Born Extraordinary

Empowering Children with Differences and Disabilities

By: Meg Zucker

Narrated by: Meg Zucker

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

A parent’s guide to empowering children to embrace their visible and invisible differences

Meg Zucker was born with one finger on each hand, shortened forearms, and one toe on each misshapen foot, caused by a genetic condition called ectrodactyly. She would eventually pass this condition on to her two sons, and, along with her husband, raise them and their adopted daughter, who has her own invisible differences. Born of the family’s hard-won experiences, this book offers invaluable advice on raising confident, empathetic, and resilient children who succeed, not despite but because of their differences.

Born Extraordinary helps parents of children with differences and disabilities to relinquish their instinctive anxieties, embrace their new normal, and ultimately find joy in watching their children thrive. Often the subjects of unwanted attention—ranging from pitying stares to bullying—Zucker and her sons have learned to ignore what others think and live fearlessly. Also incorporating the stories of other families with visible and invisible differences of all kinds, Born Extraordinary gives parents the tools to meet their children’s emotional needs while supporting the whole family unit. Parents learn how best to empower their children to confront others’ assumptions, grow in confidence, and encourage dialogue—rather than silence, fear, and shame—around difference.

©2023 Meg Zucker (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Meg Zucker has written a warm-hearted, practical guide to navigating a world that can all too often lack empathy and understanding. Her honesty and wisdom, drawn from a deep well of lived experience, will not only empower kids with disabilities but their parents and caregivers too.”
—Emily Ladau, author of Demystifying Disability

"Meg Zucker brings her singular radiance, passion, and practicality to Born Extraordinary, which is packed with insights and advice for parents, teachers, and caregivers—anyone eager to empower children and help build a culture of empathy and kindness. As a person born with my own invisible difference, I can’t overstate the value and power of this book, and my admiration and appreciation for its extraordinary author." —Lauren Tarshis, New York Times bestselling author of the I Survived series

"Born Extraordinary should be required reading for all pediatricians and parents. Meg Zucker shows us that given the appropriate framework, children with either visible or invisible differences can and should thrive despite their challenges." —Brenda Anders Pring, MD, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics

A meaningful story about embracing differences

I love how Meg intertwines her personal experiences with those of other families, to illustrate how our differences are beautiful. By being vulnerable and honest about herself, Meg invites the reader to better understand her family’s story and challenges.
As a bereaved parent of a child with complex medical needs, I appreciate the message to be honest about differences and embrace the struggles, to become more empowered. By doing so, you are setting your child up for a life of success and inclusion.
Children have daily opportunities to learn and grow through their differences, and Meg talks about the importance to refine and talk about this in the home. I love the situational role playing method as a powerful tool to anticipate difficult interactions. It’s also comforting to know that “pity parties” are inevitable and expected, so let them happen with grace and, move on.
This is a wonderful, thought-provoking read. I wish we would have had this book years ago when we felt so isolated. Though our child is no longer with us, we can still apply important lessons, including self love and empathy, in our relationships. We are so thankful for this book.