A Little Extra Jayne by Summer Adamson

In this month’s Recommended Reading, we are delighted to feature A Little Extra Jayne, a joyful and beautifully illustrated children’s book by Summer Adamson, daughter of Don Adamson, the founding executive director of HomeAid Utah. This heartfelt story celebrates inclusion, individuality, and the extraordinary gifts that make each person unique.

Written for young readers ages 5–8, A Little Extra Jayne introduces us to seven-year-old Jayne, an adventurous, spirited, and delightfully “extra” little girl who fills every room with joy, imagination, and sparkle. Whether she is dancing through the day, turning breakfast into a celebration, or gathering her family for a bedtime performance, Jayne brings energy and wonder wherever she goes. The “extra” in her story refers not only to her vibrant personality, but also to her extra chromosome, Jayne has Down syndrome, a fact revealed with grace and tenderness in a way that centers her humanity, joy, and strengths rather than defining her by a diagnosis.

What makes this book so powerful is its message of inclusion. Summer Adamson, an advocate for children with Down syndrome, intentionally wrote a story that helps children and adults alike recognize that while each of us may have differences, those differences often become our greatest gifts. Jayne’s story gently invites readers to move beyond labels and to see the beauty, dignity, and value in every individual.

Why This Book Matters to HomeAid’s Mission

At HomeAid, our mission is to build new lives for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness through construction, community engagement, and education. While A Little Extra Jayne is not specifically about homelessness, its themes align deeply with the values that guide our work every day.

HomeAid believes every person deserves to be seen, valued, and treated with dignity. Whether serving children, families, veterans, or individuals facing housing insecurity, we recognize that every person has unique strengths, dreams, and potential. Just as Jayne’s story reminds us to celebrate what makes each person special, HomeAid seeks to create communities where people are welcomed, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

This message also reflects the spirit of HomeAid Utah, whose work has long been rooted in compassion, partnership, and a belief in the inherent worth of every individual. It feels especially meaningful to highlight a book written by the daughter of a leader whose legacy helped shape HomeAid’s mission in Utah and beyond.

A Wonderful Resource for Families and Educators

A Little Extra Jayne is an excellent book for families, teachers, and caregivers looking to foster meaningful conversations about inclusion, empathy, and belonging.

Consider discussing:
What makes each of us unique?
How can we celebrate differences instead of fearing them?
What does it mean to help everyone feel included and valued?

This book provides a wonderful starting point for helping children understand that kindness, acceptance, and curiosity build stronger communities.

In Closing

A Little Extra Jayne is a charming and inspiring reminder that our differences do not divide us; they enrich us. Through Jayne’s joyful story, readers are invited to see the beauty in every person and the power of embracing one another fully.

At HomeAid, we believe building stronger communities begins with recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual. Jayne’s story beautifully reflects that truth, reminding us all that sometimes what makes us “extra” is exactly what makes us extraordinary.