Some Facts Behind "My Name Is Jake"

     The following information was printed in the Cleveland County Life Styles, July 26, 2016:

...  she (Angela Steele) is wife and mother to four sons ranging in age from 6 to 14. It’s a close-knit family that enjoys working–and playing–together.


The youngest, Jake, has Down Syndrome, is autistic and was born with an AV canal heart valve defect. And while many families would find dealing with any one of these conditions challenging, Angie says “he’s nothing but a blessing.”

And therein lies another interesting story.

Angie was 35, and 14 weeks into her pregnancy, when she learned that her baby carried the genetic disorder. After getting over the initial shock, she and her husband, Todd, began to discuss how they would share the news with their young boys in a way they could understand it. Drawing on her journalistic background, Angie began researching the literature—and found nothing targeting children.

So, she wrote her own book and sent it out to over 200 publishers. Angie selected 4RV Publishing, based in Edmond, to sign with, and the publishing company contracted with illustrator Jessica McClure, who used photos of Jake to illustrate the book.

My Name Is Jake, which addresses the fundamentals of Down Syndrome and explains that while children may all be different in one way or another, their hearts remain the same, is available at angelagrahamsteele.com, Chris’ Express Drug in south Oklahoma City, the Washington Feed and Seed store, and on Amazon.

     A side note: My Name Is Jake  can also be found on the 4RV online bookstore.