This interview originally appeared in the May/June 2025 Horn Book Magazine as part of the Publishers’ Previews: Diverse Books, an advertising supplement that allows participating publishers a chance to each highlight a book from its current list. They choose the books; we ask the questions.

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For Down Syndrome Out Loud (illustrated by María Perera), Melissa Hart, inspired by her brother’s experience, profiled more than twenty people living successfully with Down syndrome.

Photo: Jonathan B. Smith.

1. How did you find the people you profiled?

I spent weeks researching people with Down syndrome who do fascinating things. I read newspaper and magazine articles, scoured Instagram and TikTok, and asked people from nonprofits for suggestions.

2. If you and your brother Mark had a secret club, what would be its focus?

Playing guitar and singing Peter, Paul and Mary songs while doing Three Stooges impressions and making fart jokes. We’re very classy.

3. What did writing this book teach you about yourself?

Writing this book made me hyper-aware of how people with visible disabilities are often ignored in social situations. These days, I’ll walk up to someone with Down syndrome, introduce myself, and discover what we have in common. I hope this book will inspire readers to widen their friendship circles; when we do this, everybody wins.

4. Where can I get some of that can-do spirit exemplified by these young people?

So many of the people profiled in this book had to fight — assisted by parents and/or siblings — for full inclusion in mainstream classes. Thanks to great teachers and family members, these go-getters have a team cheering for them as they pursue their dreams. Many are also involved in groups such as The Arc, Special Olympics, Best Buddies, National Down Syndrome Society, and The Buddy Walk. Community is essential.

5. What does the word “amazing” mean to you?

It means I stop dead in my tracks with wonder. It’s how I felt during Zoom interviews with people in my book — for example, when Kayla McKeon told me about becoming a U.S. Congressional lobbyist (I’d be terrified to do this work) and when designer Isabella Springmühl Tejada talked about showcasing her clothing at London Fashion Week (again, terrified). And when Chris Nikic told me about completing his first Ironman triathlon. Amazing!

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