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I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present
"Intelligent, politically bold, and beautiful to browse [...] Every bookshelf needs a copy." — Disability Arts Online
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 which have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sport, science, maths, art, breakdance or the world of pop.
Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable
Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller,
Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox,
Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Dynamo.
As seen on ITV's Good Morning Britain : "This book is there to help us all, to encourage us to talk about how we’re all different [...] It’s a really, really lovely book, beautifully illustrated as well." — Presenters Ben Shephard & Ranvir Singh
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 which have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sport, science, maths, art, breakdance or the world of pop.
Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable
Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller,
Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox,
Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Dynamo.
As seen on ITV's Good Morning Britain : "This book is there to help us all, to encourage us to talk about how we’re all different [...] It’s a really, really lovely book, beautifully illustrated as well." — Presenters Ben Shephard & Ranvir Singh
64 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
23 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Cerrie Burnell
27 books42 followersCerrie Burnell is one of the UK's best-known children's TV presenters and has in recent years made a name for herself as one of the most exciting new children's authors on the scene. Her picture book Snowflakes was performed at the Oxford Playhouse to great acclaim in 2016 and Harper, her fiction series, has been set to music by the Liverpool Philarmonic Orchestra.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 16, 2020
This book is MARVELOUS, FANTASTIC, SUPERB and the other synonyms for great that I am sure I could remember if I wanted to. I wanted to fill my shelves with more diverse books with unique voices, and seeing more books about people with disabilities is fantastic. I naturally needed to pick up this book, because I have family and friends with disabilities and they deserve to be heard too. And, man, am I so glad I picked up this book! It's incredible! Cerrie Burnell did an excellent job crafting this book.
This is a non-fiction, anthology-esque collection of people who had disabilities and did great things. Sometimes they did art or sports, or sometimes they just did truly miraculous feats. There will be some you know about, like Beethoven and Terry Fox (Yay Canada, represent!), and some you might not, like Henri Matisse (I was not aware of his disabilities but did know about his art). Their stories are told in a whimsical and fun way too, which is why this book really stood out to me. It felt way more fun than your typical non-fiction book.
If you're looking to learn, grab this book! It's a great collection of facts and stories that also have absolutely beautiful illustrations to go along with them.
Five out of five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
This is a non-fiction, anthology-esque collection of people who had disabilities and did great things. Sometimes they did art or sports, or sometimes they just did truly miraculous feats. There will be some you know about, like Beethoven and Terry Fox (Yay Canada, represent!), and some you might not, like Henri Matisse (I was not aware of his disabilities but did know about his art). Their stories are told in a whimsical and fun way too, which is why this book really stood out to me. It felt way more fun than your typical non-fiction book.
If you're looking to learn, grab this book! It's a great collection of facts and stories that also have absolutely beautiful illustrations to go along with them.
Five out of five stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
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July 9, 2020
This is an anthology of tales about disabled artist, athletes, activists, thinkers, writers, performers and dreamers, finding joy, normality and wonder in a world that deems is “different”(as though this is something bad)
That was such an amazing, inspirational book.
It shows you that you should never stop believing in your dreams and even if people tell you that you can’t do something because of your disabilities, they are wrong.
We all have ability, the difference is how you use it.
That was such an amazing, inspirational book.
It shows you that you should never stop believing in your dreams and even if people tell you that you can’t do something because of your disabilities, they are wrong.
We all have ability, the difference is how you use it.
May 23, 2021
This is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book showcasing a diverse range of wonderful disabled role models. For the most part I felt the emphasis on the social model of disability was a really empowering thing, but as somebody with a chronic illness, it made me quite uncomfortable to see how such illnesses were represented in this book. This read would be a wonderful introduction to disability for young people, but it makes me so sad to think that their first impression of life with chronic illness would be how it is portrayed in here - the idea that ME/CFS is simply “extreme tiredness“ and the damaging idea that similar illnesses can be *overcome* if you just try hard enough.
That said, the writing and illustrations are so beautiful that I’d really love to see a better informed and more representative chronic illness edition of this book in the future!
That said, the writing and illustrations are so beautiful that I’d really love to see a better informed and more representative chronic illness edition of this book in the future!
May 13, 2020
"We all have ability, the difference is how you use it"
This book was such a nice surprise! It depicts the lives and achivements of 30 incredible people that happen to live with a disability. I think every kid should read this book, specially nowadays that children's buyilling is on the rise, so they can see that no matter how different we may be, we can all achieve amazing things if we really try.
Every biography is told like a fairy tale. I missed that the author delved a bit more into some of the stories as they center mostly only on the positive, but that's the perspective of a 37 years old guy and this book is aimed to children. How I would have loved to have a book like this when I was a kid!). Some of these stories truly made me tear up. Every story is also accompanied by an incredible illustration. I loved the diversity of characters the author chose (artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, activists...) and not only career wise but also the diversity in nationalities and social backgrounds.
Amazing book (not only for kids) that showcases how much people with disabilities can achieve.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Wide Eyed Editions, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a nice surprise! It depicts the lives and achivements of 30 incredible people that happen to live with a disability. I think every kid should read this book, specially nowadays that children's buyilling is on the rise, so they can see that no matter how different we may be, we can all achieve amazing things if we really try.
Every biography is told like a fairy tale. I missed that the author delved a bit more into some of the stories as they center mostly only on the positive, but that's the perspective of a 37 years old guy and this book is aimed to children. How I would have loved to have a book like this when I was a kid!). Some of these stories truly made me tear up. Every story is also accompanied by an incredible illustration. I loved the diversity of characters the author chose (artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, activists...) and not only career wise but also the diversity in nationalities and social backgrounds.
Amazing book (not only for kids) that showcases how much people with disabilities can achieve.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Wide Eyed Editions, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2020
The name of the book is pretty self explanatory - I Am Not a Label: 34 artists, thinkers, athletes and activists with disabilities from past and present. It's well written and has colorful and fun illustrations. It reminds me of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women (in a good way). We need more books like this, we need to hear more inspiring stories.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2020
I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present is an anthology of some very inspirational people. This wonderful, illustrated book contains information about people I knew nothing about. Catalina Devandas, who has Spina Bifida, is a lawyer and plays an important role in the United Nations. Isabella Tejada is the first woman with Down Syndrome to have her own fashion label and to showcase it at London Fashion Week. Mary Temple Grandin become a Professor of Animal Science even though she is Autistic. This book contains fantastic stories about people who have overcome hardships and is suitable for older children (and adults too!) Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
June 23, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is a book about 34 disabled people who have achieved great things even though they have a disability. Told as a fairy tale type book, the author - Cerrie Burnell, who has a disability herself and has also achieved great things in her life and career, tells children about the 34 people (living and deceased) mentioned in this book from actors and artists to singers and scientists.
I loved the selection of diverse people with many different disabilities that range from visible to invisible disabilities, that the author chose to feature in this book and think this book is a fantastic book for all children to read. The way the book is written and the illustrations featured really captured my attention and held my interest throughout this book.
This book is a book about 34 disabled people who have achieved great things even though they have a disability. Told as a fairy tale type book, the author - Cerrie Burnell, who has a disability herself and has also achieved great things in her life and career, tells children about the 34 people (living and deceased) mentioned in this book from actors and artists to singers and scientists.
I loved the selection of diverse people with many different disabilities that range from visible to invisible disabilities, that the author chose to feature in this book and think this book is a fantastic book for all children to read. The way the book is written and the illustrations featured really captured my attention and held my interest throughout this book.
June 12, 2020
| Review on Reader Fox Blog |
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.
These books are always incredibly important reads. Even more, they are inspiring in a big way. It can be easy to see people in the light of fame and not recognize the adversity they have faced. And in the case of this book, it is truly amazing to see how these people are portrayed. The fact of the matter is that success is diverse and should be celebrated as such.
Where, often, disabilities are thought of as things that hold us back, I Am Not a Label flips this narrative on its head to affirm the truth that we can do extraordinary things no matter what disability or mental health problem we may be dealing with. And thus this book takes us through 30 people, their successes, and the disabilities that they have experienced in their lives.
One thing that really got me while I was reading this book is that it blended both successful people from the past and successful people from the present. I remember being amazed and thrilled when I saw that Demi Lovato was included in the book. Usually, books like this always seem to portray people like Stephen Hawking who, while truly inspiring, are much older and therefore not very relatable. Meanwhile, Demi Lovato is someone I can genuinely feel connected with.
This book is marketed toward young readers, which I think is excellent. Though I would not say that teenagers are the only ones who would benefit from reading this, I will say that they are the ones who deserve to benefit the most. I would highly recommend reading this book and recommending it to others.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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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.
These books are always incredibly important reads. Even more, they are inspiring in a big way. It can be easy to see people in the light of fame and not recognize the adversity they have faced. And in the case of this book, it is truly amazing to see how these people are portrayed. The fact of the matter is that success is diverse and should be celebrated as such.
Where, often, disabilities are thought of as things that hold us back, I Am Not a Label flips this narrative on its head to affirm the truth that we can do extraordinary things no matter what disability or mental health problem we may be dealing with. And thus this book takes us through 30 people, their successes, and the disabilities that they have experienced in their lives.
One thing that really got me while I was reading this book is that it blended both successful people from the past and successful people from the present. I remember being amazed and thrilled when I saw that Demi Lovato was included in the book. Usually, books like this always seem to portray people like Stephen Hawking who, while truly inspiring, are much older and therefore not very relatable. Meanwhile, Demi Lovato is someone I can genuinely feel connected with.
This book is marketed toward young readers, which I think is excellent. Though I would not say that teenagers are the only ones who would benefit from reading this, I will say that they are the ones who deserve to benefit the most. I would highly recommend reading this book and recommending it to others.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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June 10, 2020
This intriguing title says it all.
A very colorful, beautifully illustrated anthology of a peek into the lives of many heroes identified by disabilities, from the past, and the present, to inspire heroes of the future. The struggles these protagonists, had to undergo, and the place they have secured due to their spirit and attitude, overcoming common misconceptions, carving their niche, across the world, unstoppable, is well written as short crisp narratives, detailing their life story and their achievements.
Loved the introduction by the author.
A very colorful, beautifully illustrated anthology of a peek into the lives of many heroes identified by disabilities, from the past, and the present, to inspire heroes of the future. The struggles these protagonists, had to undergo, and the place they have secured due to their spirit and attitude, overcoming common misconceptions, carving their niche, across the world, unstoppable, is well written as short crisp narratives, detailing their life story and their achievements.
Loved the introduction by the author.
May 31, 2020
Another in the vain of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, and a great addition to the growing set of biography books set out like this; the one page bio teamed up with a beautiful illustration. This books lives up to the title and goes to prove you are not the label of your illness and should be required reading for all.
May 17, 2020
This is an excellent book! This book tells about some of the most extraordinary people in the history who were disabled but their disability didn't stop them from doing the extraordinary things they did and for which they are known by everyone. I think this is a very important book. The illustrations were absolutely stunning!
June 14, 2020
At first glance, this has the usual disabled historical figures. You know, Beethoven for being deaf, Steven Hawking for having ALS, and Frida Kahlo for having the back issues.
But then we get into Paralympic athletes who have done amazing things, and actors, and scientists.
But I think the statement by Stella Young, a comedian, says it all. She has brittle bone disease so has to use a wheelchair to get around. She gave a TED talk called "I am not your inspiration", which is true. We don't have to look at the disabled to be inspired.
Wonderful people chosen, such as Aaron Phillip, a model who is in a wheel chair, because of cerebral palsy, but is also trans. There is Isabella Springmuhl Tejada who has Down Sysdrome, but manages her own fashion line. And there is Naoki HIgashida, a young author who has autism.
Wonderful book to introduce kids to the world of people with disabilities.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But then we get into Paralympic athletes who have done amazing things, and actors, and scientists.
But I think the statement by Stella Young, a comedian, says it all. She has brittle bone disease so has to use a wheelchair to get around. She gave a TED talk called "I am not your inspiration", which is true. We don't have to look at the disabled to be inspired.
Wonderful people chosen, such as Aaron Phillip, a model who is in a wheel chair, because of cerebral palsy, but is also trans. There is Isabella Springmuhl Tejada who has Down Sysdrome, but manages her own fashion line. And there is Naoki HIgashida, a young author who has autism.
Wonderful book to introduce kids to the world of people with disabilities.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
June 13, 2020
This anthology includes brief biographies of many highly accomplished people who have a disability. In reading this title, kids can read about those who are well known, from Beethoven to Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking to Helen Keller and many more. There are also entries about people whom I never knew before, as for example, the physicist Gustav Kirchhoff and Nabil Shaban, an actor and writer, or lawyer Catalina Devanda or athlete Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah..
Of interest is that the author of this collection herself has a disability. She introduces her book by sharing a bit of her own story. The author and those she features shine brightly as they are portrayed in her highly readable style.
Each entry is short and beautifully illustrated, making it very easy for young readers to become engaged. There are also sections including a glossary and a list of resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Of interest is that the author of this collection herself has a disability. She introduces her book by sharing a bit of her own story. The author and those she features shine brightly as they are portrayed in her highly readable style.
Each entry is short and beautifully illustrated, making it very easy for young readers to become engaged. There are also sections including a glossary and a list of resources.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2020
*I received this book as an eARC from Quatro Group & Wide Eyed Editions via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Representation matters. This book does that. The people featured in this book come from many different backgrounds. There are both historic figures and modern people. The people included are athletes, actors, activists, scientists, and more. Wonderful artwork accompanies each person's story. There's a helpful glossary at the end of the book with useful terms.
I love that this book exists. All young people should read this. It shows representation for young people who can see themselves in these people's stories and it also leads to exposure and hopefully empathy for young people who may be learning these aspects about famous people's lives for the first time. I give this book a 5/5.
Representation matters. This book does that. The people featured in this book come from many different backgrounds. There are both historic figures and modern people. The people included are athletes, actors, activists, scientists, and more. Wonderful artwork accompanies each person's story. There's a helpful glossary at the end of the book with useful terms.
I love that this book exists. All young people should read this. It shows representation for young people who can see themselves in these people's stories and it also leads to exposure and hopefully empathy for young people who may be learning these aspects about famous people's lives for the first time. I give this book a 5/5.
February 7, 2021
My son is doing a Black History project on Stevie Wonder and we found this book at our local library. I want my son to learn about how disabled people can lead normal lives like able-bodied people. An example being Stevie Wonder who is blind, but is one of the greatest artists of all-time. This book is excellent for kids and adults to learn that having a disability does not stop people from reaching their true potential.
June 3, 2020
This book describes the struggles, challenges, successes and achievements of people with disabilities. Chronicling physical and mental disabilities of both historical and current figures, this book is sure to make students think twice before labelling others. A fantastic read for children and young adults, I Am Not A Label includes academics, artists, sports stars and celebrities, which make this a relevant read for all! I will be adding this to my classroom library.
May 22, 2020
This book is a great introduction to disability representation for kids, and I was pleased that they included a wide range of both physical, mental, invisible, and chronic conditions and the profiles were inclusive of POC and LGBTQ people with a diagnosis. The illustrations are beautifully detailed, drawn in a style complementary to the era, culture, and personality of each profile. The descriptions for each person are just detailed enough to tell the broad strokes of each person's life without dumbing down the content too much for child readers. Perfect for parents and educators hoping to broaden their children/students' perspectives about disability and bring the movement into the 21st century.
May 18, 2020
'I am Not a Label' is a Book that should be available everywhere. In schools, libraries, everyone one no matter their age should read it.
It depicts the lives of so many athletes, artists, historical people and activists who didn't give up on their dreams and continue to inspire people.
The illustrations that accompanied every page were beautiful and if it wasn't a kids book I would have loved to read more than the one page explaining each person.
The range of people written about are diverse and range from Lincoln to a trans model called Aaron Philip.
I just want to shout from the rooftop and encourage everyone to get this book whether for their own kids or for schools and libraries and make books like these more accessible and easy to find, read and be inspired by.
It depicts the lives of so many athletes, artists, historical people and activists who didn't give up on their dreams and continue to inspire people.
The illustrations that accompanied every page were beautiful and if it wasn't a kids book I would have loved to read more than the one page explaining each person.
The range of people written about are diverse and range from Lincoln to a trans model called Aaron Philip.
I just want to shout from the rooftop and encourage everyone to get this book whether for their own kids or for schools and libraries and make books like these more accessible and easy to find, read and be inspired by.
May 18, 2020
This is a wonderful book on so many levels. First, the art is just stunning, every page is magical in its own way. The stories about disabled people are easy and interesting to read. I just realised how many of the people in this book I knew about but didn´t know that they were disabled. There are so many awesome, kick ass people in this book that fought and created, researched and invented and changed the world and I really wouldn´t be mad if there would be a second book with even more disapled representation coming out one day. I really enjoyed this read and hope that a lot of people, abled and disabled, find joy in this book! A total 5 Star Read!
May 19, 2020
This is a very empowering book that highlights the limitations now-famous people have had to deal with throughout their childhood/lives due to their disabilities, but also shines a light on how it didn't stop them from dreaming big and achieving what they wanted! I think it really shows beautifully how society is where the limitations lie, not with disabilities! I love how this has people from all over the world too, and not just the US!
The illustrations are also so beautiful and I think the illustrator really captured each person in their spreads!
The illustrations are also so beautiful and I think the illustrator really captured each person in their spreads!
February 28, 2023
A gorgeous book about 34 disabled people who went above and beyond everything, in writing, in drawing, in creating things, inventions, and more!
I came across this book in one of my libraries and just had to bring it along with me because it looked SO good. I was curious about the various people mentioned, would I recognise them or not?
And I can say that for most I did recognise them! A lot of these people got famous everywhere and so you see them everywhere. Or they are people who have been around longer and did all sorts of important things. Like Frida Kaho, one of my favourite artists. Or Stephen Hawking, fantastic scientist and more. Or Lady Gaga. I didn’t expect her in this book, and it is apparently the same thing that haunts my mom, fibromyalgia! It was very interesting to read everyone’s stories and all they did in life. I learned new facts about some of the peeps I knew and I learned about new people. Like apparently my country (which is The Netherlands and not Holland as that is just two provinces (South-Holland and North-Holland)), there is a dancer named REDO. Somewhere that name sounds familiar, but not sure if it is because it is a common word in English or if I do know it as a name. But I really found it interesting to see my country pop by. And I loved that there was one woman in this book who went against the whole OMG so strong and inspirational thing that people have. I know that doesn’t make all the sense, but just read her story.
I loved that we also had themed pages which highlighted several people in a category.
And it is great that there was a glossary at the end!
But, I would have loved to see maybe another person with autism. Now you got two people with autism who couldn’t speak/had issues with talking. And autism is more than that. I already have to explain to people as an autist that no, autism isn’t rain man. No autism doesn’t mean I am emotionless robot or don’t get feelings. No autism doesn’t mean, insert something else. So it would have been fun/better if they had shown one or two other sides to autism. As autism is a very broad thing and we need to show people that.
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.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I came across this book in one of my libraries and just had to bring it along with me because it looked SO good. I was curious about the various people mentioned, would I recognise them or not?
And I can say that for most I did recognise them! A lot of these people got famous everywhere and so you see them everywhere. Or they are people who have been around longer and did all sorts of important things. Like Frida Kaho, one of my favourite artists. Or Stephen Hawking, fantastic scientist and more. Or Lady Gaga. I didn’t expect her in this book, and it is apparently the same thing that haunts my mom, fibromyalgia! It was very interesting to read everyone’s stories and all they did in life. I learned new facts about some of the peeps I knew and I learned about new people. Like apparently my country (which is The Netherlands and not Holland as that is just two provinces (South-Holland and North-Holland)), there is a dancer named REDO. Somewhere that name sounds familiar, but not sure if it is because it is a common word in English or if I do know it as a name. But I really found it interesting to see my country pop by. And I loved that there was one woman in this book who went against the whole OMG so strong and inspirational thing that people have. I know that doesn’t make all the sense, but just read her story.
I loved that we also had themed pages which highlighted several people in a category.
And it is great that there was a glossary at the end!
But, I would have loved to see maybe another person with autism. Now you got two people with autism who couldn’t speak/had issues with talking. And autism is more than that. I already have to explain to people as an autist that no, autism isn’t rain man. No autism doesn’t mean I am emotionless robot or don’t get feelings. No autism doesn’t mean, insert something else. So it would have been fun/better if they had shown one or two other sides to autism. As autism is a very broad thing and we need to show people that.
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.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 18, 2020
This beautifully illustrated book shares the stories of thirty-four disabled people who have triumphed in various fields. The author's note at the beginning explains that as a disabled child, she struggled with the lack of representation around her, and she writes these bios with sensitivity to the different experiences of each person, never presenting them in monolithic ways or enshrining them as superhuman inspirations.
She strikes the right balance between celebrating those who have overcome difficult odds and dignifying each person as an individual, not as an inspiration for someone able-bodied. However, I think that some of the bios are overly rosy and cheerful. The author often goes into detail about a subject's bodily struggles and social obstacles, but in some cases, she glosses over these too quickly to write about the person's accomplishments. I know that she was dealing with word-count constraints and writing a book for children, but in some cases, it seemed like she wasn't being completely forthcoming about people's trauma and suffering.
Still, that is only a minor complaint for a book that accomplishes its aims so well. It is very educational, and it is amazingly global and diverse, representing lots of different time periods, races, and nations. Even though I was already familiar with some of these historical figures and celebrities, I had never heard of most of them, and I am glad that I had the chance to learn so much from this.
This book addresses disability in a clear and helpful way, and raises awareness through its sections on mental health struggles and invisible disabilities. I am impressed with how educational and moving this book is without ever becoming didactic or saccharine, and recommend it as a great resource for individual readers and schools.
I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
She strikes the right balance between celebrating those who have overcome difficult odds and dignifying each person as an individual, not as an inspiration for someone able-bodied. However, I think that some of the bios are overly rosy and cheerful. The author often goes into detail about a subject's bodily struggles and social obstacles, but in some cases, she glosses over these too quickly to write about the person's accomplishments. I know that she was dealing with word-count constraints and writing a book for children, but in some cases, it seemed like she wasn't being completely forthcoming about people's trauma and suffering.
Still, that is only a minor complaint for a book that accomplishes its aims so well. It is very educational, and it is amazingly global and diverse, representing lots of different time periods, races, and nations. Even though I was already familiar with some of these historical figures and celebrities, I had never heard of most of them, and I am glad that I had the chance to learn so much from this.
This book addresses disability in a clear and helpful way, and raises awareness through its sections on mental health struggles and invisible disabilities. I am impressed with how educational and moving this book is without ever becoming didactic or saccharine, and recommend it as a great resource for individual readers and schools.
I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2020
This book is non-fiction aimed at children, however, I want to start this review off by saying that everyone should read this book, no matter what age you are. From young to old and everything in between. This book should be in schools, libraries and bedrooms.
The book is beautifully illustrated and very well written. Each page is a wonder to the eyes, and to the mind. Not only does this book focus on physical disabilities, but also on learning disabilities and mental health. It includes people from all over the world and is full of diversity. Every child should be able to find someone in there that they relate to on some level.
Not only is every person's story in there, but it's written in a way that will draw children's attention towards it. Each page is beautifully illustrated with bright colours and wonderful patterns. As well as each person is unique, each of their pages are too. It's extremely well thought out and planned.
At the end of the book, there is a glossary with the definition of some of the words used in the book, such as Polio, chronic, cancer etc. Which I think is a great addition to have. the author could have easily left it out, leaving children wondering what the terms meant, but instead they are explained at the back, allowing the child to read and understand on their own.
The book is beautifully illustrated and very well written. Each page is a wonder to the eyes, and to the mind. Not only does this book focus on physical disabilities, but also on learning disabilities and mental health. It includes people from all over the world and is full of diversity. Every child should be able to find someone in there that they relate to on some level.
Not only is every person's story in there, but it's written in a way that will draw children's attention towards it. Each page is beautifully illustrated with bright colours and wonderful patterns. As well as each person is unique, each of their pages are too. It's extremely well thought out and planned.
At the end of the book, there is a glossary with the definition of some of the words used in the book, such as Polio, chronic, cancer etc. Which I think is a great addition to have. the author could have easily left it out, leaving children wondering what the terms meant, but instead they are explained at the back, allowing the child to read and understand on their own.
June 8, 2020
I Am Not A Label- I requested this book as this is something I often have to remind people. I myself have Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus with 4 severe vision impairmants and I am an electric wheelchair user.
The title is perfect for the purpose and content of the book and really hits home, as does the cover. Each page is dedicated to a famous person with a disability and theit story is dealt with in an interesting, thought-provoking and emotional way. The stories are complemented by beautiful illustrations.
I am used to having to self-advocate and have been from a very young age. I hope this book goes a long way to educating adults and children about disabilities. There's only one things left to say- I really wish it was around when I was a child and teen, it could have been very useful. I think the book makes the topic of disability accessible to people and not something which, unfortunately, some people are reluctant to talk about today.
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.
Thanks to Cerrie Burnell and publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
The title is perfect for the purpose and content of the book and really hits home, as does the cover. Each page is dedicated to a famous person with a disability and theit story is dealt with in an interesting, thought-provoking and emotional way. The stories are complemented by beautiful illustrations.
I am used to having to self-advocate and have been from a very young age. I hope this book goes a long way to educating adults and children about disabilities. There's only one things left to say- I really wish it was around when I was a child and teen, it could have been very useful. I think the book makes the topic of disability accessible to people and not something which, unfortunately, some people are reluctant to talk about today.
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.
Thanks to Cerrie Burnell and publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
March 30, 2020
This book's illustrations are not only beautiful, the content of this book nearly made me tear up. So often people feel like they need to feel sorry for people with disabilities when in reality this book showcases just how much people with disabilities are capable of. I work with lots of families of children with disabilities and will definitely be recommending this book to them. A quick, really well-articulated read. I really enjoyed this one.
Want to read
June 9, 2020Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through Edelweiss and NetGalley.
March 18, 2020
This book was very interesting. I wish it did not tell each story like a fairy tale though. The message was inspiring but the writing style was off for me.
December 26, 2020
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.
Growing up, Cerrie felt the lack of books with disabled protagonists; she was born with one hand. "Representation matters," she writes in the Introduction. She decided to share the stories of her favorite role models.
Readers will learn about famous people, like Beethoven (deafness) or Helen Keller and Stevie Wonder (Blindness).
And those with mental disabilities, like John Nash (subject of the book and movie A Beautiful Mind) and President Abraham Lincoln (depression).
Illness also creates disability, like Henri Matisse's cancer that caused him to fins a new way of doing art, resulting in some of his most beloved works.
There are people representing those with Down's syndrome, spina bifida, polio victims, those who self-harm, chronic pain, autism, brittle bone disease, transgender, epilepsy, and more.
I was moved by these stories. Burnell's book is for everyone and every age. The wonder of what the human spirit can accomplish is marvelous.
Every library needs this book, for those who feel alienated by their disability, and for those who need to understand that disabled people are not so different, and in fact, may be remarkable.
I received a free book through Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox, Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Dynamo.
Growing up, Cerrie felt the lack of books with disabled protagonists; she was born with one hand. "Representation matters," she writes in the Introduction. She decided to share the stories of her favorite role models.
Readers will learn about famous people, like Beethoven (deafness) or Helen Keller and Stevie Wonder (Blindness).
And those with mental disabilities, like John Nash (subject of the book and movie A Beautiful Mind) and President Abraham Lincoln (depression).
Illness also creates disability, like Henri Matisse's cancer that caused him to fins a new way of doing art, resulting in some of his most beloved works.
There are people representing those with Down's syndrome, spina bifida, polio victims, those who self-harm, chronic pain, autism, brittle bone disease, transgender, epilepsy, and more.
I was moved by these stories. Burnell's book is for everyone and every age. The wonder of what the human spirit can accomplish is marvelous.
Every library needs this book, for those who feel alienated by their disability, and for those who need to understand that disabled people are not so different, and in fact, may be remarkable.
I received a free book through Amazon Vine in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox, Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Dynamo.
March 14, 2022
Best read a few pages at a time, this book shares short biographies of various individuals who have lived with and worked with disabilities, both visible and invisible, to achieve great things. Some of the people featured in the book are famous, and others are lesser known individuals who still have overcome great odds to do amazing things. I highly recommend this one for parents and educators who want to teach their able-bodied children inclusion and to teach those with disabilities that they can aim high and soar. Disabilities do not have to define or limit us completely.
The author herself was born without part of her right arm and has been a disability activist, raising visibility through writing and acting (per the bio at the back of the book). She laments that when she was growing up, "there just weren't enough books with a disabled protagonist having Daring adventures." She couldn't find herself represented in literature or other media. She writes in her intro, "Everyone deserves to see someone like them in a story or achieving something great. Representation matters, because magical things happen when we see ourselves in a book, film, or stadium, or on a stage, even if that magical thing is realizing that we are all of value. That we all have a place in the world, and that we are enough, just as we are." She concludes her intro, "I hope [their stories] will show you that we are all more than just a label, and that whoever you are, disabled or not, there are no limits to your dreams." In this story/bio compilation Burnell achieves her goal of sharing the theme that "every person's story is valid."
The author herself was born without part of her right arm and has been a disability activist, raising visibility through writing and acting (per the bio at the back of the book). She laments that when she was growing up, "there just weren't enough books with a disabled protagonist having Daring adventures." She couldn't find herself represented in literature or other media. She writes in her intro, "Everyone deserves to see someone like them in a story or achieving something great. Representation matters, because magical things happen when we see ourselves in a book, film, or stadium, or on a stage, even if that magical thing is realizing that we are all of value. That we all have a place in the world, and that we are enough, just as we are." She concludes her intro, "I hope [their stories] will show you that we are all more than just a label, and that whoever you are, disabled or not, there are no limits to your dreams." In this story/bio compilation Burnell achieves her goal of sharing the theme that "every person's story is valid."
June 15, 2022
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.
As a teacher, this book helps me to see people as their story- a collection of experiences not a collection of their abilities. I always know that relationships are built with students by asking each of them about their experiences and stories. By getting to know an individual student and their stories, I will not see them as the labels the schools places on them. I realize how many labels educators and school places on students - their IEP/504 status, language abilities, test scores, free/reduced lunch, etc. This book shows that these labels actually limits a person to live up to that label. As an educator, we need to see beyond the label and get to know each student.
As a teacher, this book helps me to see people as their story- a collection of experiences not a collection of their abilities. I always know that relationships are built with students by asking each of them about their experiences and stories. By getting to know an individual student and their stories, I will not see them as the labels the schools places on them. I realize how many labels educators and school places on students - their IEP/504 status, language abilities, test scores, free/reduced lunch, etc. This book shows that these labels actually limits a person to live up to that label. As an educator, we need to see beyond the label and get to know each student.
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