I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present
by Cerrie Burnell (Author) Lauren Mark Baldo (Illustrator)
"An inclusive and upbeat collection ideal for classrooms and libraries" - School Library Journal
In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 34 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences, and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.
These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges that have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates, and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sports, science, math, art, breakdancing, or the world of pop.
Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people: Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchhoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox, Peter Dinklage, Catalina Devandas, Wanda Diaz-Merced, Victor Pineda, Arunima Sinha, Abraham Lincoln, Demi Lovato, Matt Haig, Redouan Ait Chitt, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Farida Bedwei, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Michelle Akers, Lil Wayne, and Dynamo.
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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Gr 3 Up—This anthology spotlights 34 notable individuals with a range of disabilities and backgrounds. Profiles include Terry Fox, a Canadian athlete and amputee, and Aaron Philip, a Black trans girl and model with cerebral palsy. Other public figures include Lady Gaga, Frida Kahlo, Stephen Hawking, and Lil Wayne. The text is straightforward and brief. Burnell focuses on the accomplishments of her subjects rather than strictly defining them by their ability differences. Readers who want to dive deeply into the lives of the highlighted people will need to seek out additional information. However, the accessibility of the prose offers an inviting introduction to these changemakers and their stories. Back matter features a glossary, an index, and a few suggested sources for additional reading. With intricately illustrated spreads by Baldo, this title is a good addition to other biographical anthologies like Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and Vashti Harrison's "Little Legends" and "Little Dreamers" series. There is an art-deco sensibility to many of the illustrations, which include a portrait of each individual rendered in bright colors and carefully embellished page designs. VERDICT An inclusive and upbeat collection ideal for classrooms and libraries.—Jen McConnel, Queen's Univ., Ont.
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Cerrie Burnell is an actress, singer, playwright, author, and former television presenter for CBeebies (2009-2017). She was born with half a right arm and has sought to increase visibility of disabled people through her career in presenting, writing, and acting.
Lauren Baldo is an illustrator based in the Philippines. He has worked as a storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, and children's book illustrator.
JNF053180 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Special Needs
JNF053160 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
People with disabilities
People with mental disabilities
Athletes with disabilities
Artists with disabilities
