Boots for a Bridesmaid (2003)

Boots for a Bridesmaid
Written by Verna Allette Wilkins
Illustrated by Pamela Venus

 I got so excited when I discovered yet another book with a parent who has a disability (rather than a child).  These books are so rare, so when I find them, I will be sure to post my thoughts on them in this blog spot!  Verna Allette Wilkins (1999/2003), the author of Are We There Yet? (see previous post), has also written the children's book entitled Boots for a Bridesmaid.  This book is about a young girl named Nicky who is not happy when she finds out that she needs to wear a frilly dress for her Aunt Flora's wedding.  Using the criteria put forth by Ontario Coalition for Inclusive Education, you can see why I think this book is so inclusive of individuals with a disability.  

1. What is the focus of the book? 

The focus of the book is on Nicky, an able-bodied girl who does not want to wear a bridesmaid dress for her aunt's upcoming wedding.  The book does not focus on Nicky's disabled mother.  

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

Yes, all of the settings in the book appear to be inclusive as Nicky's mother is never excluded.  

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

Yes.  Although Nicky's mother is clearly shown in a wheelchair, this does not stop her from being a caring mother.  In fact, she is seen as very supportive as she actively helps fix Nicky's bridesmaid dress, for example (see picture to the right).  

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 only way the reader knows that Nicky's mother is disabled is by looking at the illustrations. 

Using the criteria above, it is evident that Boots for a Bridesmaid is an inclusive book that depicts disability in a positive light.  The disabled character is seen as a loving mother who is involved in her mother's life despite her inability to walk.  She has special talents, such as her ability to sew, and she actively makes use of these talents.  Although I obtained this book from my local library, I am going to order it on Amazon as this is one book that needs to be on my inclusive literature shelf!