Dynamic Duo: Book 1
Picture Book:
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of
Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Author: Laurie
Anne Thomson
Illustrator: Sean
Qualls
Summary: Emmanuel,
born in Ghana with only one fully developed leg, was not cast out as tradition would
have it. Instead his mother, Comfort, named him “God is with Us” and told him he
must do common tasks on his own. He learned to do what typical African boys do,
like climb trees and fetch water. He earned money for the family by shining
shoes. Comfort carried Emmanuel the two miles to school until she could carry
him no longer; then he hopped to and from school. At school, he wanted to play
soccer (“football” in Africa), but the boys wouldn’t let him so he saved his
money, purchased a real ball, took it to school, and required them to let him
play. When his mother became ill, Emmanuel went to the city to work to support
his family. He worked at a food stand, but he continually dealt with prejudice.
Before his mother died, she encouraged him to “never beg and never give up”. He
decided to honor her by demonstrating to his country that “being disabled does
not mean being unable.” The Challenged Athletes Foundation in California sent
him a bicycle, helmet, shorts, socks, and gloves. After training, going door to
door for support, and receiving a royal blessing from the king, he tied his
handicapped leg to the bike frame and pedaled with the other leg nearly 400
miles in 10 days! When he stopped to rest, he spoke about the unfair plight of
disabled people. As he pedaled, he wore the colors of his country and the
words, “The Pozo” which means “The Disabled Person.” He gained attention from
his fellow citizens, both disabled and able-bodied, and people from around the
world, becoming a national and international hero who had changed the world.
Hanna’s Comments: This is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo about heroes who have
changed the world. In this book you’ll find a Note from the Author and information about Emmanuel’s charitable
organization. Appropriately, religious lessons for children often focus on
characters from scripture. It is my position that children will benefit greatly
from lessons about contemporary heroes as well, especially if those heroes have
faith-based reasons for their significant work. In today’s and tomorrow’s book,
children can hear how the seeds of these changes began in childhood. Let these
and other stories of contemporary heroes inspire the children in your family of
faith to make positive changes in the world.
Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 2015
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages:
40
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are several videos about Emmanuel
Ofosu Yeboah on Youtube.com including a trailer for the feature length film
that shares the title of this picture book.
PBT Category: Fresh
off the Press, Biography, Non-fiction
PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation,
Africa, aspiration/dreams, bravery/courage, challenges, commitment, confidence,
difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, heroes, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests,
labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, mission, mothers, parents/parental
love, participation, perseverance, power, steadfastness, strength/strength in
God, underdogs, wisdom
Scripture Connections: We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-4);
count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2); blessed is
the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in
your faith family to inspire them to make positive changes in the world.
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