I Am Not a Label: 34 artists, thinkers, athletes and activists with disabilities from past and present - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Quatro Group & Wide Eyed Editions via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: I Am Not a Label: 34 artists, thinkers, athletes and activists with disabilities from past and present
Author: Cerrie Burnell
Illustrator: Lauren Mark Baldo
Upcoming Release Date: July 7, 2020


Synopsis: In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 30 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences, and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.

These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges that have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates, and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sports, science, math, art, breakdancing, or the world of pop.

Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people:

Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller,

Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox,

Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Nick Jonas.

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Review: Representation matters. This book does that. The people featured in this book come from many different backgrounds. There are both historic figures and modern people. The people included are athletes, actors, activists, scientists, and more. Wonderful artwork accompanies each person's story. There's a helpful glossary at the end of the book with useful terms.

I love that this book exists. All young people should read this. It shows representation for young people who can see themselves in these people's stories and it also leads to exposure and hopefully empathy for young people who may be learning these aspects about famous people's lives for the first time. I give this book a 5/5. 


--PAUL