Yes I Can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair by Kendra Barrett is an inspiring picture book about a young girl who uses a wheelchair and confidently shows readers all the things she can do. Through her positive attitude and determination, she challenges assumptions about disability and helps others see that a wheelchair is simply one part of who she is. The story celebrates ability, independence, inclusion, and the importance of focusing on what people can do rather than what others think they cannot.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading
- What are some different ways people move from place to place?
- What do you know about wheelchairs?
- Why is it important not to make assumptions about other people?
During or After Reading
- What are some things the girl in the story can do?
- How does her wheelchair help her?
- What message do you think the author wants readers to learn?
- Did anything in the story surprise you? Why?
- How did the girl’s attitude help others understand her better?
- What similarities do you share with the girl in the story?
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever seen someone use a wheelchair or another mobility device? What did you notice?
- Why is it important to focus on a person’s strengths and abilities?
- How can we make sure everyone feels included in school, sports, and community activities?
- What is something you can do that makes you proud?
- What can we learn from people whose experiences are different from our own?
Activity
Yes I Can! Strengths Poster
Materials: paper, crayons, markers, pencils
Ask each participant to create a poster titled “Yes I Can!” Students can draw themselves and fill their poster with pictures or words showing activities they enjoy, skills they have learned, goals they want to achieve, and things that make them proud. Encourage participants to celebrate their own strengths while recognizing that everyone has different abilities and talents.
Discussion questions:
- What is something you can do that you are proud of?
- What strengths did you notice others sharing?
- How are we alike, and how are we different?
- Why is it important to celebrate everyone’s abilities?