In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I asked Penny to share some thoughts about who she is, what matters to her, and what she would like other people to know about her. Here’s what she came up with:

Facts about me that I believe are true:

I care a lot about my relationship with friends. I feel like I am included sometimes. For example, The Homecoming dance. I am making some new friends this year. I have new friends who have included me in anything and cared about me whenever I need to talk.

I care about people when they get hurt, are upset and if they need to talk to someone they know they can come to me.

Some of my favorite things are 

Reading, Family time and Having friendship relationships that hold a long time.

Some of my favorite ways to spend time are

Doing Ballet. This year, I am improving in pointe class, and I feel good about that because I am working hard.

Here’s something I love about my family:

I love that we have game nights. My favorite game is Things. 

Here’s something you might not guess about me: 

I grew up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

Here’s something I love about myself:

I love that I can make others laugh.

More with Amy Julia:

• Two Picture Books (for Everyone) With Characters With Down Syndrome
• Book—A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectations, and a Little Girl Named Penny
• Free Resource: Missing Out on Beautiful: Growing Up With a Child With Down Syndrome

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