A New Chapter in Acceptance: ‘GiGi’s Journey’

Books are powerful tools; after all, they can transport readers to magical, mythical lands that exist solely within the pages of the story. But stories don’t just send readers to fictitious places. Fiction and nonfiction books alike can help readers understand real places, people, and topics. 

And sometimes, stories can do both — send readers to elaborate magical worlds while helping them make sense of real and relevant themes. In the case of GiGi’s Journey, the new collaborative book GiGi’s Playhouse is releasing with Harry Moon Books, that’s exactly the case. 

Set to be released in February 2025, GiGi’s Journey will introduce GiGi, a character with Down syndrome, as a main character in the fictional world of Harry Moon, the beloved children’s series. 

 With over 1 million books in print, Harry Moon is a 21-book franchise written primarily for 7–12-year-old readers. Set in the fictional town of Sleepy Hollow, Massachusetts, each Harry Moon book focuses on Harry, a thirteen-year-old magician, who is working to save Sleepy Hollow and fight against the evil curse that holds his town captive. 

Though the story is fantastic and entertaining, it helps children learn about powerful themes and important values like courage, kindness, and inclusion.  

GiGi’s Journey will continue this trend. Not only will this first-of-its-kind book entertain children with magical adventures, but it will also present a heartwarming story of friendship, bravery, and acceptance. GiGi’s Journey will give young readers meaningful exposure to Down syndrome, something that is sorely needed. 

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we often talk about how members of the neurotypical population are frequently not exposed to individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Despite all the advancements and progress that have been made, individuals with Down syndrome still experience segregation — in our schools, our workplaces, and our institutions.  

But that’s where GiGi’s Journey comes in. Though it’s a fictional book, it has the power to be a very real tool in advancing inclusion and acceptance. GiGi’s Journey will feature a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide with classroom activities and discussion questions, empowering educators to seamlessly integrate the story’s themes into curriculum planning. 

This means that GiGi’s Journey will allow children from all over world to learn about and engage with Down syndrome from a young age. At GiGi’s Playhouse, we believe that early exposure to Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities helps children realize from an early age that differences are nothing to be afraid of — they’re a part of everyday life and should be embraced and celebrated! 

In short, we believe early exposure is a crucial step in facilitating understanding and fostering a more accepting world and that GiGi’s Journey can jumpstart acceptance and inclusion for future generations! 

Set to release in February 2025, GiGi’s Journey will be available in eBook, audiobook, and hardcover formats. The release will incorporate read-a-thons, book signings, and interactive contests. If you’re interested in reading earlier Harry Moon book series installments, please contact your local GiGi’s Playhouse.