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What Happened to You #2
You're So Amazing!
When people meet Joe, they often treat him as Amazing Joe or Poor Joe. But can't he just be . . . Joe?
One-legged Joe is 'amazing'. He knows this because wherever he goes people always tell him he's amazing. Amazing for sliding down the slide, for kicking a ball . . . even walking to get an ice cream, or even just eating an ice cream. Of course, being Amazing Joe is better than being Poor Joe . . .
A groundbreaking picture book which explores how we respond to disability.
One-legged Joe is 'amazing'. He knows this because wherever he goes people always tell him he's amazing. Amazing for sliding down the slide, for kicking a ball . . . even walking to get an ice cream, or even just eating an ice cream. Of course, being Amazing Joe is better than being Poor Joe . . .
A groundbreaking picture book which explores how we respond to disability.
32 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2023
3 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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November 21, 2025“What Happened to You?” by James Catchpole (2021) and illustrated in gouache paint and colored pencils by Karen George, is a picture book about a little boy named Joe who has one leg. The story is based on the author’s real experiences. Joe loves to play in the playground as a pirate, but the other kids repeatedly ask him, “What happened to you?” Joe is tired and frustrated with people asking these questions. He wants to play. I checked this book out of my school’s library. In 2023, the book was named a “Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year.” In 2024, it was honored with the Schneider Family Book Award Honor Winner for outstanding artistic expression of the disability experience in children’s books.
Similar to a discussion within our class reading, “Just Like Me, Just Like You,” some books do not reveal or wait until the end to expose a character’s disability; however, this book reveals Joe’s disability throughout the entire book and is not a secret to the reader. The other kids are consumed with Joe’s missing leg; they are not playing, which is a problem. Nearing the end of the story, one child stops asking questions and starts imagining they are pirates fighting off alligators with Joe. This child stopped focusing on how Joe was different and switched to having fun, like all kids enjoy doing.
As the author points out through the storyline and in the author’s note, it is “not polite to ask people you don’t know personal questions.” This is not only a matter of good manners but also empathy for that person: “Just imagine how boring it would be having to answer the same question all the time!”
For primary-aged students, a discussion about Joe’s feelings, accompanied by a chart, could be used after a read-aloud. Another teachable point is regarding privacy (even for older kids). One way could be to divide students into small groups of 2-3 and distribute cards to sort between “OK to ask” and “Not OK to ask.” Sample cards could be “Do you want to go on the swings with me?” and, conversely, “Why does your shirt look like that?” I think kids need to understand and practice the importance of boundaries and how to exhibit good manners.
Similar to a discussion within our class reading, “Just Like Me, Just Like You,” some books do not reveal or wait until the end to expose a character’s disability; however, this book reveals Joe’s disability throughout the entire book and is not a secret to the reader. The other kids are consumed with Joe’s missing leg; they are not playing, which is a problem. Nearing the end of the story, one child stops asking questions and starts imagining they are pirates fighting off alligators with Joe. This child stopped focusing on how Joe was different and switched to having fun, like all kids enjoy doing.
As the author points out through the storyline and in the author’s note, it is “not polite to ask people you don’t know personal questions.” This is not only a matter of good manners but also empathy for that person: “Just imagine how boring it would be having to answer the same question all the time!”
For primary-aged students, a discussion about Joe’s feelings, accompanied by a chart, could be used after a read-aloud. Another teachable point is regarding privacy (even for older kids). One way could be to divide students into small groups of 2-3 and distribute cards to sort between “OK to ask” and “Not OK to ask.” Sample cards could be “Do you want to go on the swings with me?” and, conversely, “Why does your shirt look like that?” I think kids need to understand and practice the importance of boundaries and how to exhibit good manners.
September 3, 2024
4.5 stars.
This is the second book in this series. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one, I do still think it's a fun book and a great resource. The story follows a boy named Joe who has one leg (like the author James, who writes here with his wife Lucy who is a wheelchair user), and in this one, Joe is tired of people who think he's amazing just for existing. The story shows how he feels when other people want him to be Amazing Joe or Poor Joe to fit what their idea of a disabled person is, looking for inspiration or someone to pity. During all of this, Joe is just trying to find fun games to play with his friends--real friends who see him as someone to play fun games with and not just Amazing Joe or Poor Joe. It also has a note for the parents at the end.
This is definitely worth the read, and I would recommend it. Check out the first book too, it's even better!
This is the second book in this series. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first one, I do still think it's a fun book and a great resource. The story follows a boy named Joe who has one leg (like the author James, who writes here with his wife Lucy who is a wheelchair user), and in this one, Joe is tired of people who think he's amazing just for existing. The story shows how he feels when other people want him to be Amazing Joe or Poor Joe to fit what their idea of a disabled person is, looking for inspiration or someone to pity. During all of this, Joe is just trying to find fun games to play with his friends--real friends who see him as someone to play fun games with and not just Amazing Joe or Poor Joe. It also has a note for the parents at the end.
This is definitely worth the read, and I would recommend it. Check out the first book too, it's even better!
March 23, 2025
This is the second book I’ve read about Joe - and it is amazing. It is also instructive. Joe is a happy, confident, ‘amazing’, but mostly competent kid.
This book also turns all those affirmation book, that I gag on, on their heads. Thank you, Catchpoles.
This book also turns all those affirmation book, that I gag on, on their heads. Thank you, Catchpoles.
January 27, 2025
2025 Schneider Family Book Award Honor for Young Children’s Literature!
August 30, 2025
Hmmmm... great art, OK words.
June 28, 2024
Joe has one leg and everyone seems to think that makes him AMAZING! Even when he can't run that fast or didn't jump as high as his friend, people still tell him he's AMAZING! But he doesn't want to be called amazing just because he's missing a leg. He wants to be called amazing when he really does something amazing! Sometimes people also call him "poor Joe," but he just wants to be JOE! And with his friends, he is.
Written by a couple who both have physical disabilities and want to help the world see disabled people as PEOPLE!
Written by a couple who both have physical disabilities and want to help the world see disabled people as PEOPLE!
May 7, 2024
Joe is always told he's amazing, even when he's doing not so amazing things.
This is a companion to the book What Happened to You. Both titles are wonderfully illustrated books that talk about disabilities in children. What I loved about this title is that it shows how society treats those with disabilities and how it makes Joe feel. He doesn't want to be seen as amazing for doing every day things. Why can't people see how amazing his friends are too?
A great discussion book for normalizing disability and talking about it with children.
This is a companion to the book What Happened to You. Both titles are wonderfully illustrated books that talk about disabilities in children. What I loved about this title is that it shows how society treats those with disabilities and how it makes Joe feel. He doesn't want to be seen as amazing for doing every day things. Why can't people see how amazing his friends are too?
A great discussion book for normalizing disability and talking about it with children.
July 23, 2024
Not as successful narratively as "What Happened to You?" but still a solid and much-needed addition to any library's picture book collection.
February 12, 2025
A great picture book about the issue of seeing disabled people as inspirational or, on the other end of the spectrum, a pity. I agree with some other reviewers that it would be nice to show kids How to respond as a disabled person but overall, a great picture book.
July 11, 2025
This short illustrated book makes an important point in a very easily digestible way. Great resource for kids and parents.
June 5, 2025
You're So Amazing!, written by James and Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George, and published by Little, Brown & Company in 2023, is a thoughtful and affirming picture book suitable for readers in grades K–3. I accessed the traditional print format from a local school library, and I selected this title after seeing it listed as a 2025 Schneider Family Honor Book and reviewed positively in Booklist. The story follows Joe, a child with a limb difference, as he reacts to the constant stream of praise he receives from adults who call him “amazing” for simply doing ordinary things. Rather than being empowering, this unwanted attention becomes exhausting and patronizing. The book pushes back against common ableist tropes and instead presents a respectful, authentic representation of disability. According to the course criteria for high-quality inclusion literature, this book succeeds by humanizing the disabled character without resorting to pity or inspiration stereotypes. The illustrations enhance the text’s emotional clarity, and the narrative tone invites children and adults alike to reflect on their assumptions about disability. It’s a powerful read-aloud choice that encourages inclusive thinking and fosters empathy through honesty and humor.
February 28, 2025
The second title in the "What Happened to You?" series of books by the Catchpoles.
On the playground, Joe finds himself singled out because he has one leg and uses crutches. He and his friend Simone are enjoying playing together when they overhear comments about him: "Amazing!", "Brave!", "Inspiring!" When he tries to make himself invisible by hiding, a well-intentioned father hands him his crutches and encourages him to join the group where he loudly proclaims "This kid is so amazing!". Dejected, he leaves the playground and runs into his friend's big brother. The two boys enjoy playing soccer together just like regular kids.
James & Lucy Catchpole know just exactly how it feels to be singled out and considered "special" because of a disability - he has a prosthetic leg and she gets around in a wheelchair. They have captured the emotions felt by others who just want to be treated like anyone else. "Being singled out doesn't always feel amazing." A note from the authors in the back is a message many adults should read to understand that everyone needs to be treated like they are "normal".
Illustrations by Karen George were rendered in gouache paint and colored pencils. They show a range of diversity and are presented in cheerful colors with just enough detail not to overwhelm this quiet story. Nicely matched!
This is useful in units on disabilities, friendships, and self-esteem. Teachers and counselors alike can use it as a teaching tool for empathy with students.
Highly Recommended for grades 1-3.
On the playground, Joe finds himself singled out because he has one leg and uses crutches. He and his friend Simone are enjoying playing together when they overhear comments about him: "Amazing!", "Brave!", "Inspiring!" When he tries to make himself invisible by hiding, a well-intentioned father hands him his crutches and encourages him to join the group where he loudly proclaims "This kid is so amazing!". Dejected, he leaves the playground and runs into his friend's big brother. The two boys enjoy playing soccer together just like regular kids.
James & Lucy Catchpole know just exactly how it feels to be singled out and considered "special" because of a disability - he has a prosthetic leg and she gets around in a wheelchair. They have captured the emotions felt by others who just want to be treated like anyone else. "Being singled out doesn't always feel amazing." A note from the authors in the back is a message many adults should read to understand that everyone needs to be treated like they are "normal".
Illustrations by Karen George were rendered in gouache paint and colored pencils. They show a range of diversity and are presented in cheerful colors with just enough detail not to overwhelm this quiet story. Nicely matched!
This is useful in units on disabilities, friendships, and self-esteem. Teachers and counselors alike can use it as a teaching tool for empathy with students.
Highly Recommended for grades 1-3.
March 21, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🧒🏼 have children
🖼️ enjoy beautiful artwork
😌 want to embrace differences
📖 love a book with a lesson
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When people meet Joe, they often treat him as Amazing Joe or Poor Joe. But can't he just be . . . Joe? One-legged Joe is 'amazing'. He knows this because wherever he goes people always tell him he's amazing. Amazing for sliding down the slide, for kicking a ball . . . even walking to get an ice cream, or even just eating an ice cream. Of course, being Amazing Joe is better than being Poor Joe . . . A groundbreaking picture book which explores how we respond to disability.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a cute read for young children. I know as an adult that we often see others that may be differently abled than us and take pity on them, but this book shows us that we don’t need to do that. We just need to treat everyone, now matter their disability or not, with the same respect and compassion. This is Joe’s story, and it even made me stop and think - have I taken pity on someone who doesn’t want or need that? This book is honestly great for children and adults of all ages!
🧒🏼 have children
🖼️ enjoy beautiful artwork
😌 want to embrace differences
📖 love a book with a lesson
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
When people meet Joe, they often treat him as Amazing Joe or Poor Joe. But can't he just be . . . Joe? One-legged Joe is 'amazing'. He knows this because wherever he goes people always tell him he's amazing. Amazing for sliding down the slide, for kicking a ball . . . even walking to get an ice cream, or even just eating an ice cream. Of course, being Amazing Joe is better than being Poor Joe . . . A groundbreaking picture book which explores how we respond to disability.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a cute read for young children. I know as an adult that we often see others that may be differently abled than us and take pity on them, but this book shows us that we don’t need to do that. We just need to treat everyone, now matter their disability or not, with the same respect and compassion. This is Joe’s story, and it even made me stop and think - have I taken pity on someone who doesn’t want or need that? This book is honestly great for children and adults of all ages!
April 18, 2024
Adorable and Insightful
Thoughts:💡
This book was adorable and had a catchy cadence to the words that my nephews adored. The context of the book was an important lesson, “No one wants to be singled out for being different.” Telling someone they’re amazing for doing every little thing can send very confusing signals and that’s what the authors showed in their story and explained to adults in their note at the end.
My nephew loved the book. The pictures are cute and it was fun for him to listen to, but he was too young to fully understand what was being said without further conversation. Honestly, my brother (his father), didn’t understand the message in the book right away either. He believes in celebrating accomplishments, and hearing that celebrating every sinlge little thing that individuals with disabilities do was counterintuitive for him.
I said all of that just to say that I think this is a great book and conversation starter and highly recommend it for your little ones, even my nephew agrees.
Stats:📊
Age Range 3 - 8
Children’s Picture Book: A lesson on how to treat others, friends & playing, Disability, Limb Difference
Thoughts:💡
This book was adorable and had a catchy cadence to the words that my nephews adored. The context of the book was an important lesson, “No one wants to be singled out for being different.” Telling someone they’re amazing for doing every little thing can send very confusing signals and that’s what the authors showed in their story and explained to adults in their note at the end.
My nephew loved the book. The pictures are cute and it was fun for him to listen to, but he was too young to fully understand what was being said without further conversation. Honestly, my brother (his father), didn’t understand the message in the book right away either. He believes in celebrating accomplishments, and hearing that celebrating every sinlge little thing that individuals with disabilities do was counterintuitive for him.
I said all of that just to say that I think this is a great book and conversation starter and highly recommend it for your little ones, even my nephew agrees.
Stats:📊
Age Range 3 - 8
Children’s Picture Book: A lesson on how to treat others, friends & playing, Disability, Limb Difference
July 5, 2024
is the perfect book to highlight during #DisabilityPrideMonth. Written with heart, humour, and authenticity, this #OwnVoices picture book features Joe who was introduced in the fabulous book WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?
Joe, who has one leg, only wants to play with his friends and be called amazing for something truly amazing he’s done—not for simply being disabled or eating ice cream or scratching his bottom.
Actually, being just Joe is perfectly fine. Because disability is to be pitied NOT is inspiring NOT is normal. Let Joe be just Joe. Treat children with disabilities the same as you treat other children.
With brilliant, expressive illustrations, this book offers important disability awareness for readers of all ages.
I love the sweet nod to the authors’ daughters, Mainie and Viola ❤️
If you read only one book by disabled authors this month during Disability Pride Month, read THIS ONE!
Joe, who has one leg, only wants to play with his friends and be called amazing for something truly amazing he’s done—not for simply being disabled or eating ice cream or scratching his bottom.
Actually, being just Joe is perfectly fine. Because disability is to be pitied NOT is inspiring NOT is normal. Let Joe be just Joe. Treat children with disabilities the same as you treat other children.
With brilliant, expressive illustrations, this book offers important disability awareness for readers of all ages.
I love the sweet nod to the authors’ daughters, Mainie and Viola ❤️
If you read only one book by disabled authors this month during Disability Pride Month, read THIS ONE!
June 18, 2025
Joe is playing at the park with his friends when folks start calling him Amazing and Inspirational. Joe is frustrated by people thinking he is Amazing just because he has a physical challenge. He wants his friends noticed for their amazing strength, speed, or jumping. He wants to be amazing for something he works at and perfects, like soccer. He just wants to be a kid and have fun with his friends without others feelings being part of his day. This book has lovely illustrations with a diverse group of kids and families at a playground. James and Lucy Catchpole have created a great book to discuss how we react to others in public and how we include others, all others, in play.
The Catchpole family is back with another wonderful book I will add to both of my elementary school collections. Read the note from the authors. They are correct. We can do better in how we interact with all people. We all have our own stories.
The Catchpole family is back with another wonderful book I will add to both of my elementary school collections. Read the note from the authors. They are correct. We can do better in how we interact with all people. We all have our own stories.
August 7, 2024
Joe, a child with a visible physical disability who uses crutches, has amazing talents and is tired of people being amazed that he can do physical things even with his disability. He just wants to be noticed as talented rather than overcoming his disability.
Throughout You're so Amazing!, Joe and his friend, Simone, have all kinds of playground adventures. Joe is labeled as brave and inspiring and amazing. Joe begins playing alone so he can be invisible from people's observations about him. That changes when Joe starts playing soccer and joins a team of kids who don't see him as "Amazing Joe" or "Poor Joe" but "just Joe".
James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, married, each live with physical disability.
Throughout You're so Amazing!, Joe and his friend, Simone, have all kinds of playground adventures. Joe is labeled as brave and inspiring and amazing. Joe begins playing alone so he can be invisible from people's observations about him. That changes when Joe starts playing soccer and joins a team of kids who don't see him as "Amazing Joe" or "Poor Joe" but "just Joe".
James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, married, each live with physical disability.
May 6, 2024
This thought-provoking picture book explores the experiences of a visibly disabled child who feels uncomfortable when people praise him for being "so amazing!" when he does basic, ordinary things. The story shows how confusing and upsetting it can be for disabled kids to experience strangers' judgments of them as either tragic or extraordinary, and this book conveys important messages in a story-driven, engaging way that doesn't get preachy or judge other people's motives. This is a great conversation-starter and positive example that is great for household and classroom use, both to validate disabled children's experiences and to raise awareness and sensitivity levels among others.
September 28, 2024
Joe and his friend Simone are having a great time playing pirates in the park. Just two kids doing normal kid things. But then people start to notice Joe and make comments about how amazing he is. The kids stop playing but the comments continue, despite the normal activities Joe does (including scratching his butt). You see, Joe is missing a leg and he just wants to be treated like all the other kids.
Told in a straightforward manner and written by an amputee, this book gives the reader wonderful insight on how it feels to be different and constantly having attention called to your different-ness.
Told in a straightforward manner and written by an amputee, this book gives the reader wonderful insight on how it feels to be different and constantly having attention called to your different-ness.
February 3, 2025
Joe is a little boy. A little boy who is tired of being considered amazing. He’s just a normal kid. He’s no more amazing than his best friend. But he constantly gets told how amazing he is. What Joe is is a one-legged student. Joe is different but being different is normal. Being different is not amazing. Save amazing for when things are amazing. The message in this book is fantastic. The message is treat me like everybody else. Treat me as normal. I am as normal as can be. I just do things differently. Make disabilities normal not amazing or not something to fawn over. This book is excellent and so are the illustrations.
February 7, 2025
Joe (from What Happened to You?) is back, and playing in the park. He's trying to just be himself and play with his friends, but people (mostly a grown-up) keep commenting about how amazing Joe is. Joe isn't doing anything special and it's not fun to be singled out just because he has one leg.
I love this series so much! Catchpole writes a great story about a nice kid, and along the way the rest of us learn how to behave, gain some empathy and see the world from some else's perspective. I must have in the elementary library, I'm getting both books for my middle school. The children are multicultured.
I love this series so much! Catchpole writes a great story about a nice kid, and along the way the rest of us learn how to behave, gain some empathy and see the world from some else's perspective. I must have in the elementary library, I'm getting both books for my middle school. The children are multicultured.
April 20, 2024
Joe only has one leg. He knows what he’s missing - but goes on about his serious business of playing. He notices how everyone praises everything he does - including just scratching his bottom. People continually praised him until he just wanted to be invisible. No one should feel that way. He didn’t want everyone feeling sorry for him either.
This story brings these points to light in a gentle way while focusing on Joe’s feelings. The illustrations showcase the story and are simply adorable. Overall, it’s a fabulous story that brings awareness to inclusion.
This story brings these points to light in a gentle way while focusing on Joe’s feelings. The illustrations showcase the story and are simply adorable. Overall, it’s a fabulous story that brings awareness to inclusion.
April 20, 2024
👦🏻 reviews: This is such an amazing book and I love how the authors gave us the idea how Joe wanted us to see him. I have a friend who is the Joe in our school and he had expressed that he wanted to be accepted as whoever he is rather than be coddled. This is a fascinating book about reality and what our society tend to view the “Joe” and how Joe appreciates the love but not too much. The authors’ note at the end of the book is wonderful way for us to understand and respect the point of the book.
August 12, 2024
This is a great picture book for elementary-aged kids to read, think about, and discuss. It made me think about Out of My Mind. I think these two books represent opposite ends of the spectrum of how people with disabilities tend to be treated. Joe is praised extravagantly for doing normal things. In OOMM Melody is bullied and disregarded.
August 17, 2024
Joe has one leg and everyone seems to think that makes him AMAZING! Even when he can't run that fast or didn't jump as high as his friend, people still tell him he's AMAZING! But he doesn't want to be called amazing just because he's missing a leg. He wants to be called amazing when he really does something amazing! Sometimes people also call him "poor Joe," but he just wants to be JOE! And with his friends, he is.
Written by a couple who both have physical disabilities and want to help the world see disabled people as PEOPLE!
Written by a couple who both have physical disabilities and want to help the world see disabled people as PEOPLE!
February 6, 2025
A delightful book that explores disability and how it feels for a disabled person to be tokenized, pitied or constantly singled out as amazing just for living your life with a disability. I read a review that asked whether it might have been helpful for the authors to offer some guidance on how to handle these situations, which might have been useful. I think this could be a great discussion book about celebrating successes for all people as well as ways to avoid singling out disabled people going about their day-to-day lives. Schneider Family Book Honor, 2025
February 23, 2025
Joe is back in another story about how people treat a kid with a disability as amazing or inspiring or tragic, but never as just Joe. It happens even when Joe is doing ordinary things like standing in line or “just scratching his bottom.”
“People need to relax,” said his friend Simone. “I know!” said Joe. This book is slightly more preachy than What Happened to You? which introduced Joe, but it still feels childlike. The author’s family photo at the end may be a nice reinforcement of the message.
Both books about Joe are Schneider Family Book Award Honor Books.
“People need to relax,” said his friend Simone. “I know!” said Joe. This book is slightly more preachy than What Happened to You? which introduced Joe, but it still feels childlike. The author’s family photo at the end may be a nice reinforcement of the message.
Both books about Joe are Schneider Family Book Award Honor Books.
March 4, 2025
3 stars (I liked it)
This is a follow up to What Happened to You?, which is a Black Eyed Susan Award nominee this school year so I've read it a bunch. I think I like the first one better. This one tackles how people with disabilities are often over praised for doing ordinary things or pitied. It's a nice window into a different perspective.
This is a follow up to What Happened to You?, which is a Black Eyed Susan Award nominee this school year so I've read it a bunch. I think I like the first one better. This one tackles how people with disabilities are often over praised for doing ordinary things or pitied. It's a nice window into a different perspective.
May 16, 2024
Kids with disabilities will probably love this one, and it will help other kids who have friends and classmates with disabilities understand more about where they are coming from and help them contextualize how adults behave toward them. Hopefully lots of kids take this book off the shelf and get their parents to read it, so more adults can have a think about what they are saying to kids with disabilities.
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