In a heartwarming tale inspired by real life, a children’s book follows 12-year-old Shreya, who refuses to be defined by Down Syndrome as she participates in a community race. Shreya’s determination and spirit draw admiration and new friendships, making the story a powerful celebration of neurodiversity and inclusion.
- Shreya’s participation breaks down stigmas around Down Syndrome.
- The book promotes empathy, inclusion, and community understanding.
- Based on a real family’s experience, it’s part of a children-led neurodiversity series.
What happened
The book is set in Anjor, a fictional fishing village where a colorful festival takes place. One of the festival activities is a lemon-and-spoon race, in which 12-year-old Shreya bravely chooses to participate despite having Down Syndrome—a genetic condition causing developmental challenges. Unlike her cousins, Shreya is the only one ready to take the challenge, showing remarkable perseverance despite initial difficulties and unkind reactions from the audience.
Shreya’s repeated attempts and refusal to give up ultimately lead her to complete the race, earning cheers and encouragement from those watching. Her victory is not about winning the race outright but about participating fully and defying expectations. This event sparks a new friendship and shifts community attitudes, exemplifying inclusion and the power of resilience.
Why it feels good
This story brings warmth and a sense of hope by highlighting the courage it takes for children with developmental differences to engage confidently in everyday activities. Shreya’s experience demonstrates that participation and belonging can inspire understanding and change hearts in inclusive communities. The narrative gently reminds readers that everyone deserves respect, opportunities, and kindness regardless of their abilities.
Moreover, the book is inspired by a real family, led by Shivani Dhillon, a recognized social entrepreneur working toward social inclusion. Celebrating real-life experiences adds authenticity and encouragement to families navigating similar journeys. It also champions neurodiversity—recognized as essential to enriching communities rather than being seen as a limitation.
What to enjoy or watch next
‘Extra: Extra Chromosome, Extra Love’ is part of Bookosmia’s Not That Different imprint, an initiative driven by children to promote awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity. Readers and families interested in empathetic, educational stories will find this book a beautiful resource for sparking conversations about inclusion. It is available widely in India, reaching children through 150 locations and inspiring young readers to embrace differences.
For further exploration, look out for more titles by Archana Mohan and Prarthana Merchant that continue to blend imaginative storytelling with meaningful social messages. Parents, educators, and children’s book lovers can also follow India Inclusion Summit initiatives, where stories like Shreya’s contribute to a growing movement supporting developmental diversity and compassion.