Member Reviews
This is a wonderful book about how to be inclusive of differently-abled kids. Throughout the story, it showed ways the character used her imagination with her playmates. It also had great ideas in the back of ways to include someone in a wheelchair. I’ll add this to my class library next year.
What a lovely book! All about inclusion. Addy is in a wheelchair & is afraid it will keep her from making friends. Thankfully her awesome imagination makes the other kids curious and they go play with her.
This book is well written, and has tips and ideas for teachers, friends and caregivers about how to make the kids feel included.
I loved the illustrations, very nice. 5+
Addy's chair can take her places—in real life and in her imagination. And in "Addy's Chair to Everywhere", we see Addy worrying that her chair will set her apart, but then using that same chair to fuel not just her own imagination but her classmates' imaginations.
The book world is getting better about diversity, but it still has a ways to go, and it's wonderful to see more books working to 1) represent kids who might not usually see themselves on the page and 2) casually remind other readers of ways to be inclusive. The reason Addy uses a wheelchair is not named here, and I love that—first because it's a reminder that her disability, whatever it is, is only one part of her story, and second because it lets more kids who use wheelchairs imagine themselves in her chariot. I also love that we see Addy out of her chair, playing with other kids on the ground; it's a small and subtle thing, but as far as I can remember I never had a class with someone who used a wheelchair when I was in school, and when I was a kid I'm not sure it even would have occurred to me that someone could, you know, get down out of their wheelchair and play.
I don't think the book needed rhyme, but it doesn't feel forced or get in the way of the story. The book also includes several pages of suggestions and resources for teachers, which I hope will spur educators into thinking about inclusive solutions even before they know that the need is in front of them.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
I loved this story of a little girl who uses a wheelchair and how she plays and navigates her classroom with her classmates. At first she is playing alone on the playground but imagines she's in outer space. Then her classmates slowly start playing with her and she continues to create a great imaginative world. As a former elementary school teacher, I think it's really important to share books that show diversity in all areas to expose children to others who may not be like them in every way. It's also important for all students to see themselves in the books that they're reading at school. If a child in a wheelchair sees a child in a wheelchair in a book, I think they'll be able to connect to the story. This would've been a great book to read aloud to my students. I appreciated the tips that the author included at the end of the book to encourage parents and educators to build an inclusive community.
I was so excited when I saw this book, as it is difficult to find books featuring children who use wheelchairs. I thought the beginning where most of the children avoid Addy was unfortunately very relatable. I appreciate that was included in the book!
I would absolutely love to see next a book featuring a child who uses a wheelchair, but who has limited upper body movement or needs a chest harness. I am so glad to see so many more inclusive children’s books!
I really love how this book shows children that disabled people are still people who have feelings. This book shows people how to include people in wheelchairs, and addy and how she makes new friends. I like how at the end of the book there is activities and games for children to try out, and i think this makes this book interactive. This book is very bright and colourful and i feel like children will really engage with this book. Thank you!
‘Addy’s Chair to Everywhere’ by Debi Novotny is a truly beautiful book that combines a heartwarming plot, delightful characters, and stunning illustrations. It’s a fantastic resource for children, parents, and educators alike, promoting inclusion and understanding in a wonderfully engaging way.
Plot: ★★★★★
The plot of ‘Addy’s Chair to Everywhere’ is lovely and impactful. It wonderfully showcases inclusion, delivering a great message for children and teachers alike. The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, offering an excellent framework for discussions about inclusivity and empathy.
Characters: ★★★★★
The characters in this book are beautifully crafted, with Addy being an absolute delight. Her journey and experiences are relatable and inspiring, making her a character that readers can easily connect with and root for. The supportive cast of characters also adds depth and warmth to the story.
Illustrations: ★★★★★
The illustrations are stunning and vibrant, perfectly complementing the narrative. Each page is filled with colourful, detailed artwork that brings Addy’s world to life. The illustrations not only enhance the story but also engage readers visually, making the book even more appealing.
Engagement: ★★★★★
This book is very engaging, especially for children with a disability. The relatable content and inclusive message ensure that children feel seen and understood. It’s also a fantastic tool for educating other children about the importance of inclusion and empathy.
Readability: ★★★★★
‘Addy’s Chair to Everywhere’ offers wonderful readability, with a fantastic read-aloud factor. The text is clear and rhythmic, making it easy for parents, caregivers, and teachers to read aloud. The engaging narrative and beautiful illustrations keep children attentive and interested throughout.
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
Overall, ‘Addy’s Chair to Everywhere’ is a very enjoyable book. Its heartwarming story, delightful characters, and vibrant illustrations make it a joy to read. It’s a great book for children with a disability, helping them see themselves in literature. It’s also excellent for other children to develop a better understanding of inclusion and for teachers looking to make their classrooms more inclusive.
‘Addy’s Chair to Everywhere’ by Debi Novotny is a highly recommended book that beautifully promotes inclusion and understanding. Its lovely plot, delightful characters, stunning illustrations, and engaging narrative make it a standout choice for any child’s library. This book is sure to be cherished by children, parents, and educators alike.
#AddysChairtoEverywhere #NetGalley
This book was so inspiring and sweet! The illustrations were vivid and colorful, which gave a joyful tone to the entire book. I love how the readers get to see Addy achieve her imaginative dreams along with all of her classmates, even when she is a disabled student. This book sets a great example for readers everywhere, demonstrating that everyone can and should be included, no matter what they might look like.
Among all of the good things about the story itself, I also loved reading the author's notes at the end. The author talks about how her main goal in writing this book was to show how an inclusive learning space looks and operates. I will close out this review by saying that the author showed that through Addy's story perfectly.
As an elementary teacher, I am always looking for books that share inclusion. Although I teach in a general education classroom, it is always important to share the importance of inclusion.
What a wonderful and inclusive book. The Illustrations were absolutely beautiful and colourful and such a fun and easy read. Great for any library setting.
This book is absolutely wonderful in promoting inclusivity and encouraging kids to use their imagination to play and interact with one another. It beautifully illustrates how the children found creative ways to include their classmate in a wheelchair. Children will adore these captivating illustrations and will gain valuable knowledge from them. I highly recommend this to fellow moms and elementary school teachers.
Oh my gosh, this book pulled ALL the heartstrings! i was brilliant, and the conversations that followed with my kids were just to be treasured. The concept of this book was amazing, It should be in all elementary schools. The illustrations were beautiful! Well done
This is an incredible book focused on inclusive play! The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is engaging. This book is a great resource for a fun storytime that reminds kids to play inclusively with all their classmates. I loved the story and the great tips at the end for teachers!
Addys Chair to Everywhere is a beautiful children’s book that shares the journey of inclusivity and the understanding of developing friendships with other children who may not appear like yourself. I feel from a writing perspective I was unsure if it was supposed to rhyme or not, because it sort of went in and out but I don’t think it’s detracts from the overall message of the book. I also liked the tips at the end that are meant to help teachers and adults provide and foster better ways to promote inclusivity.
Great disability representation with a playful message of inclusion. This is a valuable resource for teaching young children that disabilities do not define the individual.
Warm and upbeat.
There is nothing Addy can't do. What a great book to help teach inclusivity. I will definitely be recommending this one to everyone.
I ADORE this book! "Addy's Chair to Everywhere" is the perfect book to show children what being inclusive looks like. I love how many different examples for including Addy were provided so that children can really grasp the concept of inclusion. The language was simple and child friendly and the illustrations were adorable. I look forward to reading this book with my children and using it as a tool to facilitate discussion on being inclusive in their own lives.