Up and Adam - by Debbie Zapata (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Up and Adam follows Adam, a young boy with Down syndrome, and his faithful dog, Up, as they help their town rebuild after a storm. The seaside town of Portville has been hit by a giant storm, and now it's up to the residents to clean up and rebuild. When the mayor gives a speech calling for people to get "up and at 'em," Adam and his dog, Up, take it as a personal calling and set out to lend a hand. "We can help," says Adam. And they do! Adam and Up pick up branches. They put things away in the school yard. At the park, Adam helps a girl who is fixing a birdhouse. At the pizzeria, Adam holds the dustpan and dumps the dirt for a boy who is sweeping. And then Adam comes up with his own unique way to help, baking and handing out cookies to raise spirits and spark smiles. Up and Adam celebrates the meaningful ways that Adam (and Up!) contribute to and support their community."--

Book Synopsis

A winning, uplifting story about a boy with Down syndrome who helps his neighbors in the aftermath of a storm in a way only he can.

It's the morning after the big storm. Adam and his dog, Up, are finishing breakfast when Adam sees the mayor on TV asking everyone to pitch in with the cleanup. She says, "Now, it's time to get to work. Up and at 'em!" When Adam hears the mayor tell him and Up to get to work, he's on it! "We can help!" he says. All day, the pair do what they can -- clearing the sidewalk, fixing a birdhouse, passing out cookies. But it turns out, Adam's most important contribution to his community is one he doesn't even think about -- his smile. Because when anyone sees Adam smile, they smile, too. And as Adam says, "A pair of smiles can make a difference."

Debbie Zapata's sweet story scores on two fronts: it features an endearing and authentic representation of a child with Down syndrome, focused on his abilities, not disabilities, and it offers an inspiring model of how everyone can make a difference in their community. Adam's Down syndrome is not referenced in the story but is addressed in an author's note, which also includes information about Down syndrome, and resources. Adam's open-hearted and infectious smile lights the pages as he lifts spirits all over town in Yong Ling Kang's illustrations, which thoughtfully feature details in Adam's clothing and belongings that are sensitive to his needs.The book is full of positive examples of community, contributing and inclusion, and beautifully captures the character education themes of kindness, teamwork, initiative and citizenship.

Review Quotes

A great example of a story that will inspire all kids to work with others in an amiable way, making its points sweetly and simply.--School Library Journal

It is a good book to teach all people --- children and adults alike --- that we can all play a role in making our communities better, stronger, friendlier places to be.--CM Magazine

About the Author

Debbie Zapata is a children's book author who believes that kids need characters who look like them and who overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world. She also works as a therapist helping families who have children with special needs, as well as partners with school districts on diversity and inclusion. Debbie and her family live in Austin, Texas. Up and Adam is her debut picture book.
Yong Ling Kang was born in Malaysia and grew up in Singapore. She is fascinated by storytelling, and has honed her craft through picture books, manga, cartoons and formal schooling in an animation program. Yong Ling has illustrated several picture books, including Up and Adam, The Midnight Club, This House Is Home, Tanna's Owl and William's Getaway. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.