Teddy's World

Born with disabilities in 1938, not expected to survive childhood, Teddy is a victim of the mocking intolerance of Mid-Twentieth-Century America. “The kindest thing we can do for this child,” his parents are told, “is to let the state take him.” As Teddy, his parents, young sister and the family doctor struggle with Teddy’s world, they reveal their private turmoil -and we begin to understand them.

Teddy’s private world is colourful, bright, innocent. But the real world harbours a menacing darkness: the “Bad Thing” ever-ready to leap out and terrorize Teddy and every person like him. Teddy must overcome his terror, confront and defeat the “Bad Thing.” Can he do it?

Teddy’s World is a tale of love, strength, and perseverance; of a family confronting a world hostile to those who are “different.” It is a tale through time, moving to its surprising finale.

Author Biography

Anthony M. Graziano, Professor Emeritus, SUNY, Buffalo, has authored 25 books, 50 professional journal articles, 100 paper presentations in child mental health, developmental disabilities, and research methodology, and dozens of newspaper and magazine articles. Three of his recent books are historical novels (La Bell’ America, McKinley’s Ghost, Teddy’s World) through which he explores childhood and family issues in historical contexts.