I Am Not a Label - by Cerrie Burnell (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book brings together 34 artists, thinkers, athletes and activists with disabilities from past and present.

Book Synopsis

* 2021 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Honor Book

"An inclusive and upbeat collection ideal for classrooms and libraries." - School Library Journal

In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 34 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences, and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.

These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges that have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates, and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sports, science, math, art, breakdancing, or the world of pop.

Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people:

Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchhoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller,
Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox,
Peter Dinklage, Catalina Devandas, Wanda Diaz-Merced, Victor Pineda, Arunima Sinha, Abraham Lincoln,
Demi Lovato, Matt Haig, Redouan Ait Chitt, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Farida Bedwei, Jonas Jacobsson,
Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip,
Michelle Akers, Lil Wayne, Dynamo

Review Quotes

'I Am Not a Label is intelligent and politically bold at the same time as being beautiful to browse - every bookshelf needs a copy.' --Disability Arts Online

'A richly illustrated compendium of activists, artists, thinkers and athletes with disabilities [..] Burnell's dreamy yet fiery tone infuses each biography with a sense of its subject's refusal to be held back by the expectations of others.'--The Guardian

'An eye-opening, stylish and empowering collection of biographies profiling over 30 disabled creators, thinkers, activists and athletes.'--LoveReading 4 Schools

'An international and diverse selection of biographies profiling over 30 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists.'--Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, July Previews

'Be assured, this is [not] a book that simply says you can be a hero 'despite' being disabled. Crucially, this is a book that also recognises that you do not have to be a hero. [...] Fascinating, funny, informative, this is a much-needed anthology that breaks stereotypes and challenges assumptions.'--BookTrust

'Cerrie's text deftly sidesteps the sort of triumph-over-adversity clichés we've come to expect in narratives about disability, and Lauren [Emel] Baldo's artwork is uncompromisingly stylish too.'--James Catchpole, Caboodle

'Exploring disability and difference through the biographies of these remarkable people makes children truly see that nothing is impossible if you try hard enough. Featuring a clear index, glossary and further reading section, this book has a place on every bookshelf.'--Reading Zone

'This book is there to help us all, to encourage us to talk about how we're all different [...] 'It's a really, really lovely book, beautifully illustrated as well.' --Ben Shepard & Ranvir Singh, 'Good Morning Britain' ITV

About the Author

Cerrie Burnell is an actress, singer, playwright, author, and former television presenter for CBeebies (2009-2017). She was born with half a right arm and has sought to increase visibility of disabled people through her career in presenting, writing, and acting.

Lauren Baldo is an illustrator based in the Philippines. He has worked as a storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, and children's book illustrator.