All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

by Annette Bay Pimentel, Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins (Foreword), Nabi H. Ali (Illustrator)

Experience the true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl in this autobiographical picture book.

This is the story of a little girl who just wanted to go, even when others tried to stop her.

Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change―even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria.

Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them.

And, without her wheelchair, she climbed.

ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP!

Genres: Picture Books, Disability, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Activism

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2020

About the author

I write books for kids about the people and ideas that shape our world.

Reviews

[Tonia Christle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just watched Crip Camp and Jennifer makes a brief appearance at the end of the documentary - the famous footage of her climbing the capitol steps. I first heard about Jennifer (The Capitol Crawl, The ADA, pretty much anything disability-related...) in college.



This book was beautifully illustrated - with a foreword by Jennifer herself - and really explained the situation pre-ADA well, so that kids would understand what was going on at the time. I really enjoyed this one. Still so rare that I get to read about authentic CP representation!

[kezzie ʚ♡ɞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✩ 5 stars
~
read to my little brother bc i’m sure as hell not going to let the world going to shit stop from educating him & helping create critical thinking skills & empathy, bc he will be a future adult & fuck censorship!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins was only six when she joined the movement to fight for her rights as someone with disabilities. She had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair. She was unable to do a lot of things like take herself to school because she could not get down the curb. She protests throughout North America to make things accessible for all. I was not familiar with "The Capital Crawl" where many people with disabilities/in wheelchairs crawled up the steps to the Capital building in Washington DC, to demand disability rights. Because of Jennifer and others who joined her, they shed a light on how bad things really were and the American with Disabilities Act was finally passed. We forget, or perhaps don't realize, that the American with Disabilities Act has only been around since the 1990s, and that before then, there were no requirements to make buildings accessible to those with disabilities. This is a great nonfiction book to show that anyone, no matter how old, can make a difference if you put your mind to it. The back of the book has more information for older readers and actual photographs of Jennifer during the capital crawl. A book that should be in all libraries; school, classroom and family. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can you believe the Americans with Disabilities Act or the ADA is only 30 years old? I thought it was much old. It was passed in July of 1990! The things we take for granted. This is the story of Jennifer Keelen-Chaffins who helped fight to get the law passed.

I liked the story and history behind the law. This is a nice beginning book about the ADA. There was a timeline and detail section in the back along with a nice bibliography for anyone who wants more information.

[Stacey Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

After glancing longingly at this book for long enough, I decided to throw caution to the wind and buy it with the justification that I would be able to give it to my niece after I read and admired it.

While savoring the artwork and story as I turned each page, I started crying because of how much the younger version of myself would have loved seeing herself represented in this book. The current me loves it, too.

My niece will have plenty of opportunities to learn Jennifer’s story when she comes visit. It’ll be sitting right on my bookshelf.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling story of a young protester. This book strikes a delicate balance, explaining that most people who have disabilities want others to value and recognize and accommodate them, but they don't want to be celebrated for just being out in the world doing ordinary things. I didn't know that the adult leaders didn't want Jennifer to take part in the crawl because they did not want her to be the object of pity. I'm intrigued that Jennifer and her sister specifically asked their mom to get arrested at one particular protest.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins was six when she joined the movement to fight for her rights as someone with disabilities. We forget, as time goes on, that the American with Disabilities Act has only been around since the 1990s, and that before then, there were no requirements to make buildings accessable to those with disabilities.





The story focuses on Jennifer's fight, and the Capital Crawl, where people who were wheel chair bound, crawled up the steps to the Capital building in Washington DC, to demand disability rights. Because of her crawl, as well as the others, the light was turned on to how bad conditions were, and the bill was finally passed.

Good picture book to introduce the story, and in the later pages, show Jennifer from 1990, as she crawled up the steps.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this non-fiction book for 2nd-4th grade students, Annette Pimentel relates how a young girl with cerebral palsy, Jennifer Keenan-Chaffins, worked with adult activists to persuade Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Nabi Ali’s illustrations, sketched and then digitally painted, are fabulous and the main portion of the text is simple enough for most in the target audience to understand and to read on their own. I was a bit confused at the foreword, written by Keenan-Chaffins, because it seems to be directed to a much older reader or possibly the adults working with the younger ones. The back matter, also, is too difficult for most in the 2nd -4th grade, but the main body of the text is too simplistic for those who would benefit from the timeline and extra information about disabilities and life before/after the ADA. Because of this mixture of levels, this book is likely to used most effectively in a read aloud or read together setting with adults and children. Thanks for the surprise package containing this ARC, Sourcebooks!

[Jessica Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Kellee Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 Schneider Family Book Award Younger Children's Honor

[Abbie McKinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Way To The Top is such a great book about a true story told from a child’s point of view. Jennifer was a young girl who was just starting elementary school, but her school wasn’t equipped for her since she was in a wheelchair. Some schools didn’t let children with disabilities attend or they couldn’t participate in everything that other children could. Jennifer and her family started participating in marches and attending activists meetings, until the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. This act would create sidewalks with curb cuts, buildings that have ramps with their steps, elevators in every building, buses with wheelchair lifts, etc. Jennifer was a fighter and never gave up, she even climbed the steps at the U.S. capitol.
I would 100% use this book in my classroom. It tells the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how much people had to fight and protest for this change. It also tells a good story of how much we should fight and stick up for what we believe in. Children should learn this from a young age to stick up for what is right or what needs to change.

[Reading on Wheels · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars

In a powerful story marketed for children, the most widely known Disability rights movement is covered by the young activist who became the face of the Capitol Crawl. It’s a very important story for kids to know, and it's delivered so that they can understand it.

Kids are very accepting and open minded. The only thing that feeds them bigotry and ignorance is older generations not giving them the resources to promote diverse spaces. Bigotry is learned, but education fights it.

It's a quick but important kids’ book with wonderful artwork, and I hope people read it to understand Disabled history and listen to Disabled voices.

[Rebecca Simonin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So important to have mirrors/windows in the classroom for students to see themselves and understand others. This is a great book for teaching that we all have rights, no matter our disabilities or able-bodiedness.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, born with cerebral palsy, is an activist for ADA that helped change everything to create a more equal and supportive world.

Did you know she attended her first protest when she was 7?
Did you know she was arrested at a protest when she was 9?
Did you know she was internationally recognized for the Capitol Crawl?

No matter who you are, where you come from, or if you feel limited, just think about Jennifer, and know that the only thing that is truly holding you back, is you.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading All the Way to The Top. It uses the story of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins--a disability rights activist who was only a young child herself during the events--to show what it was like before the ADA passed and the activism it took to make that happen. I really liked that the story never veers into inspiration porn and makes it really clear that inaccessibility and ableism are bigger barriers for so many people for so much of the time. Jennifer's story also shows kids they can get involved in activism to support the things they care about and protest things that are affecting their lives. There are some great notes at the end about disabilities, the ADA, ableism, etc, as well as a timeline of disability rights and Jennifer's life. There is a foreword from Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins as well, which helps add context and a personal touch. And the art is great too!

I definitely recommend checking this one out! As a disabled reader, I love seeing kidlit like this.

[Hannah]

Can't believe this woman is only a few years older than me and grew up just two hours away from me, and also can't believe I was born before the ADA was passed! Fantastic book that also served as a good reminder that even when I think I'm pretty good about knowing about marginalization and oppression, there is so so much that I haven't heard or learned about, like the Capitol Crawl!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this since there are holds on the book which delights me! So frequently kids’ books as well as disability books are ignored but there is interest in this book! I can see why. The book is GOing places just like young Jennifer is going places! Jennifer wrote the forward to get this book moving from the beginning, and it works great! She addresses kids, telling them they can change their world. She did and so can they! The book continues the energy and pace of the exciting foreword and never lets up. The illustrations focus on Jennifer with the rest blurred out through either art or color. When I got to the iconic scene, I was wishing for an actual photo. To my delight, when I turned the page, the fantastic back matter had exactly that! The back matter took care of every concern I had: it explains what ADA is, it gave a time line, it tells what Jennifer is doing with her life now. Highly recommended!!!!

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the life of Jennifer Keelan and her fight for ADA as a very young person. The process to get the law passed and signed was a slow process, but Jennifer, along with others finally got their voices heard to get Congress to move, and take the right course of action.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that illustrates one young girl's fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act and why this cause was so important to her, personally.

At the end of the book is a 2-page spread that gives information about what a disability is and how the struggle developed.

There is also a "Life Before and After the ADA," Milestones of the Disability Rights Movement, Important Events in Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins's Life, and a Bibliography.

Well Done!

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely read an ARC of this, but I can't quite remember when. I remember not being particularly wowed by the text, and I really wanted to be into this because disability representation is so lacking in picture books. It's not exactly the kind of book you could read aloud for story time or class visit, but damn I am really waiting for that book! The disability rights movement is so interesting and scrappy and exciting! They took sledgehammers to curbs because there were no curb cuts! I just want a book that captures the joy of a disabled life, and this was just kind of meh. It's definitely not bad, I just really want it to be better!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This taught me a lot about disability activism in the days prior to the ADA. I had never heard of the Capitol Crawl, and the photo of Jennifer at the back of the book, climbing those steps, is really powerful. I also learned about the fact that kids with disabilities couldn't eat in the school cafeteria - WTF?! I knocked off half a star because there is a section in the back about different disabilities, and it includes hearing loss on the list. Many people in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities don't consider themselves to be disabled, so much so that many Deaf schools don't take federal funding meant for schools for children with disabilities. I know - I work at one.

[Ms. Arca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up!

Awesome. Love a strong informative glossary and timeline too. Perfect for classrooms and homes alike :).

[Barleen Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an empowering and inspiring book! In this book, there is a girl named Jennifer Keelan, who has a disability and must use a wheelchair to go about normal life. When she is about to start kindergarten, the school does not permit her to attend there due to her disability. After hearing about this, she starts to fight for all people with disabilities and travels all over the country to protest. I think it takes a lot of determination to do that! Soon, there was a new law that was proposed, which was the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This would make everything more accessible for people with disabilities. However, the law was not passed, which enraged everyone, including Jennifer. After that, Jennifer and her family went to protest in the U.S. Capitol, where Jennifer was determined to make her voice heard; she even climbed up the steps. I thought that was very courageous of her. As a result, congress decided to pass the ADA and initialize the first steps for change. Jennifer was so inspiring! One of the major themes in the book was the importance of being passionate and having perseverance. I thought that this was the theme of the book, as Jennifer always stayed passionate about fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. Even when everything seemed to be failing, she continued to persevere and made sure her voice was heard. As a result, congress listened to the protests and passed the ADA law. Another theme that was present in the book was that everyone should have the same opportunities as others, even if they may be different. I thought that this was the theme of the book because people with disabilities were treated differently and did not have access to the same things that others had. The ADA was the first step in making sure that the inequality would change, and people with disabilities can feel the same way as others. The main genre of this book is biography, as it highlights the life events of Jennifer Keelan, who is a real person that fought for the rights of people with disabilities. Through reading this book, I learned about how different life can be for people with disabilities, and how often they face injustice and inequality. I think it is important to acknowledge this and continue to advocate for change. I also learned about what the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is. I think it is a great movement that helps people with disabilities by creating easily navigable sidewalks, adding ramps, having elevators, and helping integrate disabled children into school. This was a WOW book for me because I thought it was eye opening for me to see a different perspective, especially because I did not know how hard life can be for disabled people. I enjoyed seeing how determined Jennifer was and I was very satisfied with the ending!

One writing craft example that enhanced the quality of the writing is the author’s writing technique. The author bolded and enlarged some words throughout the text. These bolded words enhanced the quality of the text, as they stood out and did a good job to highlight and emphasize the difficulties that were faced by disabled people, as well as the movement for change. Another writing craft example that enhanced the quality of the book was the repetition of the word “STOP.” This repetition enhanced the quality of the book, as it underscored every hardship that stopped Jennifer from advancing in her efforts to push for reform. It allowed the readers to understand how hard it is to urge for action and create change, and how important it is to promote equality. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because the book did an amazing job of showing how everyone should have access to the same resources and be able to have the same opportunities as others. It also showed how everyone can unite together to advocate for change and help others in need.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.

I have a lot of strong emotions about this book.

That we needed a child CRAWLING to the top of the stairs at the U. S. Capitol in Washington D. C. to get things done makes me sick. Just that. Why did legislators need to be pushed THIS hard to do the right thing?

That said, this little girl was raised by some great parents, who supported her as she fought to make the world a better place. Jennifer is a girl every kid should read about. And seeing as how the author of this book did a great job on sharing this story, this should be the book to teach them.

I'm still mad though.

I've spent time in a wheelchair when I had a leg injury a few years back. My husband spent most of a year in a wheelchair after losing his leg, and still needs a cane to get around. We are both really, really aware of why these changes needed to be made. We still struggle to get where we want to go sometimes. We'll be traveling soon and some of those accommodations will not have an elevator or lift, so yes, it will be difficult. I'm happy to know that people are working hard to make places more accessible. I wish we could say this is a fight which is over and done with.

If you want to understand more about this issue, start with this book. It's a good introduction to the topic, and is really eye-opening on many levels. I'm glad I read it even if I got a little angry. You will be too.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Would you crawl up the U.S. Capitol steps in front of the world? At nine-years-old a young Jennifer with cerebral palsy joined a group of adults engaged in the Capitol Crawl. At a protest in DC, even though the adults around her discouraged her, Jennifer got out of her wheel chair and CRAWLED up the steps of the Capitol. Photographers captured this moment, the media ran with it and THEN Congress started to take the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act more seriously.

Our kids need to hear Jennifer Keelan-Chaffin's story. Don't shy away from reading the Keelan-Chaffin's LETTER TO THE READER at the beginning. Even for our youngest listeners (1st grade), this letter sets the tone for the book and offers some helpful background as the author, Pimental, jumps right into the narrative on the facing page. Ali's illustrations reveal so much more about what was going on, making for great student-led conversations. I'd also read much of the back matter to students.

Read aloud for the joy of hearing this story and then revisit sections with questions like-
*How was Keelan-Chaffin courageous?
*Are the problems she faced still a problem today? How can we find out?
This is a great opportunity for students to scour their school building, thinking about ADA compliance and possible barriers that are still out there.

PAIR THIS with Shane Burcaw's NOT SO DIFFERENT: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability. Burcaw makes uncomfortable questions feel comfortable in this down to earth, humorous look at how he lives with spinal muscular atrophy (very different from CP). I'd actually read Burcaw's book first so students can get beyond feeling uncomfortable. Then when they hear the book about Keelan-Chaffins, they'll be like, "WHOA!!! WE SHOULDN'T TREAT PEOPLE LIKE THAT!!!"

[Amber Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the wife of a disabled Veteran, I was thrilled to find a picture book that dug deep into the issue surrounding the fight for the rights of Americans with disabilities. All The Way To The Top: How One Girl's Fight For Americans With Disabilities Changed Everything is an inspiring look into the courage and strength of Jennifer Keelan, a young girl denied common childhood experiences because of her disability. You will find yourself cheering Jennifer on as she meets every challenge with grace and determination, and the deep-seated belief that everyone deserves the equal right to a happy life.

[Rebecca]

I have a few problems with this book. The biggest and most important is the erasure of Black Brown and Indigenous disabled people who were vital in the planning and action of this protest. I know disabled people who were there and it hurts that they’ve been erased from this.

Since there are so few books about disability rights, and the history of the movement and people who’ve done, and given so much to get disabled people our rights to live as we are, this is still an important book and one that kids (and parents) need to read.

I hope there will be more children’s books published about disability rights and disability justice, and that they show the full history of these movements.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography is very inspiring, and teaches kids about how hard people fought to pass the ADA and establish the basic accessibility standards that we take for granted today. This is particularly interesting since it involves a child activist, and this is a great choice for both classroom settings and at home.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for introducing children to the concept of disability rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as a great introduction to activism in general. My daughter loved learning about a girl not much older than her who fought for what was right, and was very interested to learn about what the world was like before the ADA and so many things she takes for granted.

[Naomi Leasck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Biography was so good it made me cry. I thought the story was incredibly moving, especially how Jennifer continued to fight for what was right as a child all while being bullied. I think everyone should read this story to know what this little girl went through and understand the significant impact she made on the world. I thoroughly enjoyed the Back Matter with the timeline and an in depth description of the history of the ADA. I also enjoyed how Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins included her own introduction to the story, even though she didn't write it. No wonder this book won teh Schneider Family Book Award.