Promote Special Needs Inclusion with Black Day: A Halloween-Themed Children’s Book (review and give-away)

Tucker loves Halloween and all things creepy. In an effort to make it even more amazing for him, we dressed as The Supers two years ago. Super Dad sported a big fake belly and Super Mom had a ketchup stain on her shirt. We’re nothing if not authentic.

I’ve been informed by Tucker that Halloween is happening now, “because I saw it at Target,” and “my friend at school said that God moved Halloween to now because it was too far away.”

Why am I talking about Halloween in September? Because of the book Black Day! It’s about Halloween and is, indirectly, about special needs inclusion. Awesome combination, right?

The day that we received an autographed copy of Marcus Sikora’s Halloween-themed illustrated children’s book “Black Day,” I knew that Tucker and I would love it. Gorgeously illustrated, Black Day promotes inclusion and acceptance for those who may feel different. Brad is a paper boy who wants to be a rock star, so when he discovers the band Black Day playing in old Professor Hammer’s garage, he wants to join. The band’s monsters have a different idea and send him away saying“No humans!” Brad sets out to change their minds, but the monsters have bigger problems. 

I asked Mardra, Marcus’ mother and co-author, whether Marcus’ intent was to promote acceptance for people with special needs, and she told me that Marcus’ reply was “This is just the way the story goes.” She elaborated with “Outwardly, Marcus has always primarily identified himself with Skeleton Pumpkin Head – from his initial talk of the band, and of course all the way through to voicing the characters. That said – like with any author, I see him in every character he created to some extent.” Tucker’s favorite character is Skeleton Pumpkin Head so I love the fact that Marcus seems to identify with him the most.

Here’s a video of Tucker’s reaction to Black Day:

As said, you can win this awesome book that is “just how the story is” but ultimately about inclusion and acceptance.

Let me know in the comments whether you’re interested in winning your very own copy of Black Day and you’ll be be entered into the contest. Or, order your own now if you can’t wait!

The book is gorgeous and so important. Here’s to inclusion for each of us, even if we’re human.

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Black Day Book Website
Youtube of the Trailer

Marcus Sikora is a 25 year old creative soul who has Down syndrome and lives in Omaha, Nebraska. He has acted on stage with local and national companies as well as written a short one act. Black Day: The monster rock band is his first book for children. When he’s not watching theater, singing, or working out, he’s contemplating the sequel, title yet to be determined. You can connect with Marcus and his adventures via Twitter @marcusmusical, Facebook/GrownUpsAndDowns, and BlackDayBook.com