Go Play: A Children’s Book About Adaptive Equipment and Inclusion by Shelby McCarthy

This book is not only educational, but it’s an adorable way to introduce children to different types of disabilities and the various adaptive equipment that they might see at an age-appropriate level. It’s a favorite in our household, and we’ve also gifted several copies to close friends to share with their children. There is even a matching coloring book you can order as well!

From The Author:
“A children’s book that introduces adaptive equipment, or “tools,” while encouraging imaginative play and inclusion. Equipment included in this story are wheelchairs, glasses, AAC, standers, feeding tubes, trachs, gait trainers, service dogs, hearing aids, orthoses, and face masks!”

Buy it on Etsy 

Never Far Apart by Kyle and Betty Mertens

Never Far Apart is beautifully written by Kyle and Betty Mertens in honor of the special sibling relationship shared by their children following the loss of their first child, Ella. This uplifting children’s book provides both children and grown-ups with practical insights to help honor the memory of a loved one.

Throughout this book, “you’ll be reminded that even though you can’t see them, they are forever woven into your story.” Never Far Apart would be a meaningful gift for someone that has lost a child or loved one.

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Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Rising Strong by Brené Brown offers a poignant message about embracing our own vulnerability that arises from facing difficult situations. Throughout the book, Brown provides essential tools to encourage readers to become curious about the challenging emotions that may stem from their vulnerability.

While it wasn’t explicitly written for medically complex parents, we found the message and tools relevant and applicable for our courageous community and included it in this year’s Month of June care packages.

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Tender: The Imperfect Art of Caring by Penny Wincer

“The act of supporting another person can reveal so many paradoxes. The depth of love alongside incredible loneliness. The heavy sense of duty mixed with a fulfillment that’s greater than any we may have known before” – Penny Wincer

This book is a must-read whether you’re a caregiver yourself or know someone who is! Tender: The Imperfect Art of Caring by Penny Wincer is a relatable and insightful book featuring the author’s own experiences as a caregiver, as well as the experiences of several others. With an honest and uplifting approach, she uses the opportunity to challenge her readers, validate their experiences and offer helpful insights for those walking the caregiver’s journey. Parents of medically complex child(ren) will not be able to put this one down!

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Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht

Our October book was a Halloween themed children’s book! Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht engages her young readers through colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes as they follow the characters along a pumpkin carving party.

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Nothing is Missing: A Memoir of Living Boldy by Nicole Walters

“If you can’t find happiness, if it’s too hard or too heavy or too difficult, lean into gratitude. Gratitude begets happiness.” – Nicole Walters

Our November book of the month, Nothing is Missing: A Memoir of Living Boldly by Nicole Walters, is a book you won’t want to put down! From her early childhood as the daughter of immigrants, her unconventional journey to motherhood and her wild success as a self-made millionaire, Walters beautifully shares her story of learning how to show up for herself and the importance of finding joy in the day-to-day.

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You’re Here for a Reason by Nancy Tillman

“But life works together,
the good and the bad,
the silly and awful and happy and sad,
to paint a big picture we can’t always see,
a picture that needs you, most definitely.”
– Nancy Tillman

We closed out our last Book of the Month of the year with a darling children’s book by popular children’s author Nancy Tillman. As she leads her readers on an uplifting story, little ones are reminded of their special and unique place in the world. Combined with dreamy illustrations and a rhythmic cadence, she draws in her readers in a fun and inspirational way.

Buy it on Amazon