Rewriting the Rules
How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability
When Kathleen Friel was young, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and a doctor told her parents all the things she’d never be able to do.
They left his office for good and found a new doctor.
As Kathleen grew up, she found her own methods to tackle tricky tasks and make her way through the world. After becoming fascinated by science, she went on to earn a PhD, investigating how injured brains can build new connections. She now runs her own lab, developing new techniques to help others with cerebral palsy.
This is the incredible story of how a determined scientist rewrote the rules and followed her dreams.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
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979-8-7656-4727-1
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$19.99 | |
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979-8-7656-8257-9
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$24.99 |
| Interest Level | Grade 1 - Grade 4 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 3 |
| Genre | Picture Books, Social Studies |
| Category | 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Biography, Diverse Books: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, Diverse Books: Physical Disability & Illness, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2025 |
| Publisher | Lerner Publishing Group |
| Imprint | Millbrook Press ™ |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2025-09-09 |
| Text Type | Narrative Nonfiction |
|---|---|
| BISACS | JNF007090, JNF053180, JNF051030 |
| Dewey | 610.92 [B] |
| Dimensions | 9.25 x 11 |
| Guided Reading Level | Q |
| Features | Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Original artwork, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource |
Author: Danna Zeiger
Before pursuing her aspirations as a children’s literature author, Danna Zeiger was the biology professor and program director for Fisher College’s biology program, serving disadvantaged and first-in-the-family students from diverse backgrounds. While homeschooling her three spirited kids, Danna established a STEM accessibility and educational resource entitled DrZatHome. She a member of SCBWI and Storyteller Academy based in Massachusetts.
Illustrator: Josée Bisaillon
Josee Bisaillon grew up in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada. Her illustrations are a mixture of collage, drawings, and digital montage, taking us into a richly detailed and multidimensional world.
Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!
Rewriting the Rules
When Kathleen Friel was young, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and a doctor told her parents all the things she’d never be able to do. They left his office for good and found a new doctor. As Kathleen grew up, she found her own methods to… View available downloads →
Awards
- Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books
- School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Reviews
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“Readers looking for a book about the power of inclusion, determination, and purpose will find this book inspiring. . . . The illustrations in this picture book are gorgeous. The vibrant colors are full of action and emotion, providing further windows into Kathleen’s extraordinary life accomplishments. In the elementary classroom or library, this book could be used to teach lessons related to identity, inclusion, and compassion. The possibilities are endless. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature
Booklist
“This stellar biography checks multiple positive role model boxes: a challenge-defying, determined, rule-breaking, problem-solving woman of STEM.”—Booklist
School Library Journal
“The visual representation of Friel and her life experiences is superbly rendered in fluid and bright images that highlight her accomplishments as a differently abled person rather than a singular focus on cerebral palsy. . . A must-purchase for all libraries as it reflects the best that modern biographies for young readers have to offer.”—starred, School Library Journal