I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present

* 2021 EUREKA Nonfiction Children's Honor Book

"An inclusive and upbeat collection ideal for classrooms and libraries." - School Library Journal

In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 34 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 Kirchhoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller,
Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox,
Peter Dinklage, Catalina Devandas, Wanda Diaz-Merced, Victor Pineda, Arunima Sinha, Abraham Lincoln,
Demi Lovato, Matt Haig, Redouan Ait Chitt, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Farida Bedwei, Jonas Jacobsson,
Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip,
Michelle Akers, Lil Wayne, Dynamo

Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Published: 07/07/2020
Pages: 64
Weight: 1.3lbs
Size: 10.90h x 9.30w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780711247451
Age: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 06/01/2020 pg. 78
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2020

About the Author

Cerrie Burnell is an actress, singer, playwright, author, and former television presenter for CBeebies (2009-2017). She was born with half a right arm and has sought to increase visibility of disabled people through her career in presenting, writing, and acting.

Lauren Baldo is an illustrator based in the Philippines. He has worked as a storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, and children's book illustrator.