Never Sell Yourself Short

Plot Summary

Fourteen-year-old Josh was born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. In this photo-essay, Josh talks about his life, describing the challenges he faces along with his plans for the future. Like many "little people," Josh has trouble breathing at night, so he wears a mask that blows pressurized air into his lungs. He also has to have his clothes altered and he needs help sometimes due to his height. But Josh most likes to emphasize the things that make him like his friends: he plays sports, rides a bike, and is a leader at his school. He believes that everyone faces challenges of some kind.

Awards

Los Angeles' 100 Best Books: 2001

Reviews

"The book's title is a play on words. This photo-essay gives readers a look into the life of 14-year-old Josh, who is a dwarf. The color photos capture everyday moments that have a twist: Josh shops for clothes but has to have almost everything cut down; he goes grocery shopping but needs someone to pull things from high shelves. He may never reach five feet, but his dreams and aspirations are similar to those of many his age. He just has to find different ways to achieve his goals." Booklist

"The color photographs of him at home, at school, and at play are wonderful. Readers will find it heartening to see this young man so well integrated into all aspects of community life. The positive tone, the photos of successful adults with Josh's condition, and a letter explaining dwarfism from the president of Little People of America show that, no mater what, the message 'never sell yourself short' is for all of us." School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
dwarf, dwarfism, dwarfs, achondroplasia, little people, little person