Extraordinary People with Disabilities

Enlightens as it profiles famous disabled people.
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 this book contains no objectionable content. The variety of historical and celebrity subjects profiled and the quality of the articles and the accompanying photographs give this book high entertainment appeal.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Did you know Jackie Joyner-Kersee won Olympic medals despite having asthma, or that Tom Cruise's dyslexia didn't hamper his successful acting career? This book enlightens and informs as it introduces famous disabled people from the early 1600s to the present. With its wide-ranging survey of diseases and injuries, it gives almost any reader a familiar point of reference.
Is It Any Good?
This is a must for every middle school and high school library, and can easily be read piecemeal to younger students. The authors have covered a wide variety of disabilities, including depression, panic attacks, blindness, deafness, and congenital deformities. Their approach is matter-of-fact, explaining each disability's origin without undue emphasis, stating the obstacles faced and then focusing on each subject's solutions and achievements.
This book is an excellent tool, not only to aid disabled children in finding the courage and strength to overcome their own obstacles but also to help others become more understanding about and tolerant of those with special needs. The list of resources is especially helpful for parents and children seeking more information about a particular condition. The prevailing focus is that with determination and perseverance, disability need not be a hindrance to achieving one's goals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about disabilities and how they can affect people's lives. Do you know anyone with a disability? What do you think of these famous people who have overcome their disabilities?
Book Details
- Author: Deborah Kent
- Genre: Biography
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Children's Book Press
- Publication date: January 1, 1997
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 14
- Number of pages: 288
- Last updated: August 3, 2017
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