From the Publisher
The teenager is honest about her struggles, from wearing leg braces to coping with her parents’ divorce. She exudes hope, confidence, determination, and bravery. VERDICT Adolescents will be motivated to pursue their own dreams after reading this stirring title.” — School Library Journal
“Debunking myths about pageant participants, she praises the sisterhood she found and the hope pageants give “[her] girls,” a happy ending to a tale of accomplishment.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Curran’s story will inspire readers to follow their dreams.” — Booklist
“hHr overall message-to try, to dream, to put oneself out there-is an uplifting one that will continue to inspire.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
hHr overall message-to try, to dream, to put oneself out there-is an uplifting one that will continue to inspire.
Booklist
Curran’s story will inspire readers to follow their dreams.
Booklist
Curran’s story will inspire readers to follow their dreams.
School Library Journal
07/01/2015
Gr 7 Up—This uplifting memoir about a young woman living with cerebral palsy who competed in the Miss USA pageant is sure to inspire readers. Abbey was diagnosed at age two. She experienced teasing and bullying from classmates and strangers alike. Well aware of how other people perceived her, Abbey often looked to God for help. Her family was largely supportive, and she felt confident in their love. At 16, Abbey decided to take part in a local beauty competition, the Miss Henry County pageant. Though she was initially anxious, she excelled, finishing in the top 10. With her family's encouragement, she decided to organize her own beauty contest, the Miss You Can Do It Pageant, for girls and women with special needs. Abbey later went on to win Miss Iowa 2008 and to compete in Miss USA. She comes across as positive and hopeful, and her tone is breezy and enthusiastic ("I was just beside myself. I did it! I had made the Top Ten!!! Amazing!!!"). The teenager is honest about her struggles, from wearing leg braces to coping with her parents' divorce. She exudes hope, confidence, determination, and bravery. VERDICT Adolescents will be motivated to pursue their own dreams after reading this stirring title.—Jess Gafkowitz, New York Public Library
Kirkus Reviews
2015-05-18
Curran, Miss Iowa 2008, tells how she became the first major pageant contestant with a disability. Growing up in a close-knit Illinois farm family, Curran always wanted to enter beauty pageants. However, cerebral palsy caused her to limp, which caused teasing that eroded her confidence—but not for long. Curran cheerfully describes growing up with leg braces and doting grandparents as well as tough love, then traces a rambling road to competing in the Miss USA pageant, founding her Miss You Can Do It pageant for girls with disabilities, and entering nursing school. Exciting events pass with little scenery—the pageants themselves, TV appearances, and even an interview by John Hockenberry. Unfortunately, because Curran touches on people and events so quickly, some comments come off as patronizing or glib—as if all discouragement vanished easily, a wheelchair signified "a helpless invalid," or a trailer were shameful. However, these comments fade in a whirl of pageant butterflies, wardrobe malfunctions, and the challenge of walking in heels, which Curran handles with aplomb. Debunking myths about pageant participants, she praises the sisterhood she found and the hope pageants give "[her] girls," a happy ending to a tale of accomplishment. Though Curran's account of faith and perseverance is somewhat unfocused, readers will appreciate her overarching point: "discover what makes you happy, and then act on what you've learned." (Memoir. 11-18)
