Are We There Yet? (1995)

Are We There Yet
Written by Verna Allette Wilkins
Illustrated by Pamela Venus

Verna Allette Wilkins' (1995) Are We There Yet? is about a disabled father who takes his twin children on a day trip to a leisure park.  I particularly like this story as it is difficult to find children's books that include a parent with a disability rather than a child.  Although this book is fairly outdated, I still think it deserves to be on every classroom shelf as the author has truly depicted disability in a positive light.  Using the criteria put for forth by the Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, I have evaluated this book below.    


1. What is the focus of the book? 
The focus of the book is not on disability.  It is simply about two twin children, both able-bodied, who are eager to arrive at the leisure park with their disabled father.  

2. Are all of the settings in the book inclusive? 

Yes, they certainly are!  I have actually never seen a children's book that has illustrated inclusive environments as well as this book has.  Just look at the picture (on the right) and see the way in which the kitchen is inclusive of the father's needs (i.e lowered counter with all items accessible). 

3. Are characters portrayed in valued roles - as active and contributing individuals?  

Yes.  Despite the fact that the father is in a wheelchair, this does not stop him from being an involved father.  Text and illustrations portray the father as an active dad who does many things for his two young children, such as prepare meals for them and take them on fun day trips to the amusement park

4. If labels and terminology are used, are they contemporary and empowering? 

There are no labels or disability-related terminology used in the text.  The illustrations clearly show that the father is in a wheelchair, but the text makes no reference to his disability at all.  

Overall, it is no surprise that I consider this book very inclusive.  It really shows the way in which a disability does not change a person for who they are, nor does it stop them from living life.