Up and Adam

by Debbie Zapata, Yong Ling Kang

Overview

A boy with Down syndrome lifts spirits all over town! It’s the day after the big storm. Adam and his dog, Up, are finishing breakfast when the mayor appears on TV asking everyone to help with the cleanup. She says, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ’em!” When Adam hears the mayor tell him and Up to get to work, he’s on it! “We can help!” Adam says. And as everyone in the town is about to discover — they really can! With kindness in his heart and a smile on his face, Adam shows readers that everyone can make a difference in their community!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781525305009
Publisher:	Kids Can Press
Publication date:	05/03/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	131 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Debbie Zapata is a children’s book author who believes that kids need characters who look like them and who overcome obstacles and make a difference in the world. She also works as a therapist helping families who have children with special needs, as well as partners with school districts on diversity and inclusion. Debbie and her family live in Austin, Texas. Up and Adam is her debut picture book.;Yong Ling Kang was born in Malaysia and grew up in Singapore. She is fascinated by storytelling, and has honed her craft through picture books, manga, cartoons and formal schooling in an animation program. Yong Ling has illustrated several picture books, including The Midnight Club, This House Is Home, Tanna’s Owl and William’s Getaway. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

A great example of a story that will inspire all kids to work with others in an amiable way, making its points sweetly and simply.—School Library Journal

It is a good book to teach all people — children and adults alike — that we can all play a role in making our communities better, stronger, friendlier places to be.—CM Magazine

From the Publisher

07/29/2022

PreS-Gr 2—Zapata's story is a delightful and uplifting story of the positive impact being helpful can have on so many people. After a storm affects their town, a boy named Adam and his dog, Up, are inspired by their mayor to help. Adam and Up venture across town and work with several members of the community cleaning toys, fixing birdhouses, and tidying a local pizza shop. They even bake chocolate chip cookies for the entire town to help lift their spirits. Adam feels as if he and Up have made a big impact on their town. Parents will find this story a great read for teaching their children the importance of being willing to pitch in. Additionally, Zapata's own son, Adam, who has Down syndrome, was the inspiration for the main character; she helpfully includes resources for parents in the back matter. VERDICT A great example of a story that will inspire all kids to work with others in an amiable way, making its points sweetly and simply.—David Roberts

School Library Journal

2022-04-27
A boy and his dog lend a hand—and a paw—after a storm.

When Adam and his dog, Up, see Madam Mayor on TV discussing the aftermath of a recent storm, they are stirred to act—after all, the mayor did say, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ’em!” Hearing their names, Up and Adam rise to the challenge. They pick up toys with Mr. Janitor, help a pizzeria employee sweep the sidewalk, and more. Adam smiles at everyone he meets, receiving smiles in return. Kang's cartoon-style illustrations readily convey Adam’s exuberance. Finally, as Adam hands out homemade cookies on the boardwalk, the mayor commends him for bringing the townspeople closer. At bedtime, Adam sees his reflection and happily realizes that “a pair of smiles can make a difference.” An author’s note explains that Adam is based on Zapata’s son, who has Down syndrome (though Down syndrome is unnamed in the text), and her love for her son shines through. Unfortunately, in light of the author’s explanation, the emphasis on Adam’s “amazing smile” as he cheers up the town risks evoking the tired trope of people with intellectual disabilities serving to inspire nondisabled people, as does the author’s note itself (“He reminds us to practice patience, share the gift of a smile, and take time to have fun”). Adam is light-skinned and dark-haired; background characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A well-intentioned reminder that everyone can make a difference hampered by problematic framing. (resources) (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews