Rolling Along: The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair, a Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Learning Book

This very touching story is about twin brothers, one of whom is handicapped and the other isn't. After Taylor gets his wheelchair, a new world of independence is opened to him. The reader comes to see that a wheelchair can be the best part of a new and wonderful life. This book is a simple, easy read teaching a positive attitude regarding the ups and downs of life.

I am an elemenatry teacher and the parent of a child with cerebral palsy. I can honestly say that Rolling Along is the best book written for children about cerebral palsy/physical disabilities that I have seen so far! The language is engaging and child appropriate. The author does an excellent job of showing that children with disabilities are really just like children without disabilities....they just move differently. I was so impressed with this book that I donated a copy to my son's school library. I plan on donating another copy to his classroom and I will definitely use this book in my own classroom.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the day of a wheelchair-using child? This book details all the triumphs and struggles of such a child. Taylor and Tyler are twins, but while Tyler can run, jump, and skip, Taylor has cerebral palsy and walks with a walker or uses the wheelchair. Readers can see how Taylor attends daily physical therapy sessions with Kathryn, a physical therapist, and how he colors, studies, and does other, ordinary activities with his brother. He even plays basketball in his wheelchair. Tyler is helping Taylor learn to do wheelies with his wheelchair. Despite the daredevil connotation, wheelies are useful for getting up on curbs and other uneven spots. Situations that hinder Taylor are those that unimpaired people probably don't notice: tall water fountains and sinks; small bathrooms; steps and stairs, and heavy doors. All public buildings after ADA are required to remedy these shortcomings (as far as I am aware), but of course, not every building is disabled accessible, even in 2005. Illustrations are clever half drawings, half photographs. For example, photographed head and arms are joined by casually drawn bodies and props. This approach evokes more energy, perhaps, than mere photos of a boy in a wheelchair. This engaging, positive view of cerebral palsy will have students saying, "Gee, I didn't know how much a disabled person can do."

This delightful child's book takes the mystery out of a child with a disability. It explains the need for a wheelchair and how beneficial using a wheelchair can be. Building accessibilty, social interaction and play are also well-represented. This book would be great to share with young elementary children although the illustrations are clear enough for younger children. A much needed text for families facing childhood disablement, classrooms who serve children with special needs,and pediatric therapy waiting rooms!