Yes I Can!: A Girl and Her Wheelchair - Hardcover

Yes I Can!: A Girl and Her Wheelchair

This empowering picture book follows Carolyn, a determined girl who uses a wheelchair and shows young readers that disabilities don't define what someone can accomplish. Through engaging illustrations and an uplifting narrative, children discover that Carolyn participates in the same activities as her peers—sometimes just in different ways.

What This Book Teaches Children

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. This positive message helps children understand that physical disabilities are just one aspect of a person, not a limitation on their abilities or potential.

The book serves as an essential classroom resource for teachers introducing disability awareness and inclusion concepts. It provides age-appropriate language and scenarios that help children aged 4-8 build empathy and understanding toward peers with different abilities.

Educational Resources for Adults

Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with more information on discussing disabilities with children and helping them to build positive, empathic relationships. This guide offers practical strategies for facilitating meaningful conversations about physical disabilities, adaptive equipment, and creating inclusive environments.

Expert Authors and Illustrator

Kendra J. Barrett, DPT, is a pediatric physical therapist who has worked in early intervention and public schools for eight years. She currently works in a public school for students age 3-21 with intellectual and physical disabilities. Yes I Can! is her first book. She lives in Maryland.

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is the co-author of several self-help books. She has been in private practice working with children, teens, and families for over thirty years. Dr. Toner earned her PhD from the University of Virginia and completed two post-doctoral programs (in pediatric psychology and adolescent medicine) at the University of Maryland Medical School. Dr. Toner also serves as lead facilitator and consultant on a project on medical ethics led by Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She is the mother of three grown children and lives with her husband in Baltimore.

Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice, working for more than thirty-five years with youth and their families. Interested in bringing the general principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy to families everywhere, she is the co-author of What to Do When It's Not Fair, What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake, and What to Do When You Feel Too Shy. She lives with her husband in Baltimore. They have two grown children. Visit Dr. Freeland at www.clairefreelandphd.com

Violet Lemay sampled many creative careers before arriving at her dream job: illustrating books for kids Violet has illustrated over twenty books, including Yes I Can!., a handful of which she also wrote. She lives in New York. Visit her at www.violetlemay.com and follow her on Facebook: @violet.lemay and Twitter: @violetlemay

Perfect For

This hardcover book works beautifully as a read-aloud for elementary classrooms, therapy sessions, library story times, and home reading. It supports social emotional learning curricula and character education programs focused on diversity, inclusion, and building self-esteem in children with and without disabilities.