Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

Thompson (Be a Changemaker) presents a warm, matter-of-fact overview of the life of Emmanuel Ofofu Yeboah, born in Ghana in 1977: "Two bright eyes blinked in the light, / two healthy lungs let out a powerful cry, / two tiny fists opened and closed, / but only one strong leg kicked." Even before Thompson arrives at Yeboah's efforts to change attitudes about physical disabilities through a cross-Ghana bicycle ride (the subject of a 2005 documentary, Emmanuel's Gift), his determination to be seen for who he is--and not just for his disability--is made crystal clear. As a child, he "hopped to school and back, / two miles each way," and at age 13 he traveled to Accra on his own to support his family after his mother fell ill. Working in a palette of creamy oranges, teals, and gray-blues, Qualls (The Case for Loving) provides solid visual and emotional scaffolding for the setbacks and triumphs Yeboah faced while demonstrating "that being disabled does not mean/ being unable." Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Jan.)

K-Gr 2--This powerful and winning picture book tells the story of a young man overcoming the odds. Born in Ghana with a deformed left leg, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah experienced stigma as a result of his disability: his father abandoned the family, and many assumed that the boy would be little more than a burden. However, with the encouragement of his mother, Yeboah refused to give up, hopping to school (instead of walking) and even learning to play soccer and cycle, despite receiving no extra help or accommodations. Thompson's lucidly written text explains how Yeboah cycled 400 miles in 2001 to raise awareness, forever changing how Ghanaians perceived those with disabilities. The narrative is simply and clearly written, and the illustrations are skillfully rendered in charmingly emotive ink and watercolor collages. A brief author's note explains how Yeboah inspired legislation upholding equal rights for the disabled and how he continues to make strides, working with organizations that provide wheelchairs to those who need them and setting up a scholarship fund for children with disabilities. VERDICT This uplifting account will resonate with readers and supplement global and cultural studies. A triumph.--Kathryn Diman, Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME