Available in paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Ali Stroker), and large print.
As featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp, and for readers of I Am Malala, one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her story of fighting to belong.
“If I didn’t fight, who would?”
Judy Heumann was only 5 years old when she was first denied her right to attend school. Paralyzed from polio and raised by her Holocaust-surviving parents in New York City, Judy had a drive for equality that was instilled early in life.
In this young readers’ edition of her acclaimed memoir, Being Heumann, Judy shares her journey of battling for equal access in an unequal world—from fighting to attend grade school after being described as a “fire hazard” because of her wheelchair, to suing the New York City school system for denying her a teacher’s license because of her disability. Judy went on to lead 150 disabled people in the longest sit-in protest in US history at the San Francisco Federal Building. Cut off from the outside world, the group slept on office floors, faced down bomb threats, and risked their lives to win the world’s attention and the first civil rights legislation for disabled people.
Judy’s bravery, persistence, and signature rebellious streak will speak to every person fighting to belong and fighting for social justice.
Praise and Reviews
"Rolling Warrior is poignant, funny, passionate, angry — and hopeful. And it is a page-turner."
—Rethinking Schools
“Many people will say Rolling Warrior is an important read and it is, but it is also fun, exciting, and honest. This isn’t just a story that disabled children will love; it’s a story about what is possible when we fight for ourselves and each other. It is a story about how tenacity, strength, the power of community, and the willingness to fight for what matters can start a revolution.”
—Keah Brown, author of The Pretty One
“A powerful yet tender memoir from one of the most important figures in disability rights history. Judy’s story made me laugh, cringe, and perhaps most importantly, it lit a fire in me to fight harder for disability rights.”
—Shane Burcaw, author of Laughing at My Nightmare
“Judy Heumann’s journey is told with heart, tenacity, and even humor. Any young person will find inspiration in her story to overcome whatever barrier comes their way and to realize their dreams just as she has. I only wished I had the chance to read her story when I was reaching for my dreams!”
—Marlee Matlin, Academy Award–winning actress and activist
“The book I needed growing up . . . has the possibility to inspire a new generation of activists—and if I’m any indication, it most certainly will.”
—Anja, age 14, Rolling Warrior Youth Advisory Board member