Kirsten Chang

Introductory look at the fact that children use wheelchairs, some of the reasons why, and other related factoids. Correct language, i.e. “Sam USES a wheelchair” and depictions of kids doing multiple activities like dancing, cheerleading and other sports, painting, hanging out with friends, riding the school bus, etc. were wins for this book. However, the book is overall not one I would use because of the way the book is framed. The title is worded “my FRIEND uses a wheelchair”, meaning that the book from the very start falls into the trap of othering disability. This book is definitely meant to teach non-disabled children about the fact that disability exists, rather than including disabled children as part of the audience. It makes disability appear to be something that “happens to other people”, even if these people are our friends.… (mere)