Parents' Guide to

I Am Not a Label: 34 Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists with Disabilities from Past and Present

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Detailed biographies show heart, perseverance.

Book Cerrie Burnell Biography 2020
I Am Not a Label: 34 Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists with Disabilities from Past and Present Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

Al3p
Al3p Adult
March 8, 2021
age 13+

For older kids

I was excited to get this book and read it with my kids, the art work is gorgeous, and I loved the concept of the book. But I am leaving a review because I see there aren’t any yet and that it’s currently recommended for ages 6+. I would disagree with that, at least for my family. These stories are inspiring but there are also tricky subjects, such as: it’s mentioned that Frida Kahlo had relationships other than with her husband, that Lady Gaga was assaulted by someone she worked with, and that Demi Lovato had bulimia and started to self-harm. These are topics that I am not ready to introduce my 7 year old to just yet. I am reading the book for myself though! I had never heard of Catalina Devandas or Wanda Diaz-Merced before but their stories are inspiring!
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What's the Story?

I AM NOT A LABEL delves into the lives of 34 artists, athletes, activists, and thinkers who have dealt with physical and mental disabilities on their way to making a tremendous impact on the world. Full-page illustrations show people from centuries ago, such as Beethoven, Henri Matisse, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln, along with modern public figures including Lady Gaga, Michelle Akers, Stella Young, Catalina Devandas, Lil Wayne, and more. There's a glossary and index at the back of the book defining medical terms and some of the more advanced vocabulary.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

With a fresh look at both the way we refer to disable people and the ways in which physical and mental health can impact lives, there's tremendous breadth, depth, and value on these colorful pages. I Am Not a Label includes notable historical figures, but the most powerful connections are likely with the many pages of modern artists, thinkers, and athletes, as young readers see that the people on their screens today have overcome quite a lot to make an impact on the world.

The inclusion of many people with hidden physical disabilities and mental health obstacles is an important reminder that not all challenges are obvious, and that these conditions can come and go throughout a lifetime. These stories are packed with hope and dare readers to follow their dreams no matter what obstacles are in their way.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the individual stories in I Am Not a Label. Why were people with disabilities often denied opportunities? How are they still? What can we do to be sure everyone has the chance to follow their dreams?

  • What can you do if you see someone being treated differently because of their disability?

  • What skills do you think help people overcome these kinds of obstacles?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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