New Book's Lesson: "All Children are Unique Despite Their Obstacles"

Dennis Vanasse met Ryan Summers at a book signing at the Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough.

"Everyone Belongs," Vanasse's newest children's book, ultimately came out of that connection.

"This little boy has one of the most amazing personalities and touched my heart immediately," Vanasse said during an e-mail interview Tuesday.

"After learning more from his mother Denise about Epidermolysis Bullosa, we mutually decided to collaborate and write 'Everyone Belongs.' This is the first children's book about EB."

A book release party for "Everyone Belongs" will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Westborough Knights of Columbus Hall, 17 Willow St.

"The lesson is that all children are unique despite their obstacles," said Vanasse, the special education department head at South High Community School in Worcester.
 
"When you meet Ryan, you will recognize that he is just like every other child.  I want children to look at those with EB as a unique individual before looking at the disorder."

On his website, Vanasse cites EB Info World in describing Epidermolysis Bullosa: "The skin is made up of a number of different layers. The outer is called the epidermis; the inner layers are the dermis. 'Bullosa' is simply the name for a blister and 'lysis' means breakdown. Epidermolysis Bullosa means the breakdown and blistering of the epidermis."

Sunday's event is Vanasse's latest Westborough appearance.

He spoke at the Armstrong Elementary School this fall.

"Armstrong Elementary School is an amazing school. The school has great leadership under John Mendes," Vanasse said.

"The students were quite enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with during the presentation. It is quite obvious that the culture in the school is built around acceptance."