The Courage to Compete: Living with Cerebral Palsy and Following My Dreams

Gr 7 Up—This uplifting memoir about a young woman living with cerebral palsy who competed in the Miss USA pageant is sure to inspire readers. Abbey was diagnosed at age two. She experienced teasing and bullying from classmates and strangers alike. Well aware of how other people perceived her, Abbey often looked to God for help. Her family was largely supportive, and she felt confident in their love. At 16, Abbey decided to take part in a local beauty competition, the Miss Henry County pageant. Though she was initially anxious, she excelled, finishing in the top 10. With her family's encouragement, she decided to organize her own beauty contest, the Miss You Can Do It Pageant, for girls and women with special needs. Abbey later went on to win Miss Iowa 2008 and to compete in Miss USA. She comes across as positive and hopeful, and her tone is breezy and enthusiastic ("I was just beside myself. I did it! I had made the Top Ten!!! Amazing!!!"). The teenager is honest about her struggles, from wearing leg braces to coping with her parents' divorce. She exudes hope, confidence, determination, and bravery.