I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Push by Patrick Gray Illustrator: Justin Skeesuck, Matt Waresak
Published by Tyndale Kids on April 3rd 2018
Genres: Children's, Clean & Wholesome, Emotions & Feelings, Friendship, Special Needs
Pages: 32
Source: Tyndale House Publishers
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John is an expert at a lot of different things: he can give you any statistic about his favorite baseball team, he can make people laugh until milk squirts out their noses, and he can solve any math problem in his head. But when John was born, his arms and legs didn't work, so John spends his life in his wheelchair. John and his best friend, Marcus, go on lots of adventures together, with Marcus pushing the wheelchair and John providing the entertainment. They learn that they are both stronger together than they are on their own.
If you haven’t yet read ‘I’ll Push You‘ (click for my review!) or seen the movie (I’ve yet too sadly) then I have to insist you do so. Two best friends, one with a extremely limiting physical disability, who chose to work together to overcome obstacles that other’s put in their way. I was so excited to see that this dynamic duo came out with a children’s book of their inspiring friendship and unparalleled spirit. Geared for children aged 5 and older this book is perfect for your Minions to build a conversation and awareness of not only disabilities but also that everyone has a story to tell and everyone has a gift to share. Even if the gift is helping someone else find their place in this world.
While I currently do have easy access to my Minions I know that when we do get together this summer this will be a book that is returned to again and again. MooMoo is of such an open heart that she will be drawn to the story and as a budding reader will be able to read to herself and the younger ones with ease. Goobie is my heart. He’ll be full of questions (and concerns) but also will find a way to incorporate this theme into who he is. That’s just the amazing Minions they are. I don’t have to read it right this minute with them to know where the discussions will lead. The compassion and concern that will lead to understanding and insight. The growth of my babies as they stretch their ages to to maturity. And stretch their hearts to the world.
As an adult, the themes of this story reverberate back to the original story of two besties leading each other through life. I still firmly believe that every friendship needs a Justin (John) to allow us all to see that being unable does not make one incapable. Being helped is not the same as being helpless. I also still firmly believe that every friendship needs a Patrick (Marcus) to allow us all to see that stepping up to help another does not mean they are stepping down to helpless. That sometimes the helper is actually the helpee. This book is an amazing tool to teach children that everyone has a role in life, a value to our world, and that in friendship there is balance. There is acceptance and their is love. Compassion does not equal pity. These two gentlemen can teach us all so much, young and old, and we need to make an effort to never stop learning and growing and helping each other.
About Patrick Gray
Two best friends, Justin Skeesuck & Patrick Gray, walked “The Way of St. James” or more commonly known as the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile epic pilgrimage across the vast terrain of northern Spain. What was unique about this journey was Justin was pushed in a wheelchair by Patrick the entire way!
Born a little over 36 hours apart in the same town and in the same hospital, they have grown up together, traveled together, and have navigated many of life’s challenges together.
Over the past 20+ years, a progressive neuromuscular disease has slowly taken away Justin’s ability to use of his arms and legs. From each morning until night, Justin requires daily assistance in every aspect of life such as eating, getting dressed, bathing and even using the restroom.
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