From Paralympics to disability rights, these books highlight the stories of young people with disabilities achieving their dreams. They will serve to both empower and inspire young readers.

Cavallo, Francesca. Fastest Woman on Earth: The Story of Tatyana McFadden. illus. by Luis San Vicente. 44p. (Paralympians: Bk. 1). Undercats. Aug. 2021. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781953592040.
K-Gr 2 –This first installment in a series that will highlight Paralympic athletes features Tatyana McFadden—known as the fastest woman on earth. Her story is told as a fairy tale that starts in an orphanage in Russia. McFadden was born with spina bifida, and she often had to do things differently than the other children. Her fairy godmother comes in the form of a visitor from America who is impressed with her ingenuity. She gifts McFadden her first wheelchair and takes her home to the U.S. as her adopted daughter. The story is told in simple words without a lot of detail. For example, the house where the girl lived in Russia is described as “a house where kids who did not have parents lived together.” McFadden’s spina bifida is defined as “her legs did not support her.” The story follows the young woman as she finds her own way of competing in sports, all the way to the Paralympic games where she won several medals, cheered on by her two adoptive moms and her birth mother in Russia. The illustrations are bright and full of action, and the tone of the story is upbeat and positive. The fairy-tale motif offers a kid-friendly view of a larger-than-life figure, while also emphasizing her human side. Back matter includes a page filled with medals that invites kids to give themselves a medal every time they do something their own way. VERDICT A great introduction to an accomplished athlete that also showcases a nontraditional family; this work will empower kids.–Mindy Rhiger, Hennepin County Lib., MN

Clark, Zion with James S. Hirsch. Zion Unmatched. 32p. Candlewick. Aug. 2021. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781536224184.
Gr 2-4 –A visual and motivational picture book autobiography. Zion Clark was born without legs, given up by his mother, and forced to face neglect in the foster care system. He went on to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. Full-page color photographs with first-person captions show Clark working out, competing in wrestling and track, and bonding with his adoptive family. Bold-face quotes from Clark’s coaches and foster parents portray him as a motivational figure. Readers will be left hoping for more specific information about Zion’s disability and journey. A positive and uplifting look at overcoming adversity, Clark’s autobiography could use more depth. VERDICT An uplifting autobiography from an athlete without legs. Consider as a general purchase for large collections. –Emily Bayci-Mroczek, Naperville P.L., IL 

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann & Janine Leffler. We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights. illus. by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. 32p. Albert Whitman. Sept. 2021. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780807535189.
K-Gr 3 –The coauthors tell the story of the fight for equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities. Born with cerebral palsy, Leffler went to public school and received an education, as well as the additional support she needed, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. She explains that this wasn’t always the case for many others and documents the fight for the right of every child to receive an education. Prior to the early 1970s, children with disabilities were usually denied a public school education, or when allowed to attend school, the education was often inferior. That all changed after 1971, when the families of seven children with disabilities decided to file a class action lawsuit, known as Mills v. Board of Education in the District of Columbia. In 1972, the case was decided in favor of children with disabilities, benefiting eight million kids in the United States. The coauthors primarily focus on the story of the lawsuit, but they also include additional information about the status of disability education rights in the U.S. and a time line detailing other important cases in the fight for the rights of individuals with disabilities. The lively, colorful illustrations depict racially diverse children with different skin tones. Additionally, some children are blind or shown in wheelchairs. ­VERDICT Recommended for all libraries. This will appeal to all children, providing them with an understanding of the history of disability rights while simultaneously empowering them to continue advocating for the rights of all individuals. –Ragan O’Malley, Saint Ann’s Sch., Brooklyn

Gordon, Tyler. We Can: Portraits of Power. illus. by Tyler Gordon. 40p. Farrar. Sept. 2021. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780374389666.
K-Gr 3 –Tyler Gordon is a 15-year-old painter whose portraits of notable Americans have garnered him much praise. This collection features some of the portraits and the Americans who have inspired them. In the opening pages, Tyler, who is Black, explains how a dream and a vision from God led him to becoming an artist. Deaf until six years old with a stutter, Gordon started creating portraits as a way for him to deal with the bullying he was experiencing at school. Eventually, a portrait of his principal led to him winning a STEAM competition and inspired him to create even more portraits. Tyler supplies historical information along with the impact he’s experienced from the work of these brave subjects. Joe Biden’s speech impediment, Ice Cube’s autism awareness clothing line, and the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat all inspired him in different ways. Readers are introduced to Gordon’s beautiful paintings and learn little-known facts about some of the iconic subjects. This autobiographical work’s goal is to inspire Americans through art and history. Gordon makes the historical information personal by including his reflections on each figure. This book is an example of the ways young people are impacted by the world and how they can make an impact themselves. Gordon’s observant eye has allowed him to take courage in the work of others as he creates his own paintings. The art is poignant and perfectly aligns with the text. VERDICT The title is perfect for public and school libraries looking to amplify diverse voices. –Desiree Thomas, Worthington Lib., OH