Susan and Lexi Haas are a mother and daughter writing team focusing on disability education and advocacy. Lexi has a rare and severe form of cerebral palsy. While she can't walk or talk, she was reading by ten months old, has an impressive memory, a keen sense of humor, and an invincible spirit. Recognizing her young daughter's gift for words, Susan began writing with Lexi to help foster independence and develop communication, but soon learned that Lexi's fresh perspective needed to be shared with others. In addition to writing together, Susan and Lexi also enjoy presenting to schools and organizations around the world, helping others learn about disability from a first-person narrative. The Year of the Buttered Cat is the duo's first book. They live in Charlotte, NC.
* ""This book is an inspiring story filled with love, laughs, and support. Readers may not have known Lexi before reading her story, but they will love her after. An excellent nonfiction pairing where titles like R.J. Palacio's Wonder, Lynda Mullaly Hunt's Fish in a Tree, and Sharon M. Draper's Out of My Mind are popular.""--School Library Journal, starred review A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection * ""This moving, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny memoir with an intriguing title follows disabled, mostly nonverbal, super-smart Lexi Haas and her family. Readers will cheer Lexi on as she comes to terms with herself and her situation. Highly recommended.""--Booklist, starred review ""Amusing and compelling.""--Kirkus Reviews ""An amazing and beautiful story.""--Youth Services Book Review