The inspiring stories of 15 disabled athletes are presented in a readable and entertaining format. Each gifted individual gets a two page spread with two-thirds of the space filled with an excellent illustration. The rest of the page is their background and story that brought them future excellence at their sport.
Each section ends with the person’s DAILY CHALLENGE and DAILY JOY, true insights into themselves. You’ll be going back to read many of their quotes.
There is also a line of poetry spread across each illustration that continues the ‘Tenacious poem’ begun on the opening page with these enticing words:
Take a journey with this crew.
Come discover what they do!
After completing the book I went back and read the much longer poem. A great addition.
The book finishes with the author’s own challenges she has faced, then follows with Resources, Glossary. Paralympics Timeline, and a Bibliography.
TENACIOUS would be a perfect choice as a read aloud in the classroom or at home. A quick read that will fill your heart with joy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
Patty Cisneros Prevo is a first-generation Latina, writer, two-time Paralympic gold medalist, and proud mom and partner. She also works as the University of Wisconsin Health Program Manager of DEI. Her manuscript for Tenacious won the 2018 Lee & Low New Voices Award Honor and marks her debut as an author. Learn more about her at pattycisnerosprevo.com.
Dion MBD or Dionisius Mehaga Bangun Djayasaputra, is an Indonesian illustrator and designer who lives and works between Brooklyn and Bandung. Dion received his Illustration BFA from Ringling College of Art Design in Florida where he grew his fascinations with clouds. Check out his website to learn more about him at dionmbd.com.
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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Always in the Middle... 
Greg, it’s funny—you and I read the book entirely differently—I started with the poem! But you are coming from the MG world, and I read a ton of picture books. I do really love this book, and thank you for reviewing this! As a volunteer at Children’s Hospital, I watched Patty work with kids new to life in wheelchairs and saw their sparks of hope and understanding of the possibilities.