Born Just Right

by Jordan Reeves, Jen Lee Reeves

From tween advocate for limb difference and founder of Project Unicorn Jordan Reeves and her mom, Jen, comes an inspiring memoir about how every kid is perfect just the way they are.

When Jordan Reeves was born without the bottom half of her left arm, the doctors reassured her parents that she was “born just right.” And she has been proving that doctor right ever since!

With candor, humor, and heart, Jordan’s mother, Jen Lee Reeves, helps Jordan tell her story about growing up in an able-bodied world and family, where she was treated like all of her siblings and classmates—and where she never felt limited. Whether it was changing people’s minds about her capabilities, trying all kinds of sports, or mentoring other kids, Jordan has channeled any negativity into a positive, and is determined to create more innovations for people just like her.

Her most famous invention, aptly called Project Unicorn, is a special prosthetic (that shoots glitter!) made with the help of a 3-D printer. A real-life superhero, Jordan is changing the world with her foundation, Born Just Right, which advocates and celebrates kids with differences, and helps them live their best possible life—just like Jordan is today!

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Biography, Disability, Memoir, Childrens, Family

160 pages, Hardcover

Published June 4, 2019

About the author

Jordan Reeves is the co-founder of the non-profit, Born Just Right. Ever since she was little, this 13-year-old has pushed through expectations and has shown how living with a disability can lead to awesome opportunities. Through public speaking and mentoring other kids with limb differences, Jordan works to change attitudes around physical differences. Jordan is currently changing what we think about disability by designing a body enhancement (a 3d printed prosthetic) that allows her to shoot biodegradable sparkles for her alter ego, Glitter Girl. Jordan has shown off her work on The Rachael Ray Show, MakerFaire, TEDx, AIGA, Parson’s Design School, and many other events across the country. Her experience with design has given her a chance to consult and offer insight to large brands across many different genres. Jordan is also one of four founding members of the STEAM Squad, a group of girls who work together to get other kids involved in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. What's next? Jordan and her mom wrote a book with Simon & Schuster! Look for BORN JUST RIGHT in bookshelves June 4, 2019.

Reviews

[Jen Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so proud to have written this book with Jordan. I'm honored we are able to work together in a way that gives her a chance to share her experiences growing up with an obvious physical difference. Her goal is to raise awareness and change the perspective on disability. I think her book is one step closer to making that goal come true.

[Bethany M. Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

From dynamic duo and mother/daughter team comes this brilliant own voices MG book about limb differences. Jordan was born without the bottom half of her left arm, but like the title of the book, she was born just right.

Jordan gives her own perspective of growing up in an able-bodied world with a family behind her that relentlessly believed in and championed her in each new developmental stage so that she never felt limited. Jen writes about the steep learning curve her family went through to learn how to care for and empower Jordan. From writing their own tool kit and helpful guide to give to teachers and classmates on the first day of pre-school, to creating their own international non-profit to connect and empower other families with limb differences, Jordan and Jen are both educating others while smashing stereotypes.

Jordan and Jen tell their journey of how sometimes quietly, and other times unapologetically, they tried all kinds of sports, began to mentor kids, and most notably, Jordan creating an invention called Project Unicorn. It is a special prosthetic arm that shoots (biodegradable) glitter made with the help of a 3-D printer. Her invention has gained national attention and featured on Racheal Ray, CNN, Teen Vogue, and most recently, Jordan was in a Superbowl commercial for Microsoft Xbox adaptive controllers.

This book will walk readers through how Jen and Jordan are changing the world with their foundation, Born Just Right, which advocates and celebrates kids with differences, and helps them live their best possible life. Their book is also timed perfectly with a collaboration with Mattel to have their first doll with a prothetic to ensure representation matters so kids like Jordan grow up knowing they are seen and valued. This gem of a book belongs on every classroom and home bookshelf.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the author to facilitate this review. All opinions, as always, are my own.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In BORN JUST RIGHT, Jordan Reeves was born without the bottom half of her left arm, but she doesn't let that stop her from living her life to the fullest. Her mom, Jen, offers insight and her point of view. Jordan is open and talks about therapy, her journey with each prosthetic, and the things she's been able to accomplish.

Jordan's story is inspiring and will encourage others to accept who they are. In life, you can do anything no matter your situation, as long as you have the right mindset. Jordan proves this and her story is one we all can learn from.

BORN JUST RIGHT brings awareness to those born without something, such has their whole leg or arm. It teaches that not everyone's normal is the same and that's perfectly fine. The way you were born is "just right" no matter what other people's perception of normal is. I also love the humor throughout the book and the positive vibes it gives out.


Final Verdict: This is a great book for middle graders who love contemporary stories that will inspire them. It's the perfect novel for today's society as we strive to accept each other no matter their differences.

This review can also be found on YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsnon...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad to have met Jordan Reeves through this book and am impressed with her determination and advocacy as she shows others that having one arm that is shorter than the other one and has no hand or living with a prosthesis need not limit anyone. Some readers may like the fact that most of the book focuses on her passion for STEAM education and her Unicorn Project and invention of an arm that shoots glitter, but I was more interested in learning how she copes with her physical challenges. She does address this to some extent, and it's clear that her supportive parents and her stays at various camps for those with physical challenges have helped her figure out ways to live life on her own terms and without limits, but I wanted more of that sort of thing. I wanted to know more about the camp activities and conversations and more about her school and community. While Jordan is clearly not defined or limited by her shorter arm, most readers will want to know how she developed such a positive attitude toward life, even participating in a modified version of CrossFit. The book would be stronger and more meaningful for me if there were alternating chapters with her mother and Jordan sharing their take on things. There are some entries from her mother, but I would have liked to have had more so that others who are facing their own challenges can draw inspiration from this wonderfully supportive family.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for BORN JUST RIGHT, a slim biography about a girl with a limb difference; this is book 3 for #30booksummer!
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Jordan Reeves was born with a little arm that ends just before the elbow. Her parents insisted from an early age that she learn to do things for herself, so she did. Sometimes with a prosthetic ("helper arm") and sometimes without, Jordan plays basketball and softball, dances, plays the piano, and much more. .
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She credits her family, but also various limb difference camps for helping her become the individual she is today: someone who advocates for inclusion of people with disabilities in all settings. Her foundation, Born Just Right, along with her 3D design of a glitter-shooting prosthetic (with environmentally friendly glitter!) have put her in the spotlight. She's excited to share her message of inclusion with anyone who will listen. One of her efforts is to get American Girl Dolls to offer a doll with a limb difference. .
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She also has advice about the importance of disability friendly language -- people live with a disability; don't say they "suffer from" a disability. Someone who uses a wheelchair isn't "wheelchair bound"; it's a tool and they use a wheelchair. I loved the advice section at the end for children about how to make a difference as a child. Her resilience, sense of humor and positive attitude make this a fun, inspiring read. .
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Caveats: There are sections by her mother in a different typeface, but I didn't think they were necessary and didn't like the perspective shift. I also wish the book was longer, but most students will probably appreciate the brevity (it's 140 pages). Finally, it's starkly obvious that Jordan's white family is privileged in terms of wealth. Not all children with disabilities will have the opportunities that Jordan has had. There's no acknowledgement of this fact in the book. .
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#librariansofinstagram #librariesofinstagram #bookstagram #biography #limbdifference #bornjustright #jordanreeves #differerentability #mglit #mgbooks #bookstagram #30booksummer

[Sarah Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor to meet Jordan's mom, Jen, at a blogging conference in 2014 and have been following Born Just Right ever since. I purchased a copy of the book the day it was released. Written by Jordan, and including snippets from Jen's blog, the book is an easy read and very informative. Jordan's positive attitude and can do spirit along with her reminder that we are all born just right and deserve kindness is a great message for all ages.

[Shauna Yusko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wished there were more photos, or at least a few in color.

STEM pairings
Cactus? TED Talk? TV show appearances

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when I was thinking, "This is all delightful, but what about the ecological nightmare of glitter?" she talks about it!

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a joyous celebration of how WE ARE ALL...BORN JUST RIGHT.
What follows between the pages is a chronicle (somewhat) of the life and times of Jordan Reeves (and mom!) as they tackle the world, one OPPORTUNITY at a time, while reminding people that it's not about what a person can't do, but the myriad of things they can...and how doors do open with just a bit of help from your friends/family!

If you manage to read through this one without feeling inspired, you are in some major funk my friends. we're all struggling to survive on this great big planet we call Earth, taking one day at a time as things spin truly south side of crazy...so why not let in a bit more LIGHT, a bit more JOY, and live with a bit more HEART? All it can do is lift us higher...and if we need help along the way, so be it; that's what we're all here for anyway. We're not suppose to just pass through life, but MAKE AN IMPACT.

A great read for kiddos just learning what life is all about as well as older readers that could do with a refresher course that'll fill your heart with sparkly goodness...just as Jordan intended.


**ARC received for review; opinions are my own

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring!

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things I loved about this book:
Autobiography by a teen with limb difference -- youth voice, super positive messages about believing in yourself, about speaking up for others, about individuals' power to change the world. Jordan is an interesting, intelligent young woman, who isn't afraid to be straightforward about her challenges and her life. Very refreshing point of view, compelling storytelling, and a powerful message. Also, glitter.

Things that weren't my favorite:
There is a lot of gratitude in this book, and I appreciate that, because there is also a lot of privilege. I think it's amazing that this young woman is using her platform for advocacy and for good, but there are times in the book when I think -- must be nice to have a super supportive family, a super supportive community, a house by a lake and a summer retreat with your grandparents on the ocean. Must be nice to go to all those specialty camps and have the opportunity to design through grants and funding and the like. I suspect there probably are hardships/hard times/struggles that the book does not really address, and it's glaring at times.

This is meant as a very mild critique -- it's a great book, and it's ok to be a kid with a lot of great things in your life, but that spot in the middle, when it started to feel like opportunity after opportunity just rolls into her path (which seems like an oversimplification given that opportunities almost always come with a ton of work), I got kind of tired of all the great things -- and I wish there had been more of the end of the book in the middle -- the end of the book has a lot of direct talk to kids about embracing their differences and empowering their dreams, and I think it could have been more evenly spread out.

Looking forward to the changes Jordan and her family are fighting for in the world.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jordan Reeves was born missing the lower half of her left arm. She and her mother have written this book to give insight into her life and her philosophy of her disability. Her positive attitude and advocacy for differently abled led to the publication of this book with the hope of giving others help in navigating their own path. It is full of advise, hope and promise and is an inspirational read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational, uplifting and empowering, Born Just Right is the perfect book for celebrating who you were born to be. Jordan Reeves takes her readers on the journey of how being an activist can change your life and everyone around you. From advocating limb differences, STEM and the use of 3D printing in schools, Jordan shares her own personal life, and experiences openly and candidly. Jordan answers common questions about her difference and how to react to someone in public with limb differences, while also inspiring her readers to design their own dreams. A genuinely perfect read for anyone who loves an inspirational journey, or needs to encouragement to shoot for their dreams.

You can find more of my newspaper column's reviews and giveaways on Instagram @amy_fortheloveofbooks

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan's voice feels authentic, if young. She's excited and proud about her life, and eager to share the opportunities she's had without seeming conceited or bragging. She's unselfconscious about her disability, explaining how her parents have encouraged her to never let it limit her choices, and describing how she either finds a new method (for tying her shoes) or figures out (either herself or with the help of caring adults, which she finds in abundance) a modified way to do whatever (Crossfit, etc.),

The mom pops in a few times with her adult perspective but the book is decidedly Jordan's. I wish sometimes there was more of a timeline, so we could judge her age better (when a ten year old talks about doing something in the past, I'm never sure if that was five years ago or five days). And of course, since Jordan is so young, there's no concept of intersectionality.

[Wayne Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ask the average person without a disability what they consider inspirational and they will likely point to someone who has a disability. However, ask a well-adjusted disabled person who is comfortable with themselves and their disability what they think is inspirational, and they may give a totally different answer. In my humble opinion, Jordan Reeves is inspirational, both for who she is and the design work she has done for her own limb difference. This book tells her story and her incredible journey in developing and designing an invention. Disney Plus's Marvel Hero Project TV documentary briefly highlights Jordan and her work in episode 1, but this book goes into more detail on Jordan and her family. 5 stars isn't enough!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read - Jordan's approach to having a disability is no-nonsense. She is clear and concise, presenting a very mature picture of her world, despite her young age. Her creative blossoms through Project Unicorn - an organization who helps children with limb differences learn STEM skills "to create their own solutions." (Project Unicorn) Jordan is determined and inspirational. She wrote this book with her mother. Jordan helps everyone see that being different is no big deal - we are all different in one way or another. How are you different? What makes you shine? Jordan says . . . don't stare, let's talk. Words to live by.

[C.P. Rider · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting, insightful book

A month ago, my granddaughter was born with a limb difference, so I immediately set out on the Internet to educate myself. I came across the Born Just Right blog and heard about Jordan's book. Although it's geared toward other kids with limb differences, I learned a lot! Particularly the part about how physical therapy plays a big part in keeping kids like Jordan and my granddaughter healthy. There are a ton of resources within this short book and a lot of heart.

Highly recommend.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I always say there are too many books about physical differences and not enough stories that just happen to include a person with a physical difference" -Jordan Reeves
This sentence grabbed me from the beginning. While reading, I was interested in not only what Jordan had to say, but what her mom also added. Having two perspectives elevates the reading experience. I was also intrigued to find out about Camp No Limits and the Born Just blog.

[superawesomekt · Rating 2 out of 5]

5+ stars for this daughter and mother duo. I love that they are sharing their story. We need to share more stories about differences!

Unfortunately, however, the writing style is not very engaging and I had trouble staying interested. I prefer "show" rather than "tell" so this was not a good fit for me.

If you have a family member or friend with differences, this could be the perfect book to inspire you. Please don't let my review deter you.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story about an inspiring girl and her limb difference. Could be an empowering story for any student who feels "other."
The things Jordan has accomplished are so impressive. Few adults have done what she has done!
Told partly in Jordan's voice and partly in her mother's voice, this story could really help kids understand what it's like to be "differently-abled."

[Susan Eberhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very inspirational story of a young teen who, with her mother's help, developed into an inspirational inventor and positivity promotor. Jordan did a great job of describing all the work she's done for herself and others with body differences, and encouraged everyone to work to become their best selves and work to develop themselves. Definitely a good book to promote to middle school readers.

[Katrinak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful biography written by a teenager with a limb difference. She provides meaningful insight and perspective on the challenges she has navigated, the resources that helped, and the people who encouraged her.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read for younger children (or even a parent to read to their child) to understand those who may not look like everyone. Jordan has a positive outlook on life and shares that through the pages of the book. She never says "can't" and it's always how can I do that?

[Ashley Payne-laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adding this to my student's summer reading list. Great book on understanding living with disability.

[Lori Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book, especially for any young designers or engineers in your life.

[Wendgard11 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just reminds us it's a different ability

[Debbie Armbruster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upbeat and informative, BORN JUST RIGHT is a great addition to middle school memoir collections.

[Agunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to use this book with my 4th graders as we learn about biomechanics, design and construct knee braces, and introduce tinkercad. Our students would connect to this story in so many ways!

[Danie Williams-Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute and inspiring.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars