Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

by Laurie Ann Thompson

Other authorsSean Qualls (Illustrator)

Hardcover, 2015

Status

Available

Call number

362.4092

Collections

Geography and Social Studies, Picture Books

Publication

Schwartz & Wade (2015), Edition: Illustrated, 40 pages

Description

Biography & Autobiography. Juvenile Nonfiction. Sociology. Geography. Picture Book Nonfiction. HTML:Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's inspiring true story�??which was turned into a film, Emmanuel's Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey�??is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people�??but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled. Thompson's lyrical prose and Qualls's bold collage illustrations offer a powerful celebration of triumphing over adversity. Includes an author's note with more information about Emmanuel's… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member chrisriggleman

An amazing read. It just seems mind boggling that Emmanuel was able to physically ride a bike let alone across an entire country. His determination all stemmed from his mother who never gave up on him and always made him do things for himself.
When the world gave up on Emmanuel he prominently

showed the world that he was still there. He made the country of Ghana a better place for people with disabilities like himself.
At no time did Emmanuel hide from his disability. He rode with "the pozo" on his jersey and let everyone know that he was just as capable as anyone else.

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LibraryThing member pataustin

Set in Ghana, West Africa, this picture book biography tells the amazing story of Emmanuel, born with only one leg. His mother didn't let her child's disability get in his way. In fact, "Mama Comfort told him he could have anything but he would have to get it for himself." This, it turns out, was

her greatest gift to her son as it would enable him to be strong, to be believe in himself, and to conquer whatever obstacle came his way -- and the obstacles were many. When friends didn't play with him, he brought the ball and said he'd share. What a wonderful problem-solving strategy. He would have to support the family, have to face his mother's death, and have to earn his own money. He honored her by showing everyone that "disabled does not mean being unable." His plan? To cycle around Ghana. Charming illustrations and a well-told story bring this inspiring story to life. Share this with everyone able-bodied and disabled alike.

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LibraryThing member Sullywriter

Inspiring story about a boy in Ghana considered cursed for being born with a deformed leg who goes on to become an activist for the rights of disabled people.

LibraryThing member Salsabrarian

An inspiring story told in a kid-friendly tone. I can see this being used as a read-aloud for elementary students. Kids will easily identify with the book's precepts: perserverance, determination, staying positive, working hard, succeeding.

LibraryThing member jmistret

Emmanuel faces many obstacles from the second he is born throughout his entire life. He eventually learns how to get by in life as best he can while making friends and supporting his family. This book demonstrates a theme of diversity and a message that nothing is impossible.

LibraryThing member tbeard76

A book about never giving up regardless of the challenges that one faces.

LibraryThing member cbl_tn

Emmanuel is an African boy who was born with a deformed leg. His mother encouraged him to find a way to do everything he wanted to do. When his mother became ill, Emmanuel went to Ghana's capital to find work to support his family. He became an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities,

cycling 400 miles across Ghana to call attention to his message. This true story illustrates the values of determination and persistence in achieving one's dreams, and that there is a difference between disability and inability. This book would be a good addition to school library or classroom collections since it will support multiple aspects of the curriculum.

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LibraryThing member JenW1

A great story about overcoming disabilities and other's expectations. Would make a good read aloud to an older elementary school group.

LibraryThing member MeganSchneider

Emmanuel was born with unfortunate circumstances, some would even think "curses", but he never let that control him or his life. He worked hard, even when his mother fell sick he supported his family. But he wanted to go beyond just surviving he wanted to show everyone that having a disability

doesn't make you "unable" so he set off on a bike ride that would change the way people saw him and others with disabilities, and after succeeding on his astounding journey he proved to everyone that one leg is beyond enough if you have the right attitude and perseverance.

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LibraryThing member sweetiegherkin

This is the inspirational true story of a young boy with a birth anomaly that rendered his right leg useless. Rather than be discouraged, that boy pursued an education and a 'normal' childhood, full of all kinds of activity. He discovered a love for cycling and didn't allow his (dis)ability to get

in the way. This is a great book to share with children to discuss perseverance and overcoming the odds.

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LibraryThing member ebrossette

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah is famous for his athleticism. This book does a great job at showing children that those with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives and accomplish amazing things, just like their abled counterparts. I think this book is a great way to start a conversation with young children

about life with a physical disability.

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LibraryThing member AR_bookbird

Great book to read to students about overcoming obstacles!

LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26

Born with a severely deformed leg, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was abandoned by his father as an infant, and raised by his mother, Comfort. Encouraged to do things for himself, he found a way to go to school and to participate in sports - both very unusual for disabled children in his native country of

Ghana. Eventually, he set out on a four-hundred-mile bicycle journey around Ghana, bringing attention and awareness, both in his country and around the world, to the lives of disabled people...

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah is certainly an inspiring book, and I read it with interest, moved by its true story of a young person who never let the challenges he faced defeat him. It reminded me of Meshack Asare's Sosu's Call, an award-winning Ghanaian picture-book about a fictional boy who, like Emmanuel, had physical disabilities, but who triumphed, showing the people of his village what he could do. Laurie Ann Thompson's narrative here is engaging, and there is an author's note at the rear, giving more information about Emmanuel. The accompanying artwork from Sean Qualls, done in mixed media, is colorful and expressive. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for inspiring true stories of young people overcoming great difficulties.

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