This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Dede Dankelson based her first picture book on the true story of her oldest son, Peter, wanting to have two big ears like his friends. Peter was born with microtia/atresia, one of many birth defects associated with his diagnosis of Goldenhar Syndrome.
Dede is also the author of How I Learned to Rock My Life: The Peter Dankelson Story. This book chronicles Peter's first 20-years of medical challenges and discovering the guitar as well as how Pete's Diary evolved into the social media sensation it is today.
Peter's Rockin' Ear is the recipient of the distinguished Mom's Choice Gold Honoree award and is also a 5-Star Reader's Favorite. Autographed copies of Pete's Diary books can be purchased at www.PetesDiary.com/shop.
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Peter was an excellent guitarist and a budding rockstar to boot. However, he was unhappy that one of his ears was too small. Peter was tired of people pointing at him and teasing him relentlessly. He tried every means possible to hide his unusual ear or create a false one, but nothing seemed to work. Encouraged by his family, he finally tried getting a new prosthetic ear. Does it solve his problems? What happens on the day of Shredapalooza, when he performs in front of a large audience? Peter’s Rockin’ Ear, written by Dede Dankelson and illustrated by Pratyush Chatterjee, tells us Peter’s story.
It was a humbling experience to discover that Dede based the story on Peter Dankelson, her eldest son, who was diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome. Dankelson is a talented musician and the lifeline behind this inspirational book. Dede astutely highlighted Peter’s struggles as he tried to fit in with his peers. I empathized with him when he tried to keep his ear a secret just to stop the teasing. I rooted for him when the prosthetics gave him new hope. I loved how he learned to accept his ear, not as a deformity but as an inseparable part of him. He realized that it was not something to be ashamed of but something that made him unique. The support his family and friends showed was truly admirable.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Chatterjee’s superb illustrations. I loved that Peter’s face bore a striking resemblance to the real Peter. In Chatterjee’s illustrations, the facial expressions and body language were so lifelike that I could read every emotion the characters felt. Peter’s Rockin’ Ear is an empowering book that will teach the young audience the value of self-acceptance.
