FPPL 2024 Disability Pride Children's Selections

Twelve-and-a-half year old Emelyn Ethrige lives with her father in South Carolina, dreams of wheelchair motocross, and makes custom chair bags trying to earn enough money to buy a serious set of wheels. She has been in a wheelchair all her life and is just fine getting around without help, but it seems that since her mother was killed in an accident everyone (father, grandparents, teachers, and classmates) have started treating her differently: urging...

"Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling-and overcoming-the limitations others set for her. From a lack of cutaway curbs and bus lifts to being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school, Jennifer was continually blocked from living the life she wanted. But after discovering the world of disability rights activism, she knew she had to use her voice to change things. When Jennifer was just eight years old, she participated...

Eight-year-old Aven Green is despondent when she does not master the piano in one day, but with new inspiration from guitarist Mr. Tom, who is armless like her, along with a special gift from her great-grandma, Aven learns she does not need to be perfect to perform.

"Coen is having a sniffling, sighing, sobbing kind of day. His family thinks they know how to cheer him up. His dad wants to go outside and play, Mom tells her funniest joke, and his little sister shares her favorite teddy. Nothing helps. But one by one, they get quiet and begin to listen. After some time, space, and reassurance, Coen is able to show them what he needs"-- Provided by publisher.

Nervous for her talent show performance, Aurora spots a butterfly and is inspired to conjur a magical butterfly with her hands which sets off a chain reaction of support and empowerment among the global Deaf community.

"Sophia has used a wheelchair most of her life. As such, many people say she can't do certain things like swim, ride a bike, or do a cartwheel. Then, one day, Sophia wakes up with a case of the can-dos! She believes in herself 100 percent; she just needs to prove it to other people. She decides she wants to learn ballet, but she's told she can't join classes. So, Sophia sets out to prove that in her wheelchair, she can be a dancer!"--Back cover

Thirteen-year-old Nat jumps at the chance to participate in the middle school regional theater competition where the winner gets to perform on Broadway, but when stressful rehearsals negatively impact her friendships, she starts to wonder if it is worth doing theater at all.

"When thirteen-year-old amateur entomologist Daisy gets an assignment to 'change the world,' she's determined to help her older brother, Sorrel--who has Down syndrome and adores men's fashion--fulfill his dream of becoming a YouTube celebrity"-- Provided by publisher.

Elsie can't wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie's heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and words from a book filled with pictures, she shares her excitement with her family. But when a winter storm comes, she wonders if she'll get the chance to spin and dance her way to a dream come true.

"Twelve-year-old Etta Johnson has Loud Days where she can hear just fine and Quiet Days where sounds come from far away and she gets to retreat into her thoughts. Etta spends most of her time alone, working on her comic book about Invincible Girl, the superhero who takes down super villain Petra Fide. Invincible Girl is brave, daring, and bold-everything Etta wishes she could be. But when Louisa May Alcott, a friendly Goldendoodle from across the...