Fighting for YES!
The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
Fighting for Yes is a picture book biography celebrating the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements—leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977.
From a very young age, Judy Heumann heard the word “No.” When she wanted to attend public school, the principal said “No.” When she wanted her teaching license, the New York Board of Education said “No.” Judy and people with disabilities everywhere were tired of hearing “No.”
In the 1970s, an important disability rights law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was waiting to be signed. Judy and other disability rights activists fought for “YES!” They held a sit-in until Section 504 was signed into law. Section 504 laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was established thanks in large part to the ongoing work of Judy and her community.
Along with a personal reflection from Judy herself, award-winning author Maryann Cocca-Leffler and illustrator Vivien Mildenberger’s picture book biography captures the impact and influence of one of America’s greatest living activists.
“Cocca-Leffler’s straightforward text relates Judy’s challenges and triumphs . . . Uplifting and stirring.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Illustrations combine gouache painting and digital art to bring Heumann and her allies to life . . . an informative portrait of an under-recognized activist.” —Booklist
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Nostalgic illustrations and straightforward narration spotlight the path to advocacy for disability rights activist Judith Heumann (b. 1947) in this picture book biography. When Heumann, "a bright, talkative little girl" who loves books and music, tries to attend kindergarten in 1952, her family is told "NO" over and over again. One principal initially takes "one look at Judy's wheelchair" and declares the child "a fire hazard." At nine, Heumann is excited to learn in a classroom, only to find herself, and other "special-ed" students, "in the basement, away from everyone," and as she matures, she finds that "stairs were everywhere... with no ramps" provided. At Camp Oakhurst, a summer camp for kids with disabilities, Heumann dreams "that someday the whole world would be like camp." Graduating college and becoming a teacher, she encounters and combats hiring discrimination, leading to national advocacy and legal protections. Mildenberger's stylized gouache and digital illustrations evoke the style of a personal diary. An afterword by Heumann concludes. Ages 6–9.
