Mighty Mara

MIGHTY MARABy Carina Ho and Jesse Byrd; illustrated by Monia Paola RodriguezBooklist (Online Only)September 23, 2022 In this upbeat and empowering picture book, an Asian American girl dreams of dancing in the school talent show. At first, no one believes in her because she has a unique way of moving; fellow students mock her and tell her to "stop flapping around," and a teacher suggests that Mara join the Mathletes instead of dancing. But after a pep talk from Mom, Mara knows she needs to perform and show everyone "something new." It's not until she approaches the stage that the illustrations reveal that Mara uses a wheelchair. Once in the spotlight, Mara dazzles the crowd with her spectacular routine. Contrasting colors in the digital artwork highlight the initial separation between the town and Mara, who is always rendered in vibrant colors, while the naysayers appear muted. As the school begins to support Mara, however, their colors take on the brightness that the young girl exudes. Ho is a wheelchair-using dancer and musician herself, and appended notes from all the book's creators discuss something that makes them feel different from others. This joyful book is worth seeking out. -- Rosie Camargo Link: https: //www.booklistonline.com/Mighty-Mara-Carina-Ho/pid=9765377

Author:

Carina Ho, Jesse Byrd

Publisher:

Paw Prints

Publication Date:

May 30, 2023

Number of pages:

48 pages

Language:

English

Binding:

Hardcover

ISBN-10:

122318630X

ISBN-13:

9781223186306