Dancing Wheels

by Patricia McMahon

Author Patricia McMahon takes us backstage with the Dancing Wheels dance company and into the lives of two young dancers -- Jenny, a "sit-down" dancer, and her partner Devin, a "stand-up" dancer. She also introduces readers to the woman who founded the company, Mary Verdi-Fletcher. Mary was born with spina bifida but always dreamed of becoming a dancer. When she grew up, she not only fulfilled that dream, she made it possible for others to follow...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395888891
• ISBN13: 9780395888896
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.2" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Handicaps Overcome

In Dancing Wheels, Patricia McMahon illustrates that children with handicaps are just as capable as children without any limitations. Through her use of pictures, language, and personal descriptions of specific children, she closes the barrier society has established between people with handicaps and those without. Mary Veri-Fletcher was born with spina bifida. Her dream was to become a dancer, and her parents had always helped her focus on what she could accomplish in life and not on what she could not. Today Mary has opened her own dance company called Dancing Wheels. This company features both stand-up and sit-down dancers. Here the children are simply dancers. They are not looked at in terms of their handicap, but are given the opportunity to perform and do what they love: dance! The book, dedicated to this story, offers an inspirational account to children who feel trapped in a society that considers them different. McMahon uses pictures to make these children come to life and show what they are capable of. The pictures show the children getting ready for their competition. For example, in one picture, Jessica, a member of the company, nervously puts on her make up. In the pictures and at the studio, the handicaps of the children are not hidden. Instead, they are used. For example, Devin and Jenny are partners. Jenny has a wheelchair, which she dances with. Devin participates in this art form by dancing on the chair with Jenny. For Jenny, this is a part of her and is used just like Devin uses his legs. The pictures help to make these children come to life, and the reader can watch their growth in dance. Another way McMahon closes the stereotypical barrier is through the syntax in the book. The only difference in the description of the children with handicaps and without is that they are either sit-down or stand-up dancers. The key term is "dancers". One is not subordinate to the other. McMahon focuses on describing both children as dancers without focusing on their handicap. Both types of dancers have to overcome some type of adversity. For example, Devin has to overcome being made fun of by the guys in his class for being a dancer. Similarly, Mary was chastised that she was not a real dancer, because she was in a wheelchair. Through this parallel, McMahon suggests that everyone have problems to overcome. The third way McMahon helps to shed light on children with handicaps is through their personal stories. Through personal stories, the children become that much more real to the reader. They now have an identity and a name. The reader begins to empathize with the children, understanding who they are as people. Jenny loves to be silly at practice and is known for laughing often. Jenny, however, knows when to get down to business. She has been dancing since she was four years old and is now eleven years old. She was born with spina bifida. She used to use crutches in order to get around, but now that she use

Uplifting

This book was uplifting and positive as it portrayed the spirit of youth in all forms. The underlying message is "Go For It!" in following life's passions. I found this message inspiring for all characters, whether a "stand up" or a "sit down." I am thrilled to add it to my library collection as it displays what people do have the power to accomplish instead of just discussing how to cope. Shouldn't we all remember that?

Book About a Boy and Girl Who Dance with a Special Group

This book is about a boy named Devin who is able-bodied and a girl named Jenny who has Spina Bifida and is in a wheelchair. They both love to dance and dance with a company called dancing wheels. Dancing wheels is a group that lets both able-bodied and people with disabilities dance together. They are both getting ready to perform in an event which will showcase a piece called The Sorceror's Apprentices'. They are the co-stars and both have a great time dancing. It explores the ways that the families of both children live. Really a splendid book. I give it a five because I really like it and I am Devin, the boy in the book. I have already read a proof copy and it was great, so you should really buy it.