The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair

Title: The Story of Taylor and His Wheelchair
Author: Jamee Riggio Heelan
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Copyright: 2000 by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 32
Genre: Non-fiction

Summary:
This is a story about a boy named Taylor. He has a twin brother named Tyler who is his best friend. They both like chocolate ice cream, to wrestle and watch basketball. They also enjoy reading about dinosaurs.
Unlike Tyler, Taylor has Cerebral palsy. While Tyler can run and jump and play, Taylor has trouble walking. Every week Taylor visits Kathryn, a physical therapist who helps him work on his muscles. He has many friends in therapy. He learned to walk with his walker, but got easily tired. It was often frustrating having to rely on other people to help him all the time.
When Taylor had the chance to use a wheelchair, he was excited. He had to train himself how to use it. But one of his friends from school was sad that he was going to use a wheelchair. He thought it was better to use the walker. But Taylor explained that this was best. Taylor’s family surprises him with his first wheelchair and he began practicing immediately. Tyler helps him practice so that he can get stronger. One problem with a wheelchair is that he cannot go up stairs or through heavy doors. But his school has special ramps for children in wheelchairs. There is also an automatic door that opens for him. Water fountains are the perfect height, as well as the sinks.
When Taylor gets home, Tyler helps him with his muscle stretches and when they’re done they go outside and play. They play basketball, their favorite sport and they’re equally good at it. Now, with a wheelchair, there are more possibilities for Taylor.

Recommendations:
I think physically disabled children could greatly benefit from this book. It could help them realize that they are not alone.

Potential Problems:
I don’t see any problems with this book.

My Reaction:
I liked this book. Taylor and Tyler both seem very sweet. It’s nice that Taylor was able to find something that worked for him, since the walker wasn’t working.