Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens by Marieke Nijkamp Review

Written by Marieke Nijkamp

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux in 2018

ISBN: 978-0374306502

Plot Summary: This anthology tells the stories of 13 different people who are in some way either physically or mentally disabled. The stories all blend together and weave a tale that shows that things are not always what they seem. From the first story called The Long Road where a mentally disabled girl goes in search of cure to The Leap and the Fall which tells a story of carnival strangeness and a love story of a girl in a wheelchair who is falling for her best friend, there is sure to be something that will bring a mix of emotions to anyone who reads this book. My favorite story was Mother Nature's Youngest Daughter by Keah Brown as I am a big fan of fantasy that involves super powers. I enjoyed the fact that the whole family had the ability to control a different part of the weather/nature and that the main character who has cerebral palsy was able to use her power to get back at the people who were harassing her. Being able to control snowstorms is a very cool power and being able to get back at the bullies makes it all the more sweeter. 

Critical Analysis: This anthologie shows a wide variety and blend of stories that showcase the human experience for people who have disabilities that are visible and ones that aren't. The anthologie is well edited as when you read it you can see how the stories flow together naturally. There is something for everyone as you can see what life might be like if you were put into those positions. Taking a step back and allowing the authors to give you a glimpse into a world that is not your own is one of the standout accomplishments of this well put together anthology. 

Review: Publisher's Weekly 

Nijkamp (This Is Where It Ends) presents 13 fictional short stories written by authors with disabilities and featuring variously abled teens. Authors including William Alexander, Corinne Duyvis, and Heidi Heilig represent varied genres and diverse protagonists. Kody Keplinger offers romance in “Britt and the Bike God,” which traces the relationship between a blind cyclist and her tandem riding partner. Katherine Locke’s sci-fi story, “Per Aspera ad Astra,” introduces Lizzie, who may be able to save her planet if she can harness her anxiety. More often than not, what makes these protagonists different proves far less relevant than the universal emotions they express. Ages 14–18. [em](Sept.) 

Connections: I really felt myself connecting with the characters and their disabilities so I did some research in americans with disabilities. I found this website to be very insightful. https://www.aapd.com/ Students could research ways that they might get involved with volunteering with people with disabilities. 

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