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Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl's Brave Fight to Walk
Through her eyes, the moving story of a young Rwandan girl born with clubfeet and the risk she takes for the chance to walk on the bottoms of her feet for the first time.
Rebeka Uwitonze was born in Rwanda with curled and twisted feet, which meant she had to crawl or be carried to get around. At nine years old, she gets an offer that could change her life. A doctor in the US might be able to turn her feet. But it means leaving her own family behind and going to America on her own.Her Own Two Feet tells Rebeka's inspiring story through her eyes, with the help of one of her hosts. She travels from Rwanda to Austin, Texas, to join the Davis family, despite knowing almost no English. In the face of dozens of hospital visits and painful surgeries, Rebeka's incredible bravery and joyful spirit carry her to the opportunity of a lifetime. A stunning debut about hope, perseverance, and what becomes possible when you take a risk.
Rebeka Uwitonze was born in Rwanda with curled and twisted feet, which meant she had to crawl or be carried to get around. At nine years old, she gets an offer that could change her life. A doctor in the US might be able to turn her feet. But it means leaving her own family behind and going to America on her own.Her Own Two Feet tells Rebeka's inspiring story through her eyes, with the help of one of her hosts. She travels from Rwanda to Austin, Texas, to join the Davis family, despite knowing almost no English. In the face of dozens of hospital visits and painful surgeries, Rebeka's incredible bravery and joyful spirit carry her to the opportunity of a lifetime. A stunning debut about hope, perseverance, and what becomes possible when you take a risk.
199 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
19 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Davis
3 books22 followersMeredith Davis is the author of THE MINOR MIRACLE, and THE MINOR RESCUE (Waterbrook '24/'25)) and co-author of HER OWN TWO FEET: A RWANDAN GIRL’S BRAVE FIGHT TO WALK (Scholastic, 2019). Once upon a time she worked at Toad Hall, an independent children’s bookstore, started the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), traveled her way through thirty-five countries in nine and a half months, and earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is married with three children and lives with a home full of books in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 10, 2022
Wow... I am amazed at how brave this young girl from Rwanda is! Her amazing courage makes me look like a coward. Not only does she leave home to go to a far away foreign country (the US) to stay with strangers AND travels on numerous airplanes (which I am scared of) but she gets surgery too! It sort of makes you think well if she can do that stuff maybe I could do that too? Of course things are very different these days due to that virus... But still! Such bravery! Often I think facing the unknown is the scariest thing ever?
This book is just full of good stuff: good caring people who decide to help a young poor girl who was born with curled feet. The book doesn't exactly explain why her feet are that way or what is actually wrong with her arms. That is a flaw in here - it would be nice if there had been an explanation. Because it sort of leaves me a bit confused. But such caring people! This story proves there are good people in the world who help others just because they want to and they have the ability to.
The book pretty much tells her story. I read this very quickly and was amazed at how she handled these stressful situations. Most of these things she didn't understand, like the X-ray machine. It tells of her trips to the doctors and the things she did while in the US with her host family, how she learns English. The huge difference between life in the US and in a small village in Rwanda is startling.
It also would have been great if the book had included her parents names too... It's kind of odd it didn't?
This book is just full of good stuff: good caring people who decide to help a young poor girl who was born with curled feet. The book doesn't exactly explain why her feet are that way or what is actually wrong with her arms. That is a flaw in here - it would be nice if there had been an explanation. Because it sort of leaves me a bit confused. But such caring people! This story proves there are good people in the world who help others just because they want to and they have the ability to.
The book pretty much tells her story. I read this very quickly and was amazed at how she handled these stressful situations. Most of these things she didn't understand, like the X-ray machine. It tells of her trips to the doctors and the things she did while in the US with her host family, how she learns English. The huge difference between life in the US and in a small village in Rwanda is startling.
It also would have been great if the book had included her parents names too... It's kind of odd it didn't?
November 15, 2020
The co-authors, Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze, beautifully tell Rebeka’s story with integrity and dignity. As a reader, you’ll gain empathy for those living with disabilities where resources are limited, and you’ll be challenged by Rebeka’s courage and bravery. Because the story takes place in both Rwanda and the U.S., the book is a wonderful way to learn about another country and culture. I would highly recommend gifting this book to pre-teens in your life and reading it along with them.
September 3, 2019
This one is a 3.5 for me, and I certainly came away inspired by the story of Rebeka Uwitonze, who was born with arthrogyrposis, which caused contraction of the joints and club feet. Although others in her village in Rwanda urged her parents to let her die because of this deformity, they refused to do so. This book, written by Rebeka and her American host mother, Meredith Davis, traces her early years as she had to crawl to get wherever she wanted to go and the strong bond she had with her sister Medea, and then her stay in the United States to have the surgeries that would correct her condition. As Davis tells it, Rebeka endured 31 casts and visited the hospital 58 times while in the United States. Although it's heartbreaking to consider that her condition could have been corrected easily if she had received proper medical treatment when she was young, readers will still come away from her story impressed with her determination and resilience. I loved how her parents were convinced that when opportunity knocks, it is important to open the door since they must have been fearful of what could happen to her, so far away from them and living with strangers. This account doesn't stint on describing Rebeka's pain and embarrassment as well as including many humorous moments as she learns about American culture and the way of life. There are several photographs that seem to reveal Rebeka's personality, and many anecdotes that provide insight into her thoughts as she endured all that pain. It would seem that the Austin neighborhood in which she stayed embraced her and rooted for her to survive and thrive. One of the most poignant parts of the book occurred when she returned home and no longer knew her own language, having become so immersed in English. Readers will want to make sure they read the notes from both authors.
April 24, 2024
This book was truly awe-inspiring. This is a remarkable story about a small girl who has to go through life crawling and being mocked because of her deformed legs. Though she learns to walk and cam go to school, it is hard and she won't be able to forever. Then, she gets an offer to go to America to have surgery that will fix her legs. Not only is that scary enough for a small girl, but she must go without her parents, stay with strangers, in a country that she knows nothing about, and a language that she only knows a few words in. All in all, it is very inspiring. A must-read.
April 1, 2021
This book is so good. The change that happened to Rebeka through out the book is amazing.
December 18, 2020
I was given this at a work Christmas party book exchange or I don't know that I would have ever picked it up. It's a sweet and inspiring book for tween readers about a brave Rwandan girl who was given some very lucky breaks when American sponsors enabled the surgeries Rebeka needed to correct serious birth defects. My friends who enjoy YA and children's literature especially will appreciate this. I'm happy to pass my copy along to friends or I will put it in our little library.
December 2, 2020
This is a very sweet, very well-written book. It doesn't come across as preachy, or sappy, or condescending, or any of the other potential pitfalls of a book like this: it's just a simple, heartfelt, vivid story. I very much enjoyed reading it and was impressed by Rebeka's courage, honesty, and determination. Her character and personality come through well, and I really loved the reflections at the end of each chapter where she records, diary-like, impressions as if she was conversing with her sister who was waiting for her back in Rwanda.
August 24, 2019
Thank you to @kidlitexchange network and @scholasticinc for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Where do I start with this book.... very rarely is a story told in a way that you are really able to see through the eyes of the child who experienced it. However this is one of those stories!
Her Own Two Feet is written by Rebeka Uwitonze, a young Rwandan girl born with twisted feet, and her American host, Meredith Davis. It is a moving and inspiring story of determination, strength, and triumph. At 9 years old, Rebeka is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the United States for medical treatment. However, she will have to leave behind her family and everything that she has ever known. Through many painful treatments, casts, and surgeries, as well as facing cultural adversity, Rebeka shows what true bravery and resilience is. Her story is interwoven with the one of her host family in Texas who gives her unconditional love and support. Rebeca’s joyful spirit will bring a smile to your face. Her never give up attitude, and courage will make you see that there is still hope in this world.
Where do I start with this book.... very rarely is a story told in a way that you are really able to see through the eyes of the child who experienced it. However this is one of those stories!
Her Own Two Feet is written by Rebeka Uwitonze, a young Rwandan girl born with twisted feet, and her American host, Meredith Davis. It is a moving and inspiring story of determination, strength, and triumph. At 9 years old, Rebeka is given a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the United States for medical treatment. However, she will have to leave behind her family and everything that she has ever known. Through many painful treatments, casts, and surgeries, as well as facing cultural adversity, Rebeka shows what true bravery and resilience is. Her story is interwoven with the one of her host family in Texas who gives her unconditional love and support. Rebeca’s joyful spirit will bring a smile to your face. Her never give up attitude, and courage will make you see that there is still hope in this world.
June 29, 2021
My 11 year old reports "Everyone should read this book. It's a wonderfully expressed story of a young girl who overcame many difficulties. It's simultaneously heart-moving and interesting."
September 28, 2019
@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you to the publisher @scholasticinc and the authors Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze for sharing an advance copy of Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl's Brave Fight to Walk. This book will be released October 1, 2019. All opinions are my own.
Rebeka grew up in a small village in Rwanda and was born with arthrogryposis, a disease which caused her joints to contract. This resulted in stiffness, her feet curling back (clubfeet), and muscle atrophy in her arms. For the first four years of her life, she moved around by either crawling or being carried. After a couple painful and failed attempts at turning her feet in Rwanda, Rebeka was still determined to walk. With the help of her younger sister, Medea, Rebeka learned to walk on the tips of her feet. After Medea's host family visited them and met Rebeka, they sent word about her condition back to her host family in the United States. Dr. Rice (her host) arranged for Rebeka to come to the U.S. to receive treatment. While in the U.S., she stayed with the Davises (Medea's host family) and became a part of their family.
This is an inspirational middle grades nonfiction book. I love that it is written by Meredith Davis who Rebeka lived with and who became like a second mother to her. While written by an adult, the book still possesses a voice that middle grade readers will respond and connect to. The point of view is still Rebeka's and her personality, pain, excitement, and experiences are vividly expressed. One of the things I liked most about the book is that though it is meant to be inspirational, it doesn't shy away from talking about Rebeka's physical and emotional pain. It covers how she felt when people said she was cursed or avoided her because of her feet, the pain she felt being so far from her family in a new and strange place, and the physical pain she experienced from the surgeries and casts. I also loved the message that Rebeka's parents believed and instilled in her: chances only come once, so you should take them. It was easy to become captivated by Rebeka's story and I finished the book in a day. This is definitely a book I will be recommending to my students.
Thank you to the publisher @scholasticinc and the authors Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze for sharing an advance copy of Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl's Brave Fight to Walk. This book will be released October 1, 2019. All opinions are my own.
Rebeka grew up in a small village in Rwanda and was born with arthrogryposis, a disease which caused her joints to contract. This resulted in stiffness, her feet curling back (clubfeet), and muscle atrophy in her arms. For the first four years of her life, she moved around by either crawling or being carried. After a couple painful and failed attempts at turning her feet in Rwanda, Rebeka was still determined to walk. With the help of her younger sister, Medea, Rebeka learned to walk on the tips of her feet. After Medea's host family visited them and met Rebeka, they sent word about her condition back to her host family in the United States. Dr. Rice (her host) arranged for Rebeka to come to the U.S. to receive treatment. While in the U.S., she stayed with the Davises (Medea's host family) and became a part of their family.
This is an inspirational middle grades nonfiction book. I love that it is written by Meredith Davis who Rebeka lived with and who became like a second mother to her. While written by an adult, the book still possesses a voice that middle grade readers will respond and connect to. The point of view is still Rebeka's and her personality, pain, excitement, and experiences are vividly expressed. One of the things I liked most about the book is that though it is meant to be inspirational, it doesn't shy away from talking about Rebeka's physical and emotional pain. It covers how she felt when people said she was cursed or avoided her because of her feet, the pain she felt being so far from her family in a new and strange place, and the physical pain she experienced from the surgeries and casts. I also loved the message that Rebeka's parents believed and instilled in her: chances only come once, so you should take them. It was easy to become captivated by Rebeka's story and I finished the book in a day. This is definitely a book I will be recommending to my students.
June 24, 2020
What an uplifting, encouraging, and sweet story. Nonfiction is a wonderful genre. Here the reader gets to know a brave young girl who stands up to painful taunts on equally painful twisted feet. She faces the painful choice of leaving home with a hope of being able to walk on the bottom of her feet. Leaving her Rwandan home at age 9 to face a new way of life, a new language, as well as difficult surgeries and physical therapy in America made her even stronger. Even readapting to Africa called up a need for more bravery and inner strength. God bless you, Rebeka. Thanks for helping tell your story along with Meredith and your “American family”. I hope we will hear from you again so we can learn where life is taking you and how you are doing.
Feeling a bit low? Kids complaining a bit too much? Life seems just too hard right now? Grab this book and read it or better yet gather the kids around you and read it to them. It will encourage you, make you smile and give you hope.
Feeling a bit low? Kids complaining a bit too much? Life seems just too hard right now? Grab this book and read it or better yet gather the kids around you and read it to them. It will encourage you, make you smile and give you hope.
September 12, 2019
This was such an inspiring story. I started reading hesitantly, unsure what to expect, but I quickly came to admire Rebeka. Her determination reminds me of Ada’s in The War that Saved My Life. Though the setting is different, both girls rely first on themselves and later on family to reach for a brighter future. I absolutely can’t wait to share this true story with the readers who so eagerly followed Ada’s story...and the ones who will meet her this year.
If you are looking for narrative nonfiction to stretch young readers and to open their hearts, this is a book for you. I plan to order enough copies for a book club to read and discuss for MCBD this year.
If you are looking for narrative nonfiction to stretch young readers and to open their hearts, this is a book for you. I plan to order enough copies for a book club to read and discuss for MCBD this year.
October 23, 2019
This factual tale of Rawandan REBEKA is simultaneously heartwarming and horrifying. Her loving family and fierce determination are inspiring, as are the may others who supported her journey to travel to the USA and secure the year-long medical care that make it possible for her to walk "on her own two feet."
Author Meredith Davis is/was the mother in Rebeka's host family in Texas, but back matter reveals how and why she credits Rebeka as the co-author of this complex tale. It reads quickly and easily, in a literary sense, which allows room for the emotional struggle in reading to fully connect the audience with brave Rebeka.
Author Meredith Davis is/was the mother in Rebeka's host family in Texas, but back matter reveals how and why she credits Rebeka as the co-author of this complex tale. It reads quickly and easily, in a literary sense, which allows room for the emotional struggle in reading to fully connect the audience with brave Rebeka.
February 2, 2021
This is a middle grade nonfiction book, but I hope many adults pick it up and read it. It is a beautiful story of hope, courage, and perseverance. It is so interesting to see the world through the eyes of a young Rwandan girl who faced so many challenges. When Rebeka was born with a disability, her parents rejected the advice to turn their backs on her. They looked at her with love and gave her the chance to live. Then they made many brave decisions to help their daughter. What a beautiful gift they gave to the world. Meredith Davis, together with Rebeka, share this inspiring story with us. I laughed, cried, and cheered for Rebeka. I’m so grateful to have read this book.
November 15, 2019
A powerful story of sheer tenacity and two families who come together to help one brave little girl. I literally couldn't stop reading, totally caught up in Rebeka's story. Highly recommended for schools and libraries.
October 10, 2019
Great book! Easy to read story about a fascinating young lady who is determined and bright!
October 31, 2019
Determination and perspective, courage and the joy of giving are some of the treasures I found in this narrative. I loved the writing.
January 24, 2020
Thoughtful telling of one girl's perseverance & courage as she manages the stigma of her physical disability and the long, frightening path to remedy it.
February 18, 2020
A wonderful story of a brave girl who persevered through so many challenges.
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April 2, 2020A story that engages from the start. Rebeka's voice is sincere. She is a determined and resilient child with much to admire.
April 4, 2020
Rebeka Uwitonze was born with 2 deformed feet and 2 deformed hands in Rwanda. She taught herself to walk on the top of her feet with the help of her younger sister. Through an organization called New Life Africa Rebeka is given the opportunity to come to the United States to have her feet repaired. She lives with the Davis family for a year while both of her feet have surgery and she learns to walk the right way. This would be a good pair with Pumpkin's Story - about a miniature horse who was born with deformed legs and given the chance to walk with help from an organization.
May 17, 2024
I read this book out loud to my 4th grade class, and we all loved it!! Great true story to teach empathy and how to be brave through the struggles and trials of life.
February 19, 2020
Great book! I’m in awe of Rebeka’s bravery! A miraculous story of courage, kindness, and LOVE. An awesome, quick read for all ages.
May 29, 2020
Well written we enjoyed reading it together.
March 4, 2020
What an incredible story of a young Rwandan girl who's feet were born twisted, but who had the courage to grab the chance to walk when it came. Rebeka was born with twisted feet and taught herself to walk, slowly, on the tops of her feet. Through many people, she was able to come to the United States and have surgery and therapy to turn her feet so she could walk fairly normally. A great story, well-written.
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February 6, 2023So far i'm amazed at how painful it is for Rebeka to fix her disability with therapy, she is a very brave girl at only 4 years old. im only on page 10 but i am starting to enjoy reading about her journey and to see if she can make it through.
January 20, 2020
Rebeka’s story is inspiring, what a brave child. Her story is one that young readers are bound to appreciate.
April 29, 2020
Such an amazing an inspiring book!
January 15, 2025
My daughter (age 5 at the time) and I read this book and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. We journeyed with Rebeka through every emotion she experienced, while the two of us shared tears of sadness, discussions of empathy, and feelings of joy. Rebeka's triumph and love for her family and home instilled in our 5 year old a desire to visit Rwanda to meet Rebeka and her sister, Medea, one day. What a beautifully written and heart-warming novel.
October 21, 2019
Such a hopeful novel about Rebeka, and how she learned to take chances and remain hopeful, even though she was born with disabilities. Thanks to the love of friends and family, and donations from strangers, Rebeka was able to travel to the US and undergo surgeries which ultimately transformed her life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews