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Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes
Meet fifteen remarkable athletes who use adaptive equipment in this beautiful and truth-telling picture book.
A downhill skier whose blindness has sharpened her communication skills. An adaptive surfer who shreds waves while sitting down. A young man who excels at wheelchair motocross--but struggles with math. Tenacious tells their stories and more, revealing the daily joys and challenges of life as an athlete with disabilities.
These competitors have won gold medals, set world records, climbed mountain peaks, claimed national championships, and many more extraordinary achievements. Get to know them in Tenacious!
A downhill skier whose blindness has sharpened her communication skills. An adaptive surfer who shreds waves while sitting down. A young man who excels at wheelchair motocross--but struggles with math. Tenacious tells their stories and more, revealing the daily joys and challenges of life as an athlete with disabilities.
These competitors have won gold medals, set world records, climbed mountain peaks, claimed national championships, and many more extraordinary achievements. Get to know them in Tenacious!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 6, 2024
Excellent children/middle grade picture book providing readers with a brief look at 15 world class athletes, each with a disability. The format for each biography is the same: a large illustration of the athlete in motion with a two line poem connected to their sport, a 2 or 3 paragraph description of the featured athlete, a daily challenge and a daily joy. Back matter includes a glossary of terms used throughout the text, considerations for language used when discussing those who are disabled, a timeline of the paralympics, bibliography and a look at the debut author in a similar format as the 15 stars of the book.
A JLG Gold Standard Selection as well as the New Voices Award Honor book.
Highly recommended for those in grades 2-6.
A JLG Gold Standard Selection as well as the New Voices Award Honor book.
Highly recommended for those in grades 2-6.
September 7, 2023
Interesting profiles! I love the inclusion of a daily struggle and joy for each athlete and that the author is a disabled athlete.
June 29, 2023
Our family has enjoyed getting to know the athletes and their stories in Tenacious!
April 8, 2024
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Patty Cisneros Prevo, herself a paralympian basketball player, highlights fifteen athletes who have overcome challenges that many people do not face, in addition to the grueling training required to excel at their various activities. There is a shorter, rhyming story that continues throughout the book, as well as one page biographies of the athletes described. In addition to brief overviews of their careers, there is a "daily challenge" and "daily joy", which leads me to think that the author may have interviewed all of the subjects.
I enjoyed the fact that a variety of sports are presented, from dance, kayaking, wheelchair hiking, and mountain climbing to the more common basketball and soccer. There is also a range of disabilities from a variety of causes. All of the subjects had challenges to face, but found ways to not only come to terms with their situations but to constructively work with them to meet their goals.
Dion MBD's artwork is colorful and shows not only the athletes, but good details about their sports and the backdrops against which they play. I particularly liked the kayak picture; it showed such a sense of movement!
Although there is a great list of preferred language and terminology and a timeline of the paralympic games, as well as resources, there is no further information about any of the individuals showcased. While some of the brief biographies list a date when the person competed, this lacks basic biographical information such as birth date, making this more difficult to use for research projects, so this is more useful as an inspirational text.
While there are a lot of individual biographies and memoirs about disabled athletes, this is the first collective biography for younger readers that I have seen. Readers who want to know more about this topic would do well to check out A Sporting Chance : How Paralympics Founder Ludwig Guttmann Saved Lives with Sports by Alexander and Drummond. For coverage of lots of different athletes, there are lots of books, but usually few paralympians are covered. Some good ones are 100 Athletes Who Shaped Sports History by Jacobs, Women in Sports : the Complete Book on the World's Greatest Female Athletes by Layden, Kid Athletes : True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends by Stabler and Girls Race! : Amazing Tales of Women in Sports by Allen. I hope that we will begin to see more books about paralympians; Disabled Athletes: 21 Inspiring True Sports Stories by Adler is due to be published in July, 2025.
Patty Cisneros Prevo, herself a paralympian basketball player, highlights fifteen athletes who have overcome challenges that many people do not face, in addition to the grueling training required to excel at their various activities. There is a shorter, rhyming story that continues throughout the book, as well as one page biographies of the athletes described. In addition to brief overviews of their careers, there is a "daily challenge" and "daily joy", which leads me to think that the author may have interviewed all of the subjects.
I enjoyed the fact that a variety of sports are presented, from dance, kayaking, wheelchair hiking, and mountain climbing to the more common basketball and soccer. There is also a range of disabilities from a variety of causes. All of the subjects had challenges to face, but found ways to not only come to terms with their situations but to constructively work with them to meet their goals.
Dion MBD's artwork is colorful and shows not only the athletes, but good details about their sports and the backdrops against which they play. I particularly liked the kayak picture; it showed such a sense of movement!
Although there is a great list of preferred language and terminology and a timeline of the paralympic games, as well as resources, there is no further information about any of the individuals showcased. While some of the brief biographies list a date when the person competed, this lacks basic biographical information such as birth date, making this more difficult to use for research projects, so this is more useful as an inspirational text.
While there are a lot of individual biographies and memoirs about disabled athletes, this is the first collective biography for younger readers that I have seen. Readers who want to know more about this topic would do well to check out A Sporting Chance : How Paralympics Founder Ludwig Guttmann Saved Lives with Sports by Alexander and Drummond. For coverage of lots of different athletes, there are lots of books, but usually few paralympians are covered. Some good ones are 100 Athletes Who Shaped Sports History by Jacobs, Women in Sports : the Complete Book on the World's Greatest Female Athletes by Layden, Kid Athletes : True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends by Stabler and Girls Race! : Amazing Tales of Women in Sports by Allen. I hope that we will begin to see more books about paralympians; Disabled Athletes: 21 Inspiring True Sports Stories by Adler is due to be published in July, 2025.
February 18, 2024
This picture book [3.5 for me] highlighted 15 different disabled athletes provides readers with a different perspective on disabilities and what it takes to live with them. Rather than using language such as "overcome" or "inspire" as so many of these sorts of books tend to do, the author, who is disabled herself, chooses to describe them as tenacious, focusing mostly on how they faced their physical challenges and motivated themselves to excel in various ways. Each individual is celebrated in two pages, with movement-filled digital artwork covering a page and a half and a summary of their lives so far. Because everyone faces some sort of challenge on a daily basis, the text includes a short "Daily Challenge" and "Daily Joy," something with which everyone can identify, and which offers insight into what keeps them going. There are dancers, ski racers, recumbent handcyclists, long jumpers, baskeballers, and tennis players among the profiles. Several have competed in the Paralympics. One aspect of the book that I particularly like is how average some of these folks are in certain ways and how they all aren't all that well known. The Author's Note provides insight into the author's purpose for telling these stories in the way that she has. I would have liked to have more information about how she chose the subjects she interviewed for the book. Still, even without that information, this book is a good choice for a middle-grade collection on disabilities and a possible discussion starter as student readers compare this author's identity first stance with other authors' person first stance. Whatever the stance, books such as this one help readers grow, encourage empathy, and open hearts and minds to different ways of thinking.
January 3, 2024
Readers meet 15 athletes who are fierce and fabulous. Yes, they all compete with disability, but this fades into the background while reading details about their abilities as athletes.
The author, Patty Cisneros Prevo, is an athlete herself. Her sport is basketball. She competed in the Paralympic Games in 2000, 2004, and 2008.
I looked up a few on YouTube, and it's great to see athletes excel at their sports.
The artwork by Dion MDB conveys a lot of energy and action.
Annabell Geib (who appears to be the youngest athlete profiled) dances.
John Register is a track athlete.
Danelle Umstead skiis.
Christina Ripp Schwab plays basketball.
Jessica Galli Cloy is a track athlete.
Eli Wolff plays soccer.
Dr. Andrea Woodson-Smith is a Cross-Fit athlete.
Dan Ferreira plays and coaches baseball.
Will Groulx is a cyclist.
Hope Lewellen is a tennis player.
Rico Roman is a hockey player.
Sandy Dukat climbs mountains, including Kilimanjaro.
Meira Va'a Nelson is a surfer.
Eve Hampton is a hiker / camper.
Delmace Mayo (who was a minor at the time of the book's publication) is a track athlete and a wheelchair motocross athlete (among other sports)
The backmatter is robust: "Preferred Language in This Book" guides readers on how to discuss ability / accessibility / needs. "Resources" lists 13 URLs. "Glossary" contains 30+ words such as "handcyle," "prosthetic," and "spina bifida." "A Timeline of the Paralympics" details the results of advocacy to increase inclusion. And "Bibliography" lists 7 sources available online.
The author, Patty Cisneros Prevo, is an athlete herself. Her sport is basketball. She competed in the Paralympic Games in 2000, 2004, and 2008.
I looked up a few on YouTube, and it's great to see athletes excel at their sports.
The artwork by Dion MDB conveys a lot of energy and action.
Annabell Geib (who appears to be the youngest athlete profiled) dances.
John Register is a track athlete.
Danelle Umstead skiis.
Christina Ripp Schwab plays basketball.
Jessica Galli Cloy is a track athlete.
Eli Wolff plays soccer.
Dr. Andrea Woodson-Smith is a Cross-Fit athlete.
Dan Ferreira plays and coaches baseball.
Will Groulx is a cyclist.
Hope Lewellen is a tennis player.
Rico Roman is a hockey player.
Sandy Dukat climbs mountains, including Kilimanjaro.
Meira Va'a Nelson is a surfer.
Eve Hampton is a hiker / camper.
Delmace Mayo (who was a minor at the time of the book's publication) is a track athlete and a wheelchair motocross athlete (among other sports)
The backmatter is robust: "Preferred Language in This Book" guides readers on how to discuss ability / accessibility / needs. "Resources" lists 13 URLs. "Glossary" contains 30+ words such as "handcyle," "prosthetic," and "spina bifida." "A Timeline of the Paralympics" details the results of advocacy to increase inclusion. And "Bibliography" lists 7 sources available online.
July 17, 2023
As a retired teacher, I highly recommend this inspiring book. It is a thrilling read and a must-have for all school and public libraries.
TENACIOUS, written by two-time Gold medal Paralympian Patty Cisneros Prevo, is one of the rare nonfiction picture books that will enthrall young children as well as adults. The author deftly shares an overarching rhyming story can be a 10 minute read-aloud for young listeners, but also uses side bars in prose to share with older readers the fascinating stories of athletes who refused to let their physical challenges hold them back.
TENACIOUS introduces us to 15 athletes such as Will Groux and Dr. Andrea Woodson-Smith. After a motorcycle accident resulted in Groux's spinal cord injury, he took up wheelchair rugby and road cycling, winning three World championship cycling titles. Despite her severe osteoarthritis, Woodson-Smith is a champion crossfit Paralympian. I found myself cheering "YES!" out loud more than once as I read their histories, learned about their daily challenges, and shared in their daily joys. The illustrations by Dion MBD pull us in and seem to capture the athletes in stop action. The author's thought-provoking and very personal note in the back matter will help teachers lead deep discussions about ableism.
TENACIOUS, written by two-time Gold medal Paralympian Patty Cisneros Prevo, is one of the rare nonfiction picture books that will enthrall young children as well as adults. The author deftly shares an overarching rhyming story can be a 10 minute read-aloud for young listeners, but also uses side bars in prose to share with older readers the fascinating stories of athletes who refused to let their physical challenges hold them back.
TENACIOUS introduces us to 15 athletes such as Will Groux and Dr. Andrea Woodson-Smith. After a motorcycle accident resulted in Groux's spinal cord injury, he took up wheelchair rugby and road cycling, winning three World championship cycling titles. Despite her severe osteoarthritis, Woodson-Smith is a champion crossfit Paralympian. I found myself cheering "YES!" out loud more than once as I read their histories, learned about their daily challenges, and shared in their daily joys. The illustrations by Dion MBD pull us in and seem to capture the athletes in stop action. The author's thought-provoking and very personal note in the back matter will help teachers lead deep discussions about ableism.
January 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 “Take a journey with this crew. Come discover what they do! Race and jump and shoot and soar In sports events and so much more. Passion is their common theme. Have some fun and join the team!”
This picture book shares the lives of fifteen disabled athletes. Each double page spread shows the athlete in action with the text explaining their injury or disease and how they overcame it. It also has a couplet describing an action displayed in the illustration. The text ends with the athlete telling their daily challenge and their daily joy.
The athletes are diverse in gender and sport. A valuable portion of the endnotes is explaining the preferred language that should be used when discussing the athletes. A glossary and a timeline of the Paralympics are also included in the endnotes.
This picture book shares the lives of fifteen disabled athletes. Each double page spread shows the athlete in action with the text explaining their injury or disease and how they overcame it. It also has a couplet describing an action displayed in the illustration. The text ends with the athlete telling their daily challenge and their daily joy.
The athletes are diverse in gender and sport. A valuable portion of the endnotes is explaining the preferred language that should be used when discussing the athletes. A glossary and a timeline of the Paralympics are also included in the endnotes.
June 17, 2024
Brief stories of athletes with disabilities. I felt as though this book was written for two different audiences. The brief rhymes accompanying each illustration are appropriate for young children, whereas the biographical info is more appropriate for older children and adolescents. Big disconnect. Also, of the 15 athletes portrayed, 11 have physical disabilities and 1 is blind. Having a broader range of disabilities (e.g., deaf, intellectual disabilities, autistic spectrum) would help young readers learn that not all disabilities are physically apparent. I do applaud the author’s intentions.
June 25, 2023
What an incredible book, and how wonderful to learn about these accomplished athletes with disabilities!! Written by a two time Paralympic gold medalist, it is an important and authentic book that is a great introduction to advocacy, the Paralympics, and the accomplishments of people with disabilities. I especially appreciated reading about the daily challenges and daily joy for each athlete. The backmatter provides additional information and resources. The art for this book is well done. I feel this is a must-read for children and adults alike.
March 8, 2024
This picture book biography features 15 disabled athletes from a variety of ages, backgrounds, sports, etc. Each 2 page spread highlights a different person with a poem, a short biography and (I love this part) a daily challenge and a daily joy.
I shared this with our self-contained SpEd class and then had them each share a challenge or joy as well and it was so touching to hear their responses.
The athletes featured in this book are so inspirational! Author is also disabled and includes many helpful tips at the back about appropriate language to use.
I shared this with our self-contained SpEd class and then had them each share a challenge or joy as well and it was so touching to hear their responses.
The athletes featured in this book are so inspirational! Author is also disabled and includes many helpful tips at the back about appropriate language to use.
August 16, 2023
Daily challenges and joys sections were my favorite, as well as the chance to learn about many adaptive sports I didn't know about. The mini-biographies are more wordy than a preschool storytime could include, but I'd be curious to try the rhymed couplet on each spread with excerpts from daily joys and challenges even for younger readers to showcase adaptive sport in a movement or sport or body themed storytime.
August 17, 2023
What a fantastic and inspiring story! I loved that this book featured a mix of people born with a disease causing their disability and people who sustained an injury during an accident and had to adapt due to it. The biographies gave a quick overview of each athlete, allowing you to look them up to learn more information. I also really liked that each athlete had a daily challenge, and a daily joy listed. I highly recommend this book!
October 2, 2023
Life is hard and unfair and these incredible people have not sat around and felt sorry for themselves, they made it work. I can't imagine how difficult simple things we take for granted are so hard for them. There is an Australian Tennis Play who just retired, Dylan Alcott. He is also amazing. He has win lots of Wheel Chair titles at many professional tournaments, Australian Open etc. It is amazing to watch people in wheel chairs play tennis!!!
October 10, 2023
A very cool round up of disabled athletes who have accomplished significant athletic achievements and advocated for other athletes to do the same. Each profile is pretty short but reveals the variety of this group of people. Written by a Paralympian, this book is wonderfully inclusive and engaging. I will say that a lot of the profiles feel more adult focused than kid focused, but this would make for a good classroom resource, or as a unit to prepare for the Paralympics.
January 5, 2024
And my review for this week is TENACIOUS: FIFTEEN ADVENTURES ALONGSIDE DISABLED ATHLETES by Patty Cisneros Prevo and illustrated by Dion MBD. This compilation of incredible stories has it all––rhyming couplets for the younger crowd, motivational stories from Annabelle Geib a disabled hip hop dancer to Sandy Dukat who set the world record in marathon running for above-the-knee-amputations. Every story is different but the same theme comes up again and again––tenacity.
August 13, 2023
An inspiring introduction to 15 incredible athletes, their disabilities, and adaptive sports. Excellent back matter provides education around terminology, history, timeline, and additional resources. An excellent addition to the library collection.
September 22, 2023
A powerful book on the accomplishments of 15 great para-athletes. 15 different sports each with personal touches on their daily challenges and daily joys. Brings a warm, human touch inspiring all. Written by a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and beautifully illustration.
July 8, 2024
The story rhymes, there isn’t much to it but it is redeemed by extensive side matter layered text. It also has a great glossary, back matter and resources in a bibliography. Illustrations feel a little corporate
July 19, 2023
A must-have for all libraries. Cisneros Prevo herself is a para-olympian and highlights the challenges and joys of disabled athletes. Make sure to read the excellent back matter.
July 27, 2023
Great book! I could have done without the one mention of LGBTQ+.
November 10, 2023
Excellent dual text - you can read the shorter rhyming story to a younger child and add in the longer biographical information for older kids
January 17, 2024
I like the structure of this one:
First, a description of who they are and what they are famous for
Second, a "daily challenge"
Third, a "daily joy."
First, a description of who they are and what they are famous for
Second, a "daily challenge"
Third, a "daily joy."
July 18, 2024
This book is so great for themes of perseverance and grit. Inspiring read.
September 1, 2024
Structured for broad age-groups. Honest language--no euphemisms. Excellent back matter.
September 16, 2024
A great book for introducing kids to adaptive sports.
November 26, 2024
Terrific book, I like how the book is written, and I learned from the book. Great nonfiction book for students.
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December 11, 2024Patty Cisneros Prevo, faculty
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July 17, 2025
Fifteen very interesting stories about disabled athletes and their accomplishments. Great book for young children about differences and perseverance.
Wonderful illustrations - very diverse.
Wonderful illustrations - very diverse.
August 14, 2023
Great read - must have for library nonfiction collections. Inspiring to learn more about these athletes and the adaptive sports world. Excellent backmatter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews