All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
Inspiring story of activist and disability rights movement.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything, by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali, tells the true story of Jennifer, a self-assured young activist with cerebral palsy who helped lead the "Capitol Crawl." That's when activists left their wheelchairs and crawled up the steps of Congress (which had no ramp). This action led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (known as the ADA). Young readers will learn about the long work of activism and the ADA, while being inspired by Jennifer's example that kids can make a difference in their world. Jennifer and her family appear to be White, while background characters are diverse in skin color, gender, and physical ability. Young or sensitive kids might feel upset about the unfair, and sometimes mean, treatment Jennifer receives, though there's no physical violence in the story. While the foreword by the now-adult Jennifer and back matter provide historical background seem geared to older readers, the story in this picture book biography is simple enough for little ones. All the Way to the Top is a comprehensive introduction to an important part of American history for young readers.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Jennifer isn't held back by her wheelchair, until she encounters curbs that are like cliffs, stairs that block her ability to get into her school building, and other children who tell her she doesn't belong. But she knows she deserves to be in school with all her peers and that she's a "friend just waiting to happen." So when she meets adults who are working to make the world easier to navigate for disabled people, she's inspired to fight alongside them in protests and other activism. Jennifer participates in the Capitol Crawl, in which she and other disabled adults haul themselves up the steps to Congress and make it ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP. And lawmakers finally pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. Context is provided in a foreword by Jennifer and information-packed end pages.
Is It Any Good?
This compelling story about a confident young girl who helped change the world is a wonderful introduction to an important, often overlooked part of American history. The strength of All the Way to the Top is in seeing a child resist the unfair limitations in her environment based on her conviction that she was not a problem, but a force for positive change. Young readers will find her a compelling character, and the helpful back matter can spark wonderful family conversations about history, inclusion, and the power of kid's voices.
Nabi H. Ali's digital illustrations, saturated in jewel tones, beautifully support the text and portray inspiring protest scenes and Jennifer's fierce determination. Given the educational information that introduces and follows the end of the story, this book is great for both educational and home settings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the work of organizing and activism shown in All the Way to the Top. What inspired Jennifer to become a leader?
What character strengths does Jennifer show? How do teamwork and perseverance play a role?
What is an injustice (something unfair) you know about and want to try to change?
Book Details
- Author: Annette Bay Pimentel
- Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Sourcebooks Exlpore
- Publication date: March 10, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 5 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: January 25, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Hello Goodbye Dog
Warm story of girl and her exuberant therapy dog.
-
Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability
Young man shares info about disability with honesty, humor.
-
What Can a Citizen Do?
Timely book on citizenship engages kids on their level.
For kids who love stories of kids with challenges and strong girls
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate