But all in all, I really did enjoy this book, it is gorgeously illustrated with a wonderful portrait of the person on one side and their story on the other side. As I said, I learned about new people and their things. I would recommend this one.

I Am Not a Label - LoveReading4Kids

em>I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell and illustrated by Lauren Mark Baldo is perhaps one of the best books I have ever read detailing successful people with disabilities or mental health issues. A collection of short biographies of a vast number of people throughout history who have done well in their lives but have also experienced great struggles.I instantly knew I was going to like this book. When I read the Introduction- I felt like I every educator in the world needs to read this book. It is an amazing reminder that every person has a story. That story gives them a unique perspective on the world around them. That story may have challenges, prejudices, and misconceptions placed upon them. This book shows how these 35 people have created their own story and what they accomplished in their lifetime. This book focuses on the story and not on the disability. The stories focus on how each individual has contributed to the world and not how the world “fixed” them. There are some athletes in this collection that reminded me of how incredible the Paralympics are, in which Brazil is a powerhouse (but unfortunately there is no Brazilian in the collection). But one thing that left me 100% WOW, are Stevie Wonder's achievements in his career, because I know the guy is very famous and talented, but he leaves everyone empty-handed in awards! In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 30 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. I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists From Past and Present by Cerrie Burnell is a beautifully illustrated (Lauren Baldo, artist) anthology that introduces young readers to disabled role models. The glossary at the end is brilliant for easily explaining words that children may never have heard before such as cisgender and fibromyalgia.

I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and

Growing up with a disability is a wonderfully unique experience, sometimes challenging, often enlightening, always human. I wanted to create a book that documented this honestly and celebrated the different ways in which people experience disability. There is an assumption that having an impairment is a something negative, or that you have to be extremely brave and heroic to live a happy life if you’re disabled. I wanted to show that its never that simple, that having a disability isn’t a bad or fearful thing, but nor does it make you exceptional, it’s just a different way, sometimes wonderful, sometimes mundane, always human. Can you tell us a little about your experience of seeing yourself in books – or not – as a child?I also think that the book goes a long way towards making people want to know more about everyone who is featured in it. It is written in a fun way but is also like a fairy tale for each story. Writing non-fiction was a completely different process and though more time consuming in terms of research, really exciting and quite humbling, in terms of learning about peoples’ lives and then trying to tell their stories in the most succinct and eloquent way. Is there enough diverse representation of disability in books for children and young people? Why is it important that children’s literature (including nonfiction) is as inclusive as possible? A gorgeous book about 34 disabled people who went above and beyond everything, in writing, in drawing, in creating things, inventions, and more!