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mdevlin923's review against another edition
3.0
Covers the life of Ludwig Guttmann, the history of spinal cord injuries and treatment, and the creation of the Paralympics. Not super in depth, but it was inspiring and great advocacy for people with disabilities.
jenlouisegallant's review against another edition
4.0
Really interesting book. I didn't know much about the paralympic games, let alone the doctor to created them.
craftylibrarian10's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a very interesting look at the medical history of spinal cord injury treatment as well as the founding of the Paralympics. There are some really great "extras" including graphs and images that help understand the text and historical context. The book also gives a great deal of medical history, as well as European history. It's a fairly easy read, and has made me want to know even more.
kailawil's review against another edition
5.0
"The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
Awesome book about Ludwig Guttmann, the doctor who revolutionized how paraplegia is treated. His research and treatments kept patients alive and thriving in a time when being paralyzed was a slow, tortuous death sentence. The book covers his life in WWII-era Germany as a Jewish doctor, the difficulty he faced in getting his research and work recognized, and the continued disadvantages faced by disabled athletes. Great disability rights book for kids!
Awesome book about Ludwig Guttmann, the doctor who revolutionized how paraplegia is treated. His research and treatments kept patients alive and thriving in a time when being paralyzed was a slow, tortuous death sentence. The book covers his life in WWII-era Germany as a Jewish doctor, the difficulty he faced in getting his research and work recognized, and the continued disadvantages faced by disabled athletes. Great disability rights book for kids!
sharonskinner's review against another edition
4.0
This book brings to light so many important things, it is hard to list them all. It reminds us of how, not that long ago, we simply gave up on so many amazing people. It shows us just how great a difference a single-minded individual can make, and how much advancement the world stood to lose, and lost, in the attempt to erase an entire nationality and culture.
It shows us once more how important it is to value everyone, to look beyond our differences, to recognize the person and not the disability, and to give everyone "A Sporting Chance."
It shows us once more how important it is to value everyone, to look beyond our differences, to recognize the person and not the disability, and to give everyone "A Sporting Chance."
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
This is an absolutely fascinating look at the history of the paralympics! Both the science behind the changes in medical treatments for spinal injuries and the subsequent changes in attitudes about the survivors. I had no idea that one person was responsible for so much progress in both areas! This was well told and easy to read and understand. Highly recommended for grades 3 & up.
ARC provided by publisher
ARC provided by publisher
panda_incognito's review against another edition
5.0
This inspiring chapter book biography shares the story of Ludwig Guttmann, the founder of the Paralympics. He was a German-Jewish doctor who escaped to England before WWII, and after years of patient care and research, he developed life-saving treatment techniques for paralytics. As many paralyzed men returned from war, he helped them survive, regain their will to live, and recover basic skills through rehabilitative therapies. He also began to host sports events to help his patients redevelop strength and enjoy recreation. This led to the creation of the Paralympic Games. I enjoyed reading this incredible story, and never would have imagined that one man could accomplish so much in this field.
This is a wonderful historical source. Even though the simple sentences and cartoon illustrations make it accessible to the target middle grade audience, it is well-researched and can appeal to all ages. The author shares lots of photographic reproductions, provides thorough citations, and includes a detailed timeline in the back, making this is a great choice for both families and schools. I especially appreciate how it shows the intersection between major historical events and changing societal views towards the disabled.
At the end of the book, the author shares photographs and short bios of different Paralympic victors from throughout the years, providing examples of how people with a range of different disabilities can compete in sports. This shows how greatly Guttmann's legacy has affected people even outside of his medical field, and it is joyful and inspiring, showing that it is possible to overcome physical limitations and disruptive tragedies to still enjoy life. This book celebrates the value of human life, and gives credit to the pioneer in this field while also honoring the accomplishments of specific athletes.
I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful historical source. Even though the simple sentences and cartoon illustrations make it accessible to the target middle grade audience, it is well-researched and can appeal to all ages. The author shares lots of photographic reproductions, provides thorough citations, and includes a detailed timeline in the back, making this is a great choice for both families and schools. I especially appreciate how it shows the intersection between major historical events and changing societal views towards the disabled.
At the end of the book, the author shares photographs and short bios of different Paralympic victors from throughout the years, providing examples of how people with a range of different disabilities can compete in sports. This shows how greatly Guttmann's legacy has affected people even outside of his medical field, and it is joyful and inspiring, showing that it is possible to overcome physical limitations and disruptive tragedies to still enjoy life. This book celebrates the value of human life, and gives credit to the pioneer in this field while also honoring the accomplishments of specific athletes.
I received an advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
libscote's review against another edition
3.0
I had no idea how the Paralympic Games came about, so this story was quite interesting to me. I think it's excellently written for it's audience: just enough information but not enough to bog them down. I also think it's a really good reminder for me, because I think it's very easy for me (and lots of society) to forget what it's like for those who are paraplegic or have other circumstances that make things difficult for them due to their body make-up.
hsquared's review against another edition
5.0
In 1917, shortly after an early graduation from high school, German Jew Ludwig Guttman joined the National Emergency Services, where he was soon assigned to a local hospital. There he assisted a number of injured patients, including a young miner with a broken back, who was operated on, put in a giant cast, and separated from the other patients. When Guttman asked about the patient’s prognosis, Guttman was told, “Dead in six weeks.” Twenty-five years later, the prognosis for spinal injuries was virtually unchanged. Guttman, now a neurologist and living in England after fleeing Nazi Germany, was asked to lead a new medical unit outside of London that would address the needs of hundreds of World War II soldiers suffering from spinal cord injuries. Guttman’s groundbreaking work in the treatment of these injuries, his dedication and insistence on meticulous adherence to protocol, and his belief in the role of sports to rehabilitate and motivate patients, led to a drastic change in not only the life expectancy, but the quality of life for such patients. Alexander draws on primary and secondary sources in this engaging biography that is both inspiring and informative. Drummond’s whimsical illustrations and black and white photographs add to the optimistic tone of the text. Medical illustrations and sidebars provide added information that will help middle grade readers understand the challenges Guttman and his patients faced. At the end of Guttman’s story, Alexander includes brief sketches of a handful of outstanding athletes affected by Guttman and his Paralympics. This is an excellent title to inspire sports fans or promote diversity.
*Reviewed from galley for Children's Literature
*Reviewed from galley for Children's Literature