Reji Laberje

Cooper Ridge, the Wonder Kid Reji Laberje

In Cooper Ridge, The Wonder Kid, a mid-grade to young adult fantasy book, the line between dreams and reality is crossed when a quadriplegic boy imagines he is a great ball player while he sleeps. Such dreams would not be extraordinary if strange changes weren't happening in the body of the twelve-year-as a result; Coop is growing stronger and healthier and then there are the mysterious times that his body appears to have moved in the night. Could he really be living the dreams made of real memories that his mother theorizes are carried down from the stars on the wings of fireflies? What if he could trap those gifts; could he live in that imaginary life - in somebody else's memory - while he is awake? If so, who must live a nightmare while Cooper has stolen the dream and what will happen if Coop must choose between returning to his handicapped life and the one he has always hoped to lead? Follow Cooper Ridge from dreams to reality as he must learn how to live in a world not made for him and how to live with himself, no matter who that self is. This book is one of two current Reji Laberje titles that has an associated school seminar. Designed for an audience of 60 to 120 students in grades 4 through 8, Wonder Kids weaves in elements and text from Cooper Ridge, The Wonder Kid, well-received exercises in description and a series of educational, brainstorming games and techniques that will empower children to understand their value from the inside out. Please contact Reji through here or her website (www.rejilaberje.com) to find out about scheduling a visit by Reji to your school, group or organization. The event will be one that is fun, memorable and instructive and it will leave all who attend feeling confident, excited and literarily fulfilled. As with all of Reji's books, proceeds from sales are dedicated to worthy causes. 50% of Reji's personal royalties from the sale of every single copy of Cooper Ridge, The Wonder Kid will be donated to Special Olympics; the rema