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by Stuart D. Jones (Author)
"Stephen's story is beautifully told through the eyes of his brother, Stuart. Steve was different, not less. You will love his story." - Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Author & Advocate
Born premature in 1954 and diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Steve Jones was never expected to live a "normal" life. Professionals urged his parents to institutionalize him, to forget, to move on. Instead, they chose love.
For the Love of Stephen: The Story of a Boy Who Was Never Broken is a powerful sibling memoir that spans five decades of Steve's life from the small-town prejudices of the 1950s, through public school desegregation for students with disabilities in the 1970s, to the quiet injustices and quiet joys of his adult years. It is a story of resilience, laughter, heartbreak, and radical belonging.
Through sharp honesty, satirical critique, and moments of deep tenderness, Dr. Stuart D. Jones shares the story of his brother's courage and humanity in a world that too often refused to see it. Along the way, readers will encounter:
- The absurdities and heartbreak of a system that failed people with disabilities
- The fierce love of a family that defied societal norms
- The triumphs and humor of a man who refused to be defined by labels
- A tragic ending that underscores the urgent need for justice and inclusion
Perfect for readers of Riding the Bus with My Sister (Rachel Simon) and Life, Animated (Ron Suskind), For the Love of Stephen is both personal and universal-an unforgettable story that asks us to see differently, love fiercely, and never look away.
