I've never heard of people who have a disability or medical condition as "scrappy". I was a little confused as I started reading this book. The cover doesn't suggest that this book is about people who have a disability/medical condition, but after I got into the middle of the book I know the author was trying to bring awareness about what they go through. I wish the author would have provided more information about what they were discussing or why they called them "scrappy".

Thank you to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and Carolrhoda Books for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy

I loved this book because I have disabilities myself. I wish there was more books published like this when I was growing up as a child with disabilities. But I am glad it is coming around now too.

I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Taussig offers an empowering and encouraging look at how important it is to celebrate who we are. We're diverse and we have different needs and bring different gifts to our communities. The artwork captures the wide variety of people to be treasured. I appreciate how the author shares a few of those who challenged the status quo and continue to do so. A lovely book to add to libraries and homes.

We Are the Scrappy Ones — I love the title, the illustrations, and the poem. This isn’t just another picture book filled with affirmations about being “good enough.” It’s a heartfelt poem for every child and every person who feels like they are the scrappy ones, those who feel they don’t quite fit into a world not designed for people with disabilities.

Kirbi Fagan beautifully portrays a diverse range of children and adults with disabilities in a dreamlike and inspiring way. This stunning picture book deserves a place in every classroom and library.

what I adore about this book is the sense of joy that Taussig brings. Often, stories that revolve around those with disabilities insist upon being tragedies, but the fact of the matter is that those that are disabled can, and DO, live full, long, passionate, and adoring lives. The bright colors of the illustrations to accompany this brought a warmth to my heart I know will burn for a long time. I think it was both great, while also quite important, that these illustrations depicted the use of medical assistance devices in both a casual and positive way. children who use these can feel ostricized as a result, and I loved that they have this representation in their stories.

Beautiful message full of encouraging language.

I appreciated the inclusion of so many different medical devices in the illustrations.

This beautiful picture book honors disabled children, acknowledging their struggles, their beauty, and their creativity and resilience. The poem is emotionally moving without being overly sentimental, and the illustrations depict children with diverse backgrounds and different types of disabilities. This is a great book for families with disabled and medically complex children, and it can also be helpful for teaching any kid about empathy.

Live the art work. And I agree with what was being said. We all need to be better at being understanding. I feel the book did that.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the eARC! This is a great read portraying individuals with disabilities and showing their abilities. I love the message this book sends. I also love the many different disabilities represented throughout the book.

This would be a great gift for a middle-grade child going through hardships. Whether it be sickness, learning to live with a disability, the loss of a loved one, or anything else difficult in life. A great reminder that we are enough, not a burden, and not alone during the different phases of life.

The illustrations are beautiful and add such warmth to the book. Seeing various mobility aids and other things that may make others feel different given center stage was lovely to see as well.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a review copy of #WeAreTheScrappyOnes. All feedback is my unbiased opinion, not paid, and simply for the love of books.

A message of that you're always enough just as you are.

This uplifting message welcomes ingenuity and uniqueness. Physical and social boundaries are de-marginalized through awareness and inclusion. Disabilities both visible and unseen are embraced in gorgeous illustrations.

Thanks to @NetGalley for sharing this DRC with me for an honest review.

“Our lives shake out the old lies of fables/ The ones that say sick is the same things as sad.”

One thing that immediately stood out to me in this gorgeously illustrated book is the pure joy of the characters. Pairing such vibrant joy with the use of the characters utilizing medical and sensory aids and devices goes so far in the work of destigmatization and reducing fear for children who may have or are going to have a medical device in the future. The representation for medical devices is expansive.

These are the medical aids that I noticed in the illustrations:

- Medical alert bracelet
-Wheelchair users
-Several depictions of feeding tubes- I recognized G and NG
- Ostomy bag or drainage bag
- Hearing aids
-White cane
-AAC device
-Headphones
-Iv pole/chemo
-Central line
-Trachea
-Prosthetic Limbs
-Crutches

The portrayals of medical devices was especially encouraging as the young characters were seen playing and having fun while their devices were assisting them, but not permitting them from their favorite activities. This is not always the case, and there are always exceptions, but there are usually ways that medical devices for children can be accommodated in order for children to complete their daily activities. This would be very encouraging for children who are new to medical devices, and are going to need one, to see. It also shows children that they shouldn’t exclude their disabled peers due to their medical devices.

The illustrations are some of the most captivating I’ve seen. They really catch the eye and jump off the page. They come alive in every aspect, from the multi dimensional textured backgrounds, to the characters who are developed and are recognizable in every scene, due to their distinctive traits and personalities. The illustrator and the author based the book off of their personal experiences, and this is where the book really shines.

I loved most of the messaging in the poem, but a lot of it regarded not fitting in or not belonging, which I think was a bit heavy handed and maybe was referenced a few too many times, especially if the child doesn't see themselves as not belonging, or if other children don’t see disabled peers as not belonging either. There was a lot of talk about adults building a world where everyone belongs, but this framework did not include messaging about these kids also being a part of building this world, which would have been really lovely to see. The book did really well in establishing self-love for disabled kids, but fell a bit short on stressing that disability equity should involve all generations of the disability community, especially the new generation that this book is targeted at, and that disabled individuals deserve room in the spaces that affect their lives, and that they deserve a voice and a chance to speak. This is incredibly important messaging for children. Overall, the book made excellent points for children and adults. The illustrations paired with the poem makes for a hearty and engaging story time experience.

I know a lot of kids will be able to relate to this book, and I am glad that it is out in the world. I almost cried when I saw the illustration with the young girl with the nasal feeding tube, with her cat and the butterfly. As a chronically ill adult who has experienced many feeding tubes, this is the first time that the weight of representation hit me in a personal way. There are so many opportunities for kids to see themselves in this book, and for peers to learn and grow. It’s such a beautiful book and I am glad to have read it. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

A delightfully inclusive anthem for those with disabilities that you are enough and even more. Rebekah Taussig conveys a beautiful truth for all children and those living with disabilities that who you are is worthy of love, acceptance, and inclusion. I can see this book becoming a childhood classic given the stunning art style and captivating rhythm to the writing. A well deserved five stars and a book that should live on every Library's shelf and personal bookshelf.

Always Enough

A few of the illustrations in the book featured wheelchairs, guide dogs, visual impairments and nasal oxygen being used. It showcased the people in a rainbow of colors and sizes.

The message acknowledged the differences someone may have and built up the ways they make them stronger because of it. I loved how the historical names referenced were given direct contexts explaining at the end of the book to support the adversities they overcame and impacts made.

The author and illustrator both shared their own perspectives on what it felt like growing up with their own health and physical challenges. Their notes really paint the picture of intention and purpose that was poured into each page.

I received a free copy of this book from Rebekah Taussig; illustration by Kirbi Fagan and Lerner Publishing Group. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a beautiful picture for any child, but especially children who struggle with not being like everyone else. This was a good conversation starter for me any my kids about how no two people are the same and how we are all different and all special. I recommend for any family.

This is a heartfelt story about how everyone’s differences are what make them strong, unique, and powerful! Whether this book is reflective of you or your family, or you are showcasing all types of humans, it is a beautiful read!

"As dazzling as a sky full of stars" indeed! We Are the Scrappy Ones is a beautifully heartfelt expression of, as the author puts it, complicated bodies and minds. It is a celebration and reaffirmation of people's differences *and* shared humanity, all the while highlighting their resilience. Many people with disabilities can unfortunately be pushed to the edges, just trying to live their lives in spaces that are often not created with them in mind. But this book brings them to the front, reminding readers that they, too, are never alone.

I really love this book! Both the words and illustrations are gorgeous, and the included back pages highlighting different disability rights activists is a great addition.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a BEAUTIFUL book. This book helps anyone who may be different to understand that they belong, they are important, and most importantly that they are not alone. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful, they are very engaging.

I wish this book had been around for my brother when he was younger. He has a few disabilities and always felt like he was less than others because he couldn't find books that had people like him. This book would've helped him better understand his importance and that he wasn't alone.