1. June Rae Wood
June grew up in Versailles, Missouri, with four brothers and three sisters. Her brother Richard, who had Down's syndrome, was the pattern for "Punky" in her novel, The Man Who Loved Clowns. Punky is a comical little man who pours out the shampoo and throws chicken bones behind the TV.
Of June's five novels for young adults, The Man Who Loved Clowns, published in 1992, remains the favorite among her readers. She often visits schools to tell "the story behind the story."

2. The Man Who Loved Clowns
Delrita, 13, is an only child -- but not exactly. Having her uncle in the house is like having a little brother. Punky, 35, has Down’s syndrome, and although she loves him dearly, she can’t help being ashamed of him.

3. Turtle on a Fence Post
Delrita, 14, is adrift after the death of her parents and her uncle Punky. Will she get along with her prissy aunt Queenie? Will she fall in love with Tree? Find out in this sequel to The Man Who Loved Clowns.

4. When Pigs Fly
While chasing after her little sister with Down's syndrome, Buddy, 13, unravels the mystery surrounding 15-year-old Dallas. Though Dallas scavenges from other people's junk and he smells like dirt and mustard, he doesn't seem strange to Buddy when she learns his deep, dark secret.

5. About Face
The birthmark on Glory’s face has made her shy and miserable. Then she meets Marvalene, 13, who breezes into town with the carnival. Though Marvalene has selfish motives and even fakes psychic powers, she helps Glory see past the birthmark and into herself.

6. On Her Way: Stories and Poems about Growing Up Girl
"Flying Free" is June Rae Wood's short story in this anthology edited by Sandy Asher. It's the 1950's and Joretta, 13, wears braces on her legs because of polio. When her mother disappears, Joretta has to figure out whether to "fly free" or go through life feeling sorry for herself.