Being Special, Book 11 of a 20-book series. Special thanks to Trends Charitable Fund for sponsoring the "I Am Learning" project for individuals with Special Needs at Cortney's Place - - or everywhere. Social stories are a resource for individuals with disabilities and their families. People with special needs may not always understand some basic rules of social interactions. Social stories are meant to bring awareness to the reader. This book series, written by Patricia Hermes and illustrated by Starr Williams, was created to bring perspective to readers regarding their thoughts, behaviors, attitudes and feelings. Award winning author donated her time and talent to write the "I Am Learning" Social Story Book Series for Cortney's Place. Patricia Hermes is the author of over fifty award-winning novels for children and young adults, as well as two non-fiction books for adults. Her books have been praised for their authenticity as well as their humor and have been awarded many honors, including NY Library Best Book of the Year, Children's Notable Trade Book, and many state awards, those awards given by the children readers themselves. She has won the Iowa Children's book award, the Hawaii book award as well as Minnesota and California. Hermes has contributed to many national magazines and publications. Ms. Hermes also presents at schools and conferences throughout the world. Some of her books have been translated in other languages, most recently in Polish for her Emma Dilemma series. A former teacher at the middle school level, Ms. Hermes is the mother of five grown children. A native New Yorker, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona. GRATITUDE & THANKS TO PATRICIA HERMES FOR WRITING THE " I Am Learning" BOOK SERIES