Imagine Me on a Sit-Ski! [Library Binding]

George Moran (Author), Nadine Bernard Westcott (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

A child who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair describes learning to ski with adaptive equipment.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4?Billy, who has cerebral palsy, uses a wordboard for communication and is in a class with other wheelchair-mobile children. When his teachers tell them that they are taking the youngsters skiing, he is excited but apprehensive, and readers are sure to share his initial fear of the unknown. Unfortunately, the text is stiff, because Moran inserts lots of information about handicaps, accessibility, skiing, and sit-ski techniques into the story. However, Westcott's watercolor-and-ink illustrations enhance the presentation. This title will be of special interest to those who live in ski country, where the physically challenged participate in programs similar to the one featured. Libraries may want to purchase this book for all the good that it accomplishes and hope for a better treatment of the subject in the future.?Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 7-10. Billy, who uses a wheelchair, never imagined himself able to ski, so he's very excited when he discovers that he and his disabled classmates are going to have a chance to learn. He describes his experiences at Snow Valley, where disabled people are able to use adaptive equipment and are helped by specially trained instructors. Some of Billy's classmates use such devices as crutches on skis; Billy uses a sit-ski. His detailed narrative describes how the equipment works as well as his adventures on the slopes. The accompanying watercolor illustrations are lively and colorful and will be helpful for introducing readers to specialized ski equipment. A book that will inspire as well as promote understanding and awareness. Lauren Peterson

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 1 pages
• Publisher: Concept Books (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807536180
• ISBN-13: 978-0807536186
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,226,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars it is interesting., June 7, 2000

By 

Hyoung kyu Rho (south Korea) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imagine Me on a Sit-Ski! (Library Binding)

it is not technical skill book. but if you have a think about adapted physical education, it would be interesting. it say that a boy with C.P. enjoy ski at first. only story, but it will move you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Little Book, November 27, 2005

By 

Library Gaga (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Imagine Me on a Sit-Ski! (Library Binding)

For a picture book, Imagine Me on a Sit-Ski! has a good deal of text. In some ways it must, to effectively tell the story of cerebral palsy-affected Billy. There is much readers need to know about Billy. He can't speak with a normal voice, and uses a wordboard to communicate. He is a member of a special class at school, whose members have differing special needs. When his class embarks on a skiing trip for the physically challenged, it is an ordeal.

"Whenever I go someplace new, I worry if it will be wheelchair accessible, which means that people can get in and out of places in their wheelchairs and that there aren't too many stairs... There (are other) problems, such as narrow bathrooms."

Through explanations Billy helps the physically able to understand what life is like for him and his classmates. What is life like, then? Just about the same. It's true Billy has extra work to do to enjoy activities, but when he is fitted with special skiing equipment, he loves skiing as much as anyone.

Moran succeeds in making the skiing trip a palpable experience for the reader. I almost felt like I was in the ski lodge, exhausted but happy after a day on the slopes. How could this unassuming book, with its simple watercolor and ink drawings (people as realistic as a Peanuts strip), bring me to tears with its little story about a boy with cerebral palsy? I'm not sure, unless it's that it tells the truth.