We Are The Scrappy Ones is a remarkable book and I am not sure how I can adequately explain how much it means in a simple review. I am the mother and grandmother of some awesome people who happen to have disabilities. I understand how difficult it has been for them to find belonging in the world; in a world not made with them in mind. Each of their situations is so different, it would be impossible to lump them together into a single story of what it's like to navigate the world with a disability. Author Rebekah Taussig and illustrator Kirbi Fagan have created a beautiful, magnificent book that addresses simply what it's like to be different, to not fit in, to be able to experience the world in the same way as others. Rather than specify how this experience is for one person, they have brought in glimpses of many children with many disabilities. Soaring prose and a soft, vibrant color pattern bring this joyous story to life. Thank you so much, Rebekah and Kirbi, for reminding that all children are valuable and meant to be cherished, just as they are. Back matter in the book gives information on disability activists and on the author and illustrator. Thank you to Net Galley for providing a review copy of We Are The Scrappy Ones.

I loved every single thing about this book. The artwork is gorgeous and inspirational all on its own. It has a poetic flow that is easy to read out loud, which I did practice doing. I can’t emphasize enough how important representation is and I am in awe of the work Rebekah Taussig and Kirbi Fagan put in to this story. I am already planning out who I’ll be buying a copy for- including my nieces and nephews, some friends who are expecting, and some friends who are teachers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for this copy to read and review.

‘We Are the Scrappy Ones’ is a beautiful message to all children who have a disability- visible or invisible. As someone who worked for years with differently abled children, this is a message that is needed! I can’t wait to read this to my own children and discuss ways that we can be advocates for our friends who may have different needs! The message is presented as a beautiful poem with an emphasis on the truths that children need to hear: they are not a burden and they have great value! I loved the additional information about people who have been advocates and made impacts through the years. The illustrations were colorful and beautiful and represented people of all colors and types of disability well. Highly recommend!

A gorgeously illustrated [with both children and adults with disabilities of all kinds represented] book about life with disabilities and how, yes, it makes one different, but it no way makes one less.

A beautiful story, told in poem form, this is a lovely read that will resonate with everyone and is a great way to both teach and learn that truly, people with disabilities are no different than anyone else, even if their disability is "invisible" [this will be particularly good for able-bodied children who may have experienced someone who is disabled in school; there is a real lesson about empathy here, and a real opportunity to talk about invisible illnesses/disabilities and how to approach that] - they are human being, just like the rest of us.

The author and illustrator notes, and the note about people who have both fought for and changed the world for those who are disabled are just fantastic and both really add to the overall story *AND* will help continue the conversation about disabilities, long after the book is finishing.

Very well done!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Rebekah Taussig, Kirbi Fagan - Illustrator, and Lerner Publishing Group/Carolrhoda Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a beautiful read. If you have ever felt different, for any reason at all, read this book. You definitely feel seen in the verses and the illustrations. Which can we talk about the illustrations - both whimsical and inclusive. Overall, an important read that's going on my bookshelf for when my daughter is a little bit older.

These poems were not cute, but they were inspirational. I think it would be excellent reading for young readers with or without disabilities. I enjoyed reading this. More for younger children. Possibly for some in lower middle grades. The illustrations added to this experience.

A lovely book! I would pair this book with Some Bodies by Sophie Kennen for a storytime. I always tell kids to look at the illustrations of that book and find someone who is like them in some way in the book. I think this book would be great for that as well. There are so many different kinds of people in this book and the book emphatically says they are all wonderful the way they are!

This is a book for all those children out there with anything considered a disability. It’s a book to let them know that they’re not alone that they are special and unique just the way they are and that there is community for them. The illustrator did a fantastic job including multiple variations of so-called disabilities, medical equipment, etc. Overall, this book was fantastic and a perfect addition to any Library collection.

This is a beautiful, empowering, and hopeful depiction of disabilities as viewed through a lens of different abilities. The lyrical writing is a call to action for all people in the disabled community and allies to recognize how unique and beautiful we all are for our differences. Inclusion is not a bad thing, despite what the loudest voices in the room may want us to believe. A rising tide lifts all ships, and without inclusion we wouldn't have curb cuts, safe playgrounds, and other accessible features that non-disabled people benefit from.

I highly recommend this positive book for all schools and libraries, and families to keep on their bookshelf.

Would be such a great book for any child (or adult) with a disability. Really does a great job of including so many different disabilities with great illustrations. Covers a lot of topics - not fitting in, feeling like a burden, being limited in ability. Really highlights strengths and overall just very positively covers a tough topic in a very kid appropriate way.

Oh, my—this is a book that's designed to be read and reread. There are so many layers, from the vibrant illustrations to the triumphant, poetic text. And then there are the notes in the back that provide even more opportunities to go deeper. This is a beautiful book, and I hope it goes far and wide.

Netgalley ARC - A must-add to any picture book collection. I think this would be especially important in public libraries. I think adults should also read this!

I just finished reading "We Are the Scrappy Ones" by Rebekah Taussig and was genuinely moved by how powerfully it speaks to children with disabilities. The book sends such an important message that these children are valued, capable, and absolutely belong in our world.
From the opening page, I got goosebumps, and I can imagine many parents will find themselves emotional when sharing this wonderful book with their kids. There's an authenticity and warmth to Taussig's writing that really resonates. This book is truly WONDERFUL! The illustrations are dreamlike and MAGICAL!
I believe every child deserves to see themselves represented in literature - to feel truly seen and appreciated. I'm so glad "the scrappy ones" now have this beautiful story that speaks directly to their experiences. This book is truly special and fills an important gap in children's literature. The only thing I did not like was the title "Scrappy??!!!?" does not suit the beauty of this book!

Thank you Lerner Publishing Group | Carolrhoda Books & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a story of people with disabilities and how they thrive and shine in their worlds. The illustrations feature many disabilities which many children will relate to. This is a good conversation starter for young children.

This picture book is great at showing diversity in disabilities. Kids with disabilities will see themselves on the page. It is unapologetically positive. In a world that doesn't always make space for people with disabilities this book shows that you are important and there is room for you. As an adult with disabilities this was very healing. I am reminded of that scene in It Crowd "I'm not crying, you're crying." I wish I had this book 19 years ago when my immune compromised child was trying to navigate a world that was dangerous to them.

5 stars

As a teacher and an advisor for a school chapter of Best Buddies, I am always looking for texts that offer more opportunities to foster more inclusion and understanding. This book is a joyful celebration of love, acceptance, and inclusion. To put it simply, I am SO glad this book exists. It belongs in every classroom and library. I can't wait to read this to my students every year!

We Are the Scrappy Ones is a must-read for everyone! Rebekah Taussig delivers a powerful reminder to those with disabilities that they are dazzling, spectacular, and never alone. This book celebrates the unique individuality of people with disabilities, showing that their identities go far beyond labels.

A standout feature is the inclusion of stories about innovators with disabilities who have changed the world, offering inspiration and representation. It’s also a fantastic way to give children a glimpse into different abilities and foster understanding and empathy.

Perfect for classrooms or personal libraries, this book is a beautiful blend of empowerment, education, and celebration of diversity. Highly recommended!

We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig praises children for being different. It encourages ALL children to believe that they are enough. This story empowers children to be themselves and embrace themselves in a world that does not always include them. It shows children that the world is theirs and there is no reason to try to blend in when they are born to stand out. They are exactly what this world needs- they offer creativity and innovation! The artwork is beautiful and is inclusive. I imagine it as a great classroom read aloud and to open up a beautiful discussion about true inclusion.

We Are the Scrappy Ones by Rebekah Taussig is a deeply moving and empowering book that uplifts children with disabilities, reminding them that they are valued, capable, and belong in this world. From the very first page, I felt chills, and I have no doubt many parents will be brought to tears while reading this phenomenal book with their children. Taussig’s words are heartfelt and sincere, radiating warmth and encouragement. All children deserve books that make them feel seen, heard, and loved, and I’m so grateful the "scrappy ones" now have this beautiful story to call their own.

Such an important message that I think everyone should read! Powerful story with intricate illustrations, this one should be in every library. I'm so glad this book exists!