I Belong: Can I Play? is Michael's first children's book, written with Heather Gale. This heart-warming story teaches the importance of inclusion, friendship, and belonging.
A portion of the proceeds are donated to Special Olympics Canada
About the Book
Michael has an intellectual disability and autism so when it comes to school, sports, and all the fun things children do – he learns in a different way.
Wanting to be included, Michael practices his favourite sports: baseball, basketball, and bowling, to come up with a game-plan of his own . . .
“Always focus on your abilities and never give up.” – Michael Jacques
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Check out the printable activity worksheets! The PDF includes a fun colouring sheet, a word search and some questions to encourage conversation around inclusion. Feel free to share on social media your children’s work and hashtag #IBelong.
About the Authors
Michael Jacques
Welcome to my story!
Growing up with autism and having an intellectual disability did make my life more difficult than a lot of kids my age.
But with the great support of my family, a best friend, Daniel, and organizations such as Special Olympics, I was able to focus on my strengths and find my voice, get a job, author a book titled Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book, and become an inspirational speaker at schools and events around the country.
I share my story to encourage students to include everyone and to know that it is always okay to be different. Having a positive attitude and never giving up will help you reach your goals.
Heather Gale
I discovered Michael’s book one day while grocery shopping at Sobeys, a supermarket chain that stretches from coast to coast across Canada. Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book caught my attention because as a parent, my heart ached for Michael to succeed.
There’s a saying that authors have . . . the story finds you, and that is how his book felt.
Michael’s story is about facing challenges and learning perseverance.
Thank you to the Jacques family for always being available so this story may inspire many others.
Michael, thank you for being amazing!
I Belong: Can I Play? Video
Sample Pages
