Special - by Nancy F Goodfellow (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Madison has always helped and protected Meg. Why wouldn't she? They're "M&M"-best friends and always together. Meg's Down syndrome never mattered.

Until they start junior high.

Now that they're in seventh grade, and Madison's father has passed away, Madison is feeling insecure and alone. But when she gets the chance to join the popular kids, it's Meg who may get left behind. Both girls are forced to figure out what makes them who they are-and who they really want to be. A story of loss, loyalty, and acceptance, Special is for any child who believes they need to change who they are in order to fit in.

Review Quotes

"Nancy Goodfellow has written a timely book with a timeless message. As I send my daughters to middle school, one of whom has Down syndrome and one who does not, I hope for books like Special to be read by my girls, their peers, their teachers and other parents and used as a catalyst to more spaces full of empathy, inclusion and belonging. I love this book!"

-Heather Avis, mother of two children with Down syndrome, founder of The Lucky Few and The Lucky Few Foundation, New York Times best-selling author, podcaster and Down syndrome advocate (130K+ followers)

"Nancy Goodfellow's big-hearted debut novel Special will inspire young readers to reach out a hand in friendship to those who might look and act different from themselves. Dual perspectives from the two main characters offer a vivid sense of the joy that occurs when all kids are included in education, sports, and social activities."

-Melissa Hart, author of Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ Stories of Disability and Determination (Sourcebooks, 2025)

"A fantastic story! Everything our youth need to be learning and a message of acceptance that we all need to be demonstrating. Nancy did a brilliant job of spreading awareness of the everyday struggles for those who have Down syndrome and illustrating the beauty that results from inclusion."

-Rachel Grier, mother of twin daughters with Down syndrome, blogger at DoublingDownMom.com and social media influencer (100K+ followers)

"Special is a heartwarming story of two girls navigating their evolving friendship amongst the complexities of growing up. Nancy did a great job reminding us that each friendship is a unique mosaic of emotions underpinned by love and respect for one another. Special encourages us to embrace our differences and shows us how powerful we can be when we show up as our full authentic selves."

-Kymberly Jordan, vice president of global corporate engagement, Special Olympics