All the Way to the Top - by Annette Bay Pimentel (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling-and overcoming-the limitations others set for her. From a lack of cutaway curbs and bus lifts to being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school, Jennifer was continually blocked from living the life she wanted. But after discovering the world of disability rights activism, she knew she had to use her voice to change things. When Jennifer was just eight years old, she participated in the Capitol Crawl. The deeply affecting image of Jennifer crawling up the steps of Capitol Hill went viral and helped pressure Congress into passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. A powerfully illustrated biography of Jennifer's life and a celebration of youth activism, All the Way to the Top will teach all children that they have the power to make a difference"--

Book Synopsis

2021 Schneider Family Book Award Young Children's Honor Book (American Library Association)

Experience the true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl in this inspiring autobiographical picture book. This beautifully illustrated story includes a foreword from Jennifer and backmatter detailing her life and the history of the disability rights movement.

This is the story of a little girl who just wanted to go, even when others tried to stop her.

Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change--even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria.

Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them.

And, without her wheelchair, she climbed.

ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!

A Rise: A Feminist Book Project Nominee

A Junior Library Guild Selection

All the Way to the Top is perfect for:

• Elementary school teachers looking for books to supplement disability rights curriculum and the history of the ADA (find a free Common-Core Aligned Educator Guide at www.sourcebooks.com)
• Parents looking for social justice picture books, books on activism and for young activists, and inspiring books for girls
• Parents, teachers, librarians, and guardians looking for beautifully illustrated, inspirational and educational books for young readers in their life

Review Quotes

Winner 2020 Junior Library Guild Selection

Winner 2020 KNEA Reading Circle

Winner 2021 Best Children's Books of the Year (Bank Street College of Education)

Winner 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers (CBC)

Winner 2021 Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice Title

Winner 2021 Rise: A Feminist Book Project

Honoree 2021 Schneider Family Book Award

Honoree 2022 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children's Book Award

Honoree 2022 Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award

Nominee 2021 Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice Title

Nominee 2021 Red Clover Book Award

Nominee 2022 Nutmeg Children's Book Award

" Pimentel's compelling, present-tense narrative gives the story great immediacy, helping children connect with Jennifer's reactions to physical barriers and social injustice...Still an activist, Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins offers a thought-provoking foreword to this inspiring picture book." -- Booklist

"A necessary testament to the power of children's voices." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A powerful, empowering story!" -- Washington Parent

"A 2020 A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year" -- A Mighty Girl

"Clear, accessible prose accompanied by Ali's creamily textured digital illustrations...a jumping-off point for conversations." -- Publishers Weekly

"I would recommend All the Way to the Top to kids who might have a disability or to kids who like to learn about real people." -- Avery, Age 10 (Kids Book Buzz)

"Pimentel offers a great look at a young activist creating change and a better understanding of the importance of the ADA." -- School Library Journal