Spring 2025

Starred Review We Are the Scrappy Ones

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

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.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-8770-0
$14.99
979-8-7656-5094-3
$24.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Physical Disability & Illness, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-04-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039150, JUV015020, JUV074000
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 9.75 x 9.75
Guided Reading Level P
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Reviews

Starred Review Kirkus Reviews

“In Fagan’s luminous, star-spangled scenes, people using wheelchairs, white canes, communication devices, and more radiate joy and community, countering assumptions about disabled people (such as “loss leaves no space for laughter”) and reminding readers that they’re “as dazzling as a sky full of stars”. . . Warm, poetic, and affirming."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal

“Disability advocate Taussig (Sitting Pretty) directly addresses children with disabilities in this beautiful affirmation of belonging, imagination, and self-worth . . . A meaningful work for children with disabilities and those who interact with them, this is a purchase for all collections.”—School Library Journal

James Catchpole

“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

Kao Kalia Yang

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

Shane Burcaw

We Are the Scrappy Ones is a remarkably beautiful, soul-lifting, groundbreaking story. For our world and the future of our vibrant disabled community, I’m overjoyed this book exists.”—Shane Burcaw, author of the award-winning books Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability and Laughing at My Nightmare