Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens

 Bibliography: Nijkamp, M. (Ed.). (2018). Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens. Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN: 978-0-374-30650-2

Plot    Plot Summary: This anthology featuring stories by various authors, centers around teenagers with a range of disabilities and experiences. Disabilities include physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health issues and neurodivergence. The stories also cover various genres such as realistic fiction, science fiction and fantasy. Despite their difficulties, the main characters all show strength and resilience in their daily lives. 

          Critical Analysis: The book prioritizes inclusivity as every story features a protagonist  with some type of disability. Each story focuses on the characters' abilities rather than disabilities. Each story accurately display the challenges disabled teenagers face, including discrimination and other obstacles, while emphasizing their achievements and abilities. The book avoids stereotypes and promotes inclusivity and acceptance. The anthology includes various genres, so while every one might not appeal to a specific reader, every reader can find a story of interest. 

          Reviews: 

          School Library Journal: "The collection of stories is eclectic—not every selection will appeal to every reader—but there is something for everyone in this volume."

Kirkus Reviews: "For intersectional representations of disabled kids leading complex lives—sometimes painful, sometimes funny, never sentimentally inspirational—a vital collection ."

Awards:

Children's Trust Best YA, 2018

TXLA TAYSHAS List, 2020

Garden State Teen Book Awards Nominee, 2018

Connections:

Use in a high school English class, read each story as a class, and then students work in assigned groups to conduct literary circles.

Use in a high school English class, read each story as a class, then conduct a Socratic Seminar for each story. 


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