Yes I Can!

Carolyn is in a wheelchair, but she doesn't let that stop her! She can do almost everything the other kids can, even if sometimes she has to do it a little differently.

Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with more information on discussing disabilities with children and helping them to build positive, empathic relationships.

Kendra J. Barrett, DPT, is a pediatric physical therapist who has worked in early intervention and public schools for eight years since graduating from Ithaca College with a doctorate in physical therapy. She currently works in a public school for students age 3–21 with intellectual and physical disabilities. This is her first book, and she was thrilled to work with her mom on this project. Dr. Barrett lives in Towson, MD, with her husband, and she welcomed her first child, a boy, during the process of writing this book.

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is the co-author of a number of books for children and teens addressing social and emotional challenges. She practiced clinical psychology for over three decades serving children, teens, and families. Dr. Toner lives in Baltimore, MD, with her husband. They have three married daughters and two grandsons. It has been a special joy to co-write this book with her second born!

Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, working for more than 35 years with youth and their families. With an interest in bringing psychological concepts to a wide audience, she has co-written several books for children and teens on subjects related to emotions and behavior. She lives with her husband in Baltimore, MD. They have two grown children.

Violet Lemay was a stage designer, a college art professor, and an editorial illustrator before arriving at her dream job: illustrating books for kids. Violet has illustrated more than 20 books, a handful of which she also wrote. If she's not at her desk drawing, she's probably in the backyard feeding the birds, who think she is Snow White.

The authors have written a very uplifting story that focuses more on what Carolyn can do, than what she can't do. Carolyn is very outgoing, social and wants to participate. And there are many things available to help children with disabilities adapt and participate.
—Children's Books Heal

Conveying to readers who do not use wheelchairs that a wheelchair-using girl is just like them...good cheer.
—Kirkus Reviews

• Library Features Yes, I Can! in Inclusion Read Aloud (PDF, 111KB)opens in new window
  Interview with a children's librarian about her video read aloud of Yes I Can! and how she chooses books to share with young readers.
• This book is part of the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Social Emotional Learning Collectionopens in new window
  FREE resources, including puzzles and word games, designed to enhance both literacy skills and socioemotional engagement of young readers