Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability

    Burcaw, Shane. Watercress. Random House Children's Book, 2021. 3 to 7 years.


In this autobiography, Shane Burcaw answers the questions he commonly gets as an adult living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), which causes him to need a wheelchair to get around. He runs a blog, YouTube Channel, and a nonprofit organization that help SMA patients get the medical equipment they need. He uses this picture book as a medium to further educate and advocate children about SMA. As someone with firsthand experience living with this disability, Burcaw allows readers a look into his life and shares vulnerable moments, like addressing bullying. When asked if people make fun of him, Shane shares, “Occasionally, and it hurts my feelings because if they knew me a little bit better, they would see that I am not so different!” (Not so Different 32). The scope of coverage provided in this picture book is appropriate for the target age range. The support of the pictures, speech bubbles, and humor of the author support the attention span and curiosity of kids. By answering commonly asked questions, Burcaw increases accessibility and awareness for young kids and commonly addresses common misconceptions or assumptions about individuals with SMA. By using story narrative and following a Q&A format, the author allows young readers to feel like they are engaging in a conversation. Furthermore, Burcaw also includes diagrams of things like his electronic wheelchair, highlighting how it works. In the end of the book, he also includes an author's note further detailing SMA and his journey to where he is today. Overall, the author and photographer take careful steps to make sure they are thoughtfully answering the questions and further advocating for those with SMA. This is a great resource for young readers who may have questions about what disabilities might look like or as a research aid in an academic library. This autobiography picture book belongs on the shelves of any curious young reader.


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