Onward, Crispy Shoulders!

By Mary Haakenson Perry and Fiona K.N. Stewart-Campbell

Book Overview

This book tells the story of Jim Haakenson, an individual with Down syndrome, growing up in the midst of a large family in the small town of Anchor Point, Alaska. It is an inspiring, heartwarming... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 189069214X
• ISBN13: 9781890692148
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Wizard Works
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Brilliantly written account

I grew up next door to Jim and moved away many years ago but reading the book from thousands of miles away brought back a flood of memories of Jim and his family who were all so kind and patient. This book should give hope and encouragement to families with children of any physical or mental challenge. There are lessons to be learned about the amazing things that can be accomplished by extremely loving and talented people with disabilities. If you haven't read this book and are thinking about it, you won't be disappointed. Mary really brings Jim's life into a light that mostly only "locals" were able to appreciate. It is a testament to his parent's love as well. The definition of family can be found here.

Truly Inspiring

This is a truly inspring tale of a family that not only homesteaded in Alaska, but raised a child with Down's Syndrome with little help from anyone else. The Haakensons had 6 other children, but managed to raise them all, including Jim with Down's Syndrome, to be contributing citizens with strong Christian values. The book was written by their daughter, Mary, after Jim died in 2001. This is a book anyone should read, and especially anyone with a Down's child in their family.

A great insight into Alaskan homesteading lifestyle

Beside being a wonderful account of the life of Jim Haakenson and his family, this book sets the reader into the lives of homesteaders in Alaska and their unique lifestyle. It leaves one in awe of what these folks accomplished in their daily life as well as the raising of Jim into a very capable employee, and responsible adult who was well known and loved in the community. Jim is a rich character and fun to read about. This is a well written, very interesting book, and definitely encouraging to any family raising a child with these kind of challenges.

Warm analysis of home with Downs child

This book was recommended by our daughter, mother of a Downs son, who knows the author. I expected to read a knowledgable, thoughtfully written book -- what I hadn't expected was top-grade writing, humor and a wonderful witness to family acceptance and faith. A truly inspiring story.