From School Library Journal
Gr 2-5-Josh has a medical condition called achondroplasia, a type of dwarfism that results in short limbs and short stature. As evidenced in this photo-essay, everyday living can be a challenge. However, with a confident attitude, supportive family and friends, and adjustments to physical surroundings, the teen is well adjusted and a school leader. The color photographs of him at home, at school, and at play are wonderful. Readers will find it heartening to see this young man so well integrated into all aspects of community life. The positive tone, the photos of successful adults with Josh's condition, and a letter explaining dwarfism from the president of Little People of America show that, no matter what, the message "never sell yourself short" is for all of us.
Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
Gr. 3-6. The book's title is a play on words. This photo-essay gives readers a look into the life of 14-year-old Josh, who is a dwarf. The color photos capture everyday moments that have a twist: Josh shops for clothes but has to have almost everything cut down; he goes grocery shopping but needs someone to pull things from high shelves. He may never reach five feet, but his dreams and aspirations are similar to those of many his age. He just has to find different ways to achieve his goals. For instance, basketball is his passion, but since he's too short to play, he manages the team. Josh sometimes sounds too good to be true, and his story begins rather strangely, with his saying he likes a good night's sleep, then referring to the trouble he has breathing at night. Otherwise, this is smoothly written and interesting, with appended informational pages about dwarfism and the nonprofit organization Little People of America providing additional substance. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
