Joan Fassler

Howie has cerebral palsy and desperately wants to learn how to move his wheelchair himself. After many tries and a lot of practice, he is finally able to do it on his own and wheels himself to his father for a big hug. This story is simple yet it still gives a lot of details about the life of a child with cerebral palsy and does a good job of explaining it. I think this would be a great book to read in a classroom. I enjoyed how when Howie is happy the illustrations have color and when he is sad it is black and white. That is a great, easy visual cue for children.… (mer)

Howie can't really do anything for himself. He can't really write his name, drink his milk himself, or build with his building blocks. He seems to be an impatient person and when he wants something, he wants it now. He likes playing ball with his sister and grandmother. Howie learns a lot at school and does exercises every day to strengthen his muscles. More than anything else, he wanted to move around himself without any help. He didn't give up and when one day his dad came to get him from school, he finally turned his wheel around and wheeled all the way to where his dad was standing. I like how to author didn't make Howie a victim to his disability and made him determined to get what he wants. I can't imagine how difficult that must of been and I'm in awe at his strength.… (mer)