Claire Wants A Boxing Name: A True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination

by Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, Federation (Photographer)

Overview

Claire knows that her mom and other women at the Toronto Girls Boxing Club have really cool boxing names. They have names like Slice n' Dice and Eraser. Getting a boxing name is a big honor. Can Claire show her coach she's earned a special boxing name?

Finding My Way Books honor children with disabilities by sharing their stories. Claire has a facial difference and her boxing coach, Vivian, is blind with a Seeing Eye dog.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781944764814
Publisher:	Finding My Way Books
Publication date:	06/21/2017
Series:	Finding My World
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	79 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	5 - 10 Years

About the Author

Jo Meserve Mach, author and publisher, 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.
Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, author, 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 each and every child in settings where they would be if they did not have a disability. Parenting a teen and tween with special needs enrich her life.
Mary Birdsell is an author, 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 intersect 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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

From the Publisher