Elite athlete and motivational speaker Zion Clark, with the help of author and former New York Times journalist James S. Hirsch, displays his incredible agility and spirit in this lively, beautifully formatted middle-grade photographic essay.
Zion was born without legs, "a rare medical condition known as caudal regression syndrome." His incarcerated mother placed him in Ohio's foster care system as a newborn where, as an "African American, he faced the dual stigma of Blackness and disability." Even though he experienced "abuse or neglect in several homes," Zion became a "state champion in the 100-meter and 400-meter seated racing competitions." Photographs of Zion participating in various sports and activities--rock climbing, wrestling, swimming, competing in adaptive sports and working out--display his strength and will. "Tell me something I can't do," he writes in his author's note, "and I will do it or die trying." Wrestling without legs, he writes, "was like driving a car without back tires. I had to find a new way of doing it."
Throughout the essay, quotes from Zion's coaches, past foster parents, present adoptive parent and Zion himself show that the athlete is someone who changes the lives of those with whom he comes in contact. Zion aspires to continue to prove people wrong and inspire others to do the same, no matter their talents, strengths or abilities: "You just have to follow your dreams and be the best you can be," Zion's last quote in the book emphasizes. "If I can do it, so can you." --Kharissa Kenner, children's librarian, Bank Street School for Children