Stretching Ourselves: Kids with Cerebral Palsy by Alden R. Carter and Carol S. Carter

Grade 2-5-Carter offers a brief description of the disorder, followed by photographic essays about four children with different degrees of disability. Emily's stiff muscles and tendons limit her movement, but she is determined to be as normal as she can be, even learning to skate and play basketball. She attends special classes in a regular school. Nic is wheelchair-bound and able to speak only a few words. He goes to a special school and has found ways to compensate for his handicap by using his sense of humor as well as the tools provided to him such as a talking computer. Tanner has a milder form of CP; he is determined to play football and even act in a school play. Leslie has had operations for her physical disabilities but now loves to spend time riding horses. These stories are told with multiple full-color photographs showing the children at work and at play. The simple explanation of the disorder is supported by the inclusion of lists of organizations that can give additional information as well as by books and periodicals on the subject. With many children attending schools with varying degrees of cerebral palsy, this solid introduction to the disability provides just enough information for younger children or to begin a discussion.
Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
My three and a half year old has mild cerebral palsy and really enjoyed reading about other children with CP. She gets frustrated with stretching and was excited to know other kids experience the same frustrations. Her older brother liked reading the book, too. We also liked that it showed children with different degrees of CP.