PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: The Unstoppable Jaime by Joy Givens & Courtney Dawson

THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE

written by Joy Givens, illustrated by Courtney Dawson

Two Lions, 2023

ISBN: 978-1662505768

Source: Blue Slip Media/publisher

Ages 4-8

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover, bios, & illustrations provided by Blue Slip Media.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Inspired by the author’s son, the story of a boy with Down syndrome who goes on a superhero’s journey to New York City and learns what truly makes him unstoppable. Jamie likes to pretend he’s a superhero. With his cape and gadgets, he feels like he can face anything. When his picture is chosen to be shown in Times Square for the NDSS Buddy Walk®, his family travels to New York City to see it. As he makes his way through the loud, busy, unfamiliar city, Jamie discovers that he doesn’t have all his special tools. But he soon realizes that it isn’t what he wears or the gadgets he uses that make him brave―it’s who he is inside. This uplifting story includes an author’s note with information about Down syndrome.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

Joy Givens is the author of several award-winning short stories and the lucky mother of four young superheroes, including her son Joshua, who inspired this book. She also works as a coordinator of after-school programs that serve refugee and immigrant youth. Joy lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her family. This is her first picture book. Follow her @joyeilene on Instagram or visit her at www.joygivens.com.

On Facebook: Joy Eilene Givens
On Twitter/X: @joyeilene

Courtney Dawson has illustrated a number of children’s books, including There’s a Rock Concert in My Bedroom by Kevin and Danielle Jonas, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alexandra Alessandri, and Help Wanted, Must Love Books by Janet Sumner Johnson. Prior to illustrating picture books, she worked in animation. She lives with her family in California. Follow her @courtneyjdee on Instagram or stop by www.courtneyjdawson.com.

On Instagram: @courtneyjdee

REVIEW

It's wonderful to see more books being published about people who have differences whether physical, mental, or emotional. As I read this I immediately thought of several children that I know who use similar strategies to cope with their own differences. It's not surprising that this was inspired by the author's own son, it's clear reading this that there is actual experience behind the story. Jaime, a young boy with Down syndrome, travels with his family to attend the NDSS Buddy Walk in New York City. A picture of him flying on his swing has been chosen to appear in Times Square. But he struggles to handle the overwhelming sounds and sensations around him after losing his headphones. I loved how his family rallies around him to show the world that he's unstoppable. Dawson's bright, eye-catching illustrations beautifully highlight Jamie's courage and joy and the love within his family. In the back matter, the author explains what Down syndrome is and a little about her own family's experience with it. An important addition to elementary library collections and a great way to help children develop empathy and greater understanding of differences, works well as both a mirror and a window.

SAMPLE ILLUSTRATIONS