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Title details for Gabe & Izzy by Gabrielle Ford - Available

Gabe & Izzy

Standing Up for America's Bullied

by Gabrielle Ford
Sarah L. Thomson
Audiobook
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The moving, true story of the young woman dubbed "The Voice of America's Bullied"; how her bond with her dog, Izzy, changed her life; and their mission to help break the cycle of bullying. In middle school, Gabrielle "Gabe" Ford developed a degenerative muscle disease, and was harassed by bullies as a result. She did her best to keep her head high, but it wasn't easy. Then Gabe got a dog, Izzy, who developed an uncannily similar disorder. They were invited to appear on Animal Planet to talk about their bond, which in turn led to an invitation to speak at a school. And so began Gabe's career as an anti-bullying advocate. Dubbed "The Voice of America's Bullied" by the Huffington Post, Gabe now makes a career of public speaking and has received numerous honors for her hard work. Here is her amazing story—from her lowest days dealing with various challenges, to the unbelievable and immediate bond with Izzy, to her ongoing mission to put an end to bullying, one school at a time. Biographical Note: Gabrielle Ford never dreamed that a long-eared coonhound could change her life. But that's just what happened when she cared for her ailing pet Izzy and found the voice to help others in need as a nationally-known motivational speaker. Today Gabe's incredible story has drawn media attention from The Today Show, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Animal Planet, among others. As a child, Gabrielle loved dance and dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. That dream was shattered by a rare genetic neuromuscular disease, Friedreich's Ataxia, that would eventually place her in a wheelchair. Gabe not only struggled with the devastation of the illness, but also endured constant and cruel bullying from classmates. The constant torment took her on a path of depression and isolation. That all changed when Izzy, a long-eared coonhound pup, entered Gabe's life. Izzy became Gabe's best friend and constant companion. When this special friend mysteriously developed a condition mirroring Gabe's, Gabe re-entered the world to get Izzy the best treatment available. Speaking out for the voiceless Izzy gave her the courage to speak out for another voiceless group: the thousands of children bullied in American schools every day. Through countless personal trials, Gabe found her way back to the stage as an outspoken advocate against school bullying. In addition to her countless school visits, she has also been a keynote speaker at various conferences and conventions. Her dedication even earned her the 2011 Communications & Leadership Award from Toastmasters International, The 2011 Peace Maker of The Year Award (Gandhi Award /Genesee County MI), as well as the Community Hero Award in 2008 from the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    June 1, 2014

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781490625256
      • File size: 105301 KB
      • Duration: 03:39:22

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Ford recounts her own story of being diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia (a disease that compromises speech and mobility), of convincing her family that a large dog would be a sensible companion, and of gaining strength from her canine companion as she confronts marginalization at school and becomes an anti-bullying speaker. Susan Bennett is a forthright narrator--no sugary voicing here. She's as honest as Gabe, with moments of hesitation, frustration, rage, and ordinary kid-speak. Bennett uses pauses to accentuate Gabe's moments of uncertainty. She's also spot-on as Gabe's mother. The chapters are interspersed with excerpts from letters Gabe and Izzy have received. These underscore the impact this amazing duo has had during speaking engagements. A.R. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
    • School Library Journal

      November 1, 2014

      Gr 7 Up-When she was 12, Gabrielle (Gabe) Ford was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a disease that causes nervous system damage. She lost her balance and muscle control and, with them, her dreams of becoming a dancer. Classmates at school bullied her, and she sank into depression. When she adopted Izzy, a coonhound with health troubles similar to her own, Ford was able to take control of her life by caring for her dog. Narrator Susan Bennett's soothing voice leads the listener though Ford's story from diagnosis to despair and from Izzy's adoption to Ford's struggles to help Izzy with her medical issues. Ford describes how she found support from her community-many of whom bullied her through school-and the world through telling her story. This book will appeal to animal lovers, those who like stories about overcoming adversity, and people wishing to help end bullying.- Amanda Rollins, Northwest Village School, Plainville, CT

      Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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