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Special bond between girl and brother with special needs highlighted in new book by Detroit author

Posted at 7:10 PM, Oct 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-09 19:10:26-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Danielle Wallace's professional background is in education and she's just written a children's book that highlights the special bond between a little girl and her brother who has special needs.

"My Big Brother Troy" is based on the real life relationship between Danielle's young niece and nephew, Rory and Jax.

"My nephew is a little different in the way he learns and that he's developmentally delayed," Danielle told a class of third graders Wednesday at Coleman A. Young Elementary on Detroit's west side.

Danielle, 28, is a graduate of Detroit public schools where her mom, Melanie Wallace, is a teacher. Danielle's dad, David Wallace Sr., is a police sergeant for the district.

The new children's book is a creative tool at helping children, and even adults, in lessons of patience and understanding.

The story is told from the perspective of "Sasha" who has a big brother who gets frustrated at times when he is trying to communicate to others. Sasha talks about how it's clear to understand her brother with patience.

"Sasha faces the same problem as so many other children--getting other people to understand a member of her family," said Danielle.

Danielle is hoping businesses will consider buying copies of her books to donate to schools in hopes that the lessons, that are rooted in love, will spread.

Click here for more information on "My Big Brother Troy."