Summary
Nathan has a disability called cerebral palsy. He is confined to either a wheelchair or a walker to get around. One of his favorite activities is to go to his neighbor's house and watch her work as a bird rehabilitator. Nathan wants very badly to help Miss Sandy but can't think what to do because of his disability. However, after he sees a broken bird become a mother to some baby owls that aren't hers, he realizes that he can help...just in a different way.
Analysis
This book is a great way to introduce cerebral palsy to children and explain it well. First, there is an introduction into cerebral palsy, what it is and how it effects those who have it. In addition, this book shows children that, just because you can't do something specific, doesn't mean you can't find purpose and help in other ways.
This book's illustrations show Nathan using his wheelchair and canes to get around and to his neighbor's houses. The illustrations also demonstrate Nathan as a different ethnicity than caucasian.
Overall, this is a sweet book that will show children that just because someone they know (or they themselves) is affected by a disability, doesn't mean that they aren't good people. The disability doesn't make the person who they are, it's what's inside that counts.
Review Excerpts
School Library Journal - An additional title for libraries in need of books featuring young children with disabilities.
School Library Journal - Warm illustrations with bold brush strokes complement this feel-good story.
Connections
Other stories about disabilities and disabled children:
Heelan, Jamee Riggio. Rolling Along: The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair. ISBN 978-1561452194
Thomas, Pat. Don't Call Me Special. ISBN 978-0764121180
Lewis, Beverly. In Jesse's Shoes. ISBN 978-0764203138
Willis, Jeanne. Susan Laughs. ISBN 978-0805065015
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