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Written by Rick D. Niece, Ph.D., The Side-Yard Superhero is the kind of book that makes us appreciate the friendships we make in life. And like many of the Superhero's in our daily lives they cannot fly or scale buildings, they simply lift our spirits with their passion for life, which is the case with Rick's lifelong friend, Bernie Jones. This is their adventure story, and along the way, Bernie taught Rick many important lessons he would never learn in school.
Raised in DeGraff, Ohio, Rick Niece later went on
to become a high school English teacher before coming the President of
the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas. Like many of us as time
passes, Rick stepped back to recall his adventures with Bernie, who was
born with severe cerebral palsy. “Society is fascinated with
superheroes,” says Niece. “We define superheroes as those who encompass
superhuman strengths and abilities. What we fail to recognize is that
there are heroes alongside us every day — we just have to keep our minds
open.”
As you turn the page you begin to appreciate all you have, and the
smallest accomplishments as Bernie did, who found it a challenge to
simply dress himself in the mornings. The lessons we have shared with
our children come to light in The Side-Yard Superhero as well, like
never to complain, judge, or stereotype another person. “Often, people
walk by persons with disabilities and ignore them. They avoid eye
contact almost as though they are invisible,” Niece adds. “A smile and a
hello can make a person’s day. A moment of conversation can make a
week.”
The Side-Yard Superhero not only takes you on a nostalgic adventure with Rick and Bernie; it shares uplifting moments of compassion. It shows us why we should never judge others because of their disadvantages. It encourages us to cherish the little moments and simple pleasures we often overlook in our daily lives. And, The Side-Yard Superhero makes us realize superheroes are everywhere!
Learn more about Rick Niece, and order your copy of The Side-Yard Superhero by visiting www.RickNiece.com, or look for it online at www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com.