“Children generally enjoy seeing books with characters who look or act like them—whether they are wearing glasses of have a pony tail or use a wheelchair,” (Williams, Inkster, and Blaska, 2005).
In this post I will review a book which discusses a disability called epilepsy. The book is entitled Becky the Brave: A Story About Epilepsy written by Laurie Lears and illustrated by Gail Piazza. Prior to reading this story, I had many misconceptions about epilepsy. I ignorantly thought that when an individual was having an epilepic attack, they were in fact sleeping. I believed that when an individual was having an epileptic seizure, it is best to restrain the individual and somehow keep them from swallowing their tongue. After reading Lears’ text, I have realized that neither of these actions are helpful and can in some instances harm the individual who is having a seizure.
This story follows Sarah who looks up to her big sister Becky, a girl with epilepsy. Sarah admires Becky for being fearless. Sarah soon realizes that Becky is afraid of being ridiculed at school after having an epileptic seizure in the classroom. Sarah overcomes her social anxiety and speaks to Becky’s class, insightfully explaining Becky’s epilepsy to the children. As a result, Becky’s classmates are better informed and accepting of her epilepsy.
At the beginning of the text Lears includes a note written by Ann Scherer, Senior Director of Communications of the Epilepsy Foundation. The note includes common epileptic symptoms, physiological descriptions of those with epilepsy, what to do if someone is having an epileptic seizure, and suggested ways to interact with children with epilepsy. The inclusion of this note illustrates that Lears’ is an “informed” author and is committed to publishing works which are culturally authentic.
Throughout the text Lears’ instills her dedication to culturally correct literature. Pages 6-7 describe how Sarah and her parents react while Becky is having an epileptic seizure. The first aid procedure is correctly portrayed as Sarah pushes a chair out of the way so that Becky will not hurt herself, (6), the father rolls Becky onto her side and the mother places a pillow under Becky’s head, (7). It is clear that Lears’ objective is to inform readers of the correct way to react if a person with epilepsy has a seizure.
Scholar Joan Blaska lists Becky the Brave as an “outstanding” representation of children’s literature addressing disabilities, (Williams 77). The text depicts others accepting Becky and not ridiculing her. Lears’ book most certainly promotes positive images of persons with disabilities and allows children to gain an accurate understanding of epilepsy.
Works Cited:
Williams, Sandra Q, Inkster, Christine D, Blaska, Joan K. “The Joan K. Blaska Collection of Children’s Literature Featuring Characters with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses.” Journal of Children’s Literature 31, no. 1, (Spring 2005): 71-78.
Lears, Laurie. Becky the Brave: A Story About Epilepsy. Morton Grove: Albert Whitman & Co., (2002).
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