Personal Accounts
I’ll Carry the Fork! Recovering a Life After Brain Injury
Kara L. Swanson
Death didn't find Kara Swanson the day the minivan careened into her own car, but the head injury she sustained
changed her life forever. The author presents her painful tale in an style that wraps the hard information in humor
and gentle playfulness. Alongside Kara's inspirational sense of humor, medical and legal professionals offer
technical input and practical advice to those dealing with or helping someone through the aftermath of brain injury.
This funny and informative book will help countless others find their way to a new life, and know that they are not
alone on the journey
Rising Star Press
888-777-2207
http://www.risingstarpress.com/carryfork.html
Ketchup on the Baseboard
Carolyn Rocchio
Carolyn Rocchio shares the personal story of her family’s journey after her son, Tim, sustained
a brain injury. Chronicling his progress over more than 20 years, she describes the many stages of his recovery
along with the complex emotions and changing dynamics of her family and their expectations. More than a personal
story, the book contains a collection of articles written by Carolyn as a national columnist for newsletters and
journals on brain injury.
Lash & Associates Publishing/Training, Inc.
919-562-0015
http://www.lapublishing.com/family-brain-injury-support/
Over My Head: A Doctor’s Own Story of Head Injury from the Inside Looking Out
Claudia L. Osborn
Over My Head is an inspiring story of how one woman comes to terms with the loss of her identity and the courageous
steps (and hilarious missteps) she takes while learning to rebuild her life. The author, a 45-year-old doctor and
clinical professor of medicine, describes the aftermath of a brain injury which stripped her of her beloved profession.
For years she was deprived of her intellectual companionship and the ability to handle the simplest undertakings,
like shopping for groceries or sorting the mail. Her progression from confusion, dysfunction, and alienation to a
full, happy life is told with restraint, great style, and considerable humor.
Andrews McMeel Publishing
800-943-9839
http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/products/?isbn=0740705989
Where is the Mango Princess?
Cathy Crimmins
Writing with grace, candor and remarkable clarity, Cathy Crimmins charts her husband's painful
and often astonishing journey through coma and brain injury. From the frustrations of dealing with doctors and
insurance plans to the enigmas of personality, mortality, and modern science, this is a chronicle of wisdom, love and
resilience. Meeting absurdity with wit, Crimmins takes readers on a voyage - life affirming in even its darkest
moments - through neurology, identity, and the mysteries of the human brain.
Random House/Vintage Books
800-733-3000
http://www.randomhouse.com/book/33579/where-is-the-mango-princess-by-cathy-crimmins
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Children and Youth
Elvin: The Elephant Who Forgets
Heather Snyder
When a young elephant named Elvin has a tree branch fall on his head, he learns that changes in
memory, learning, and behavior are the most frequent consequences of brain injury. This illustrated story, for
preschool and elementary school-age children, shows Elvin’s struggles when he goes back to school, can’t keep up in
class, and doesn’t quite fit in with his friends anymore. Not only is this book about how the brain works and brain
injury, it also explains adaptive strategies that students with brain injuries can use. It is a tool for teaching
all children about differences in abilities and how it feels to have a disability.
Lash & Associates Publishing/Training, Inc.
919-562-0015
http://www.lapublishing.com/elvin-elephant-tbi-child/
For Kids Only: A Guide To Brain Injury
Shanan R. Raines & Pamela K. Waaland, Pamela K. Richmond
Compiled by physicians experienced in working with children, this booklet offers explanations of what happens when
a child’s family member or friend sustains a traumatic brain injury. Frequently asked questions and quotations from
siblings of injured children are incorporated into the text. Other topics addressed include coma; physical,
cognitive, and behavioral changes; sibling relationship issues; and the role of family and friends in the recovery
process.
National Resource Center for TBI
804-828-9055
http://www.neuro.pmr.vcu.edu/catalog/index.htm
Why Did It Happen On a School Day? My Family’s Experience with Brain Injury
Brain Injury Association of Maryland
This book is written from the perspective of a young boy whose father has sustained a brain injury.
It is designed to be used as a tool for helping children to understand what is happening to a parent with a brain
injury and the subsequent recovery period. It is written in simple language and supplemented with illustrations.
HDI Publishers
PO Box 131401
Houston, TX 77219
800-321-7037
https://secure.biausa.org/detail.aspx?ID=414
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Educators (coming soon)
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Other Professionals (coming soon)
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General Reading
Living with Brain Injury: A Guide for Families
Richard Senelick, MD, & Karla Dougherty
Mindstorms: The Complete Guide for Families Living with Traumatic Brain Injury
John Cassidy and Lee Woodruff
In these pages, Dr. Cassidy walks you through the different types of brain injury; explodes the common myths surrounding it;
demonstrates the ways in which TBI may affect memory, behavior, and social interaction; explores the newest options in
treatment and rehabilitation; and shows you how to hold on to your own sense of self as you journey through. Along with the
practical information you’ll need, Mindstorms offers a constellation of instructive, moving stories from families and patients
who are slowly, but surely, finding their way back. Their experiences are sure to inspire you and yours.
Da Capo Press
800-343-4499
http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/dacapo/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0738212474
Traumatic Head Injury
Dennis P. Swiercinsky, Ph.D., Terrie L. Price, Ph.D., Leif Eric Leaf, Ph.D.
A guide for understanding the causes and consequences of head injury, and the rehabilitation challenge for regaining as much
functional independence as possible for adjusting to that which cannot be changed.
Brain Injury Association of Kansas & Greater Kansas City
800-783-1356
https://www.createspace.com/900002073
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