I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present

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Growing up with a disability is a wonderfully unique experience, sometimes challenging, often enlightening, always human. I wanted to create a book that documented this honestly and celebrated the different ways in which people experience disability. There is an assumption that having an impairment is a something negative, or that you have to be extremely brave and heroic to live a happy life if you’re disabled. I wanted to show that its never that simple, that having a disability isn’t a bad or fearful thing, but nor does it make you exceptional, it’s just a different way, sometimes wonderful, sometimes mundane, always human. Can you tell us a little about your experience of seeing yourself in books – or not – as a child?

I Am Not A Label - bookwagon I Am Not A Label - bookwagon

When I was younger, I wanted to be the child who flew to Neverland, or a magical creature, or a princess in a tower under the spell of aspindle, or have hair so long and tangled that people could climb up it. But none of those children looked like me. That’s because I wasborn with one hand and for some of my childhood even had an actual hook, so really, I looked far more like a stereotypical pirate than the hero of the story. I Am Not A Label- I requested this book as this is something I often have to remind people. I myself have Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus with 4 severe vision impairmants and I am an electric wheelchair user. The author (who has ADHD) sets out to prove to neurodivergent (and all) children that you can overcome any potential limitations of a label. This glorious anthology encourages us to celebrate uniqueness and recognise our potential to achieve.Of interest is that the author of this collection herself has a disability. She introduces her book by sharing a bit of her own story. The author and those she features shine brightly as they are portrayed in her highly readable style. In 2011, Cerrie was named in the Observer’s top ten children’s presenters and in the Guardian’s list of 100 most inspirational women. Cerrie is author in residence for Great Ormond Street hospital and a patron of Polka children’s theatre. I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists From Past and Present by Cerrie Burnell is a beautifully illustrated (Lauren Baldo, artist) anthology that introduces young readers to disabled role models.

I Am Not a Label - LoveReading4Kids

This book is non-fiction aimed at children, however, I want to start this review off by saying that everyone should read this book, no matter what age you are. From young to old and everything in between. This book should be in schools, libraries and bedrooms.Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, Stella Young, Lady Gaga,Naoki Higashida, Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Can visions of treats entice a porcine wonder to wear her princess costume? Hold on for some Halloween havoc, Mercy Watson-style!

I am Not a Label | Cerrie Burnell | 9780711247444 | NetGalley I am Not a Label | Cerrie Burnell | 9780711247444 | NetGalley

But all in all, I really did enjoy this book, it is gorgeously illustrated with a wonderful portrait of the person on one side and their story on the other side. As I said, I learned about new people and their things. I would recommend this one. Every library needs this book, for those who feel alienated by their disability, and for those who need to understand that disabled people are not so different, This is a very empowering book that highlights the limitations now-famous people have had to deal with throughout their childhood/lives due to their disabilities, but also shines a light on how it didn't stop them from dreaming big and achieving what they wanted! I think it really shows beautifully how society is where the limitations lie, not with disabilities! I love how this has people from all over the world too, and not just the US!An inclusive and upbeat collection ideal for classrooms and libraries."— Jen McConnel, School Library Journal