HAZEL'S BEST DAY

A child attends a Disability Pride parade.

Today, Hazel tells readers, “I get to wear my sparkliest, coolest gear.” Mama adorns Hazel’s locs with red, green, yellow, blue, and white yarn, Mama and Pop-Pop decorate Hazel’s power wheelchair with sequins and streamers, and Hazel dons disco-ball forearm crutches and matching leg braces, and tight zebra-print socks that keep “wiggly” bones in place. En route to the parade, Hazel and family meet disabled friends and neighbors and learn about their city’s accessibility features. For instance, a dip in the curb enables Mr. and Mrs. Price, who use a wheelchair and a walker, respectively, to access the sidewalk. Audible crossing signals help blind folks like Malik cross the street; bus ramps help not only wheelchair users, but people pushing carts and strollers. At the parade, signs proclaim “Disabled lives matter” and “PROUD TO BE ME, I HAVE AN IEP”—just like Hazel! Marchers use myriad mobility aids, service dogs, and communication devices, wheelchair dancers dance, and a singer signs. “It’s fantabulous to see so many people with different disabilities loving and celebrating with each other!” Matching Nelson’s enthusiastic text, Wiley’s bright, exuberant cut-paper illustrations depict a proud disabled community with an array of skin tones. An author’s note explains that Hazel is based on Nelson’s daughter; discussion questions invite readers to consider whether their own communities are accessible. Hazel, Mama, and Pop-Pop are Black.

Upbeat and informative.