Naperville author celebrates World Down Syndrome Day with debut novel ‘Special’

After more than two decades advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Naperville-area schools, longtime resident Nancy Goodfellow will take the stage at Anderson’s Bookshop on Saturday, March 21, to celebrate both World Down Syndrome Day and the launch of her debut middle grade novel, “Special.”

The event will be held on March 21 in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day — a date symbolizing the third copy of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome. In a meaningful full-circle moment, Goodfellow’s daughter, who has Down syndrome, will interview her mother about the book during the program.

Naperville-based Moose & Me Bakery, a business that employs individuals with disabilities, will be onsite selling Down Syndrome Awareness Ribbon cookies.

“Special,” which releases March 19, tells the story of two girls — one with Down syndrome and one without a disability — as they navigate the shifting social landscape of junior high.

The novel recently received a coveted starred review from School Library Journal, which called it “highly recommended for all school and public libraries” and noted that “fans of Sharon M. Draper’s ‘Out of My Mind’ series will love this new story.”

Starred reviews from School Library Journal are awarded to only a small percentage of books each year and are considered one of the highest honors in children’s publishing.

Goodfellow has presented disability awareness programs to more than 20,000 students throughout the Chicago area, accompanied by a young woman with Down syndrome, Naperville resident Michelle Anderson. Drawing from her family’s lived experience and her years in local schools, Goodfellow saw a need for authentic stories about friendship between disabled and nondisabled peers.

“I’ve been sharing messages of inclusion in Naperville schools for years,” Goodfellow said. “To now celebrate this book at Anderson’s, surrounded by our community, feels incredibly special.”

A 23-year Naperville resident, Goodfellow raised all three of her children in District 203 schools. Her oldest daughter, Lily, is now a self-advocate and sports reporter who works for multiple Chicago sports teams and has been selected as a field reporter for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

The March 21 event is open to the public. Tickets are available through Anderson’s Bookshop.

For more information, visit nancyfgoodfellow.com.