Claire Wants a Boxing Name/Claire veut un nom de boxe
"Libraries looking to add to their inclusive nonfiction offerings will find this one a winner." KIRKUS review
In Claire Wants a Boxing Name a mother and daughter share their weekly boxing lesson. Taught by a woman who is differently sight-abled and has a guide dog, an amazing story unfolds. Dynamic photography captures the energy and intensity of the physical activities all three women complete at the inclusive Toronto Girls Boxing Club.
Boxing moves, bags, and gloves abound as the story reveals Claire's desire to be given a boxing name. It will represent what she has learned from boxing. She knows that her mom and other women have really cool boxing names like Slice n' Dice and Eraser.
Claire was born with a facial difference and through boxing has gained a new strength she hopes will shine through her new name. This story challenges the reader's perception of what a person with blindness is capable of doing and also provides an incentive to challenge oneself to discover personal strengths.
By sharing Claire's story we celebrate Vivian's many strengths and abilities. Vivian is differently sight-abled and has a guide dog.
"Physical fitness and sports and recreation are so important for children with disabilities. It's a topic of conversation for so many youth...what sport they play, what they do on weekends, etc... Love that the inclusion includes something her mother enjoys and that the coach is an accomplished woman with vision loss. Well written, as always by these authors!" -Lori A. Eigenman, ED.S
Each book in the Finding My World series can be read in any order, as each is one child's experience in finding inclusion and self-determination in the world around them.
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Jo Meserve Mach (author) spent 36 years as an Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about sharing the stories of children with special needs. Jo embraces the joy that individuals with disabilities bring to our communities through their unique gifts.
Jo is the cofounder of Finding My Way Books, which offers tools to help children without disabilities realize that children with disabilities are kids just like them.
Readers and teachers love Finding My Way Books, which they describe as "great," "fabulous," which "showcase how a person with a disability can be a mentor to others," and "make the teachable moments and situations perfect for young students."
They are recommended for parents, teachers, elementary school libraries, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants a more just and inclusive world.
Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier worked professionally in Early Childhood and Special Education programming for 25 years. She has a PhD in Special Education from the University of Kansas and is currently working at Westat.
Vera is passionate about the inclusion of every child in settings where they would be if they did not have a disability. Parenting two children with special needs enriches her life.
Mary Birdsell is a professional photographer and a former Speech and Theatre teacher. She strives to create images that reflect the strengths of each child.
Mary's background in education, theatre and photography intersects as she visually creates our books. She uses colors and shapes to tell a story. For her, each book is like its own theatre production.
KIRKUS REVIEW
CLAIRE WANTS A BOXING NAME
A 10-year-old girl practices focusing her energy in order to earn a nickname as a boxer in this true story, accessibly told by Mach (Matteo Wants to See What's Next, 2017, etc.) and Stroup-Rentier (MyaGrace Wants to Make Music, 2017, etc.) as part of their Finding My World series, with photographs by series collaborator Birdsell.
Claire and her mother decide to channel the child's abundant energy by learning to box together. Their coach, Vivian, has "different sight ability" and travels with her service dog, Catcher. When Catcher's wearing his harness, Claire knows she can't play with him, but when it comes off, she can pet him. The book uses approachable vocabulary to depict warm-ups, shadow boxing, and using punching-bags, while Claire wonders what her boxing name will be. Mach and Stroup-Rentier highlight positive strategies for self-control: Claire finds good ways to direct her energy and to refocus so she can pay attention, such as by playing with Catcher or doing a cartwheel. The story is intentionally inclusive, noting Vivian's sight ability and Claire's facial difference, and it delivers its messages effortlessly. Birdsell also provides action-packed photos that capture Claire's spirit and enthusiasm. Newly independent readers will find Claire to be a sympathetic narrator.
Libraries looking to add to their inclusive nonfiction offerings will find this one a winner.
