We Are the Scrappy Ones
by Rebekah Taussig
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Pub Date Apr 01 2025 | Archive Date Mar 31 2025
Lerner Publishing Group | Carolrhoda Books ®
Talking about this book? Use #WeAretheScrappyOnes #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
We are the scrappy ones. / We live, we adapt, we defy. / Made of stardust and grit, we are spectacular.
Children with disabilities experience the world in all kinds of ways. Yet one thing they share is navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for them as they are. Existing on the edges can feel unfair—and downright exhausting. And at the exact same time, it can also foster creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability. In a word, scrappiness.
Author and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig has written a groundbreaking anthem of belonging that celebrates the wide range of disabled children and affirms their worth, just as they are. Luminous illustrations by Kirbi Fagan portray a diverse cast of characters living, learning, and playing. A warm, joy-filled book for disabled and non-disabled readers alike.
Advance Praise
"We Are the Scrappy Ones is a tribute to a community often marginalized, whose truths embody the best of what humans are to each other. This book is necessary and powerful." —Kao Kalia Yang, author of The Rock in My Throat
"Rebekah's poem about growing up disabled is insightful, heartfelt, and true. It makes complex ideas simple to understand, and simple ideas feel fresh and new. Kirbi's warm artwork will draw in young readers while Rebekah's words settle in their minds. This is a book to read and reread, a book to grow up with."—James Catchpole, author of What Happened to You?, Schneider Family Book Award Honor, and Lucy Catchpole, author of Mama Car
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781728487700 |
PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 32 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
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!
This children’s book was absolutely spectacular. The illustrations were excellent and the words were beautiful. Discussing disabilities, especially children with disabilities, physical or mental, this book is so necessary.
Words escape me. I cannot put into words how amazing this book is. The illustrations, the words, the inspiration, the deepest understanding of representation I may have ever come across! I apologize that this review probably makes little sense. I am a special education teacher and the first several years of my career were spent teaching “medically fragile,” children with a wide range of disabilities. This captures so much of their lived experience perfectly. “When all of us are considered…” “We are not a burden…” “We have nothing to prove…” I have chills. Thank you for allowing me to read this. I will order a copy and tell every teacher I know to do the same.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Children's Fiction