Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

Born in Ghana, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, faced a difficult life, born with only one functioning leg. While his mother, Comfort, had hope and love for Emmanuel, the village thought he was cursed and his father abandoned the family.  Emmanuel prospered through determination and grit. With his mother falling ill, Emmanuel, only thirteen,  left home to go earn money to help support his family. At fifteen, his mother's condition became very grave, so he came home to say goodbye. His mother's parting words inspired him to bicycle around Ghana. No one at home would support his idea, so he wrote to Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego, who sent him all the equipment he needed.

Wearing a shirt printed with "The Pozo" or "the disabled person," he rode through Ghana, gaining notoriety, as he talked  to disabled and able bodied people about the value of disabled people. Completing his journey in 10 days, Emmanuel became a national hero. Using his fame he became an agent of change in Ghana, helping to pass the Persons with Disabilities Act, ensuring the rights of the disabled in Ghana.

The mixed-media illustrations are bold, graphic, and beautifully help to convey the story. An inspirational story for both younger and older children, and will help teach that despite our limitations our potential is limitless.

Mark's Book Picks Score: Non-Fiction

Dewey: 362.4092 • Reading Level: 4.4 • Interest Level: K-3 • AR Points: 0.5 • Lexile Level: 770 • Publisher: Random House • Pages: 40 • Copyright: 2015 • ISBN: 978-0-449-81744-5 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding