Zion Unmatched

July 1, 2021
Clark, who was born without legs, presents snapshots of his journey from foster child to talented athlete. After being given up at birth, Clark experienced abuse and neglect in foster care. Fortunately, at 17, he was adopted. His adoptive mother, "a woman of great faith," encouraged him to succeed: "If they're going to look at you, make sure they remember your name." And succeed he did, becoming an elite high school wrestler and an Ohio state champion in seated racing. Vivid color photos depict Clark wrestling nondisabled opponents and racing via wheelchair and handcycle. Accenting the photos, bold, uppercase quotes from family members and coaches affirm his talent and determination. An early foster mother encourages him to "fly." His high school track coach remarks, "After coaching Zion, I no longer have any excuses in my life"--a sentiment echoed by the stark "NO EXCUSES" tattoo spanning Clark's shoulders. Though readers will appreciate Clark's advice to "work with what you got," his clich�d suggestion that "you just have to follow your dreams" falls flat; kids may find themselves wanting more information. How did he adapt his wrestling technique? How did he cope with the "dual stigma of Blackness and disability"? Without concrete examples, readers struggling with similar challenges may find his assertion that "if I can do it, so can you" frustrating rather than inspiring. An optimistic if somewhat superficial tale of persevering and thriving with a disability. (Picture book/memoir. 8-10)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2021
Grades 3-7 Part memoir, part photo-essay, Zion Clark's story is completely inspirational. Born without legs due to a rare medical condition known as caudal regression syndrome, African American Zion also faced abuse and neglect in the foster care system, with his mother in jail and his father absent. Undeterred, he became a winning wrestler, even against nondisabled opponents, and a state champion in seated racing competitions. Now Zion wants to serve as a role model and help young people overcome adversity. Forming the narrative is an opening essay and quotes in large text from Zion himself, as well as motivational sayings from people in Zion's life; a brief overview of Zion's path by coauthor Hirsch is also included, which recognizes the dual stigma often attached to Zion's Blackness and disability. But it's the large color photos of Zion in action that form the heart of the book. The most striking photo--Zion with a "NO EXCUSES" tattoo brandished on his back--sums up his life and his message. A moving read, no matter one's ability, identity, or circumstances.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 11, 2021
“Consider me Jim Thorpe without legs, with the passion of Malcolm X and the backbeat of Louis Armstrong,” reads a bold early spot quote in this largely visual, mostly autobiographical profile of Zion Clark (b. 1997), a Black wrestler and seated racer—and “musical prodigy”—born without legs who hopes to become “the first American man to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics.” After Clark and Hirsch reveal Clark’s challenges, including abuse and neglect in Ohio’s foster care system from infancy until he was adopted at 17 and “the dual stigma of Blackness and disability,” quotes from loved ones, coaches, and Clark himself are highlighted in graphic capitalized letters, skillfully layered over energetic full-color photographs of Clark both in action and at rest. Though Clark’s journey lacks enough detail here to transcend its magazine feature style, young readers will appreciate his incontestable tenacity and drive. Ages 8–12.

October 1, 2021

Gr 2-4-A visual and motivational picture book autobiography. Zion Clark was born without legs, given up by his mother, and forced to face neglect in the foster care system. He went on to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. Full-page color photographs with first-person captions show Clark working out, competing in wrestling and track, and bonding with his adoptive family. Bold-face quotes from Clark's coaches and foster parents portray him as a motivational figure. Readers will be left hoping for more specific information about Zion's disability and journey. A positive and uplifting look at overcoming adversity, Clark's autobiography could use more depth. VERDICT An uplifting autobiography from an athlete without legs. Consider as a general purchase for large collections.-Emily Bayci-Mroczek, Naperville P.L., IL

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.