Middle-grade readers will be inspired by the true story of gifted artist, author, and disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, and learn that God can use them to achieve amazing things.
 
Joni Eareckson Tada was an adventurous, fun-loving girl until a diving accident changed her life forever. Instantly, Joni was a quadriplegic at the age of 17. However, that didn’t stop her from becoming an accomplished artist, author, and advocate—not just for those with disabilities but for all people seeking a relationship with God.
 
This uplifting story explores how the Lord used Joni’s disability to help others and spread the good news of the gospel through her paintings, books, and ministry. Now Joni wants to pass her legacy on to the next generation, empowering all children with the hopeful message that God can use them to do incredible things too!      
 

“What more significant way can we shape what our children value and aspire to than to set before them people to admire, people worthy of their admiration. That’s what this little book provides for a new generation—a glimpse into the way God has worked in and through Joni’s life in painful but beautiful ways.” 
—Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher and author  

“Having been raised by a disabled father, my family constantly searched for a reason behind it.  Instead of seeking an answer to what seemed to be our plight, we should have been looking for ways to glorify God through it. Joni’s story is just that. Rather than cursing the darkness, se lit a candle and used her situation to minister to others while glorifying her Creator. Joni’s heart posture of servitude and gratitude makes all the difference and is an example for young people everywhere. Her resilience and love for the Lord is evident through her story. This book is a must-read for all children as they prepare to journey through life.”
—Patti Garibay, founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls

Joni and Friends, the ministry started by Joni Eareckson Tada, has committed to reaching and serving people with disabilities with practical help and the saving love of Jesus since 1979.

The Joni and Friends International Disability Center in Agoura Hills, California serves as the administrative hub for ministry programs around the world. With every wheelchair and Bible delivered, every retreat and respite event held, and every church mobilized to integrate and honor people with disabilities, Joni and Friends follows the call of Jesus found in Luke 14:

“Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.… Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full” (Luke 14:21, 23, NIV).

Amélie Videlo is a UK based freelance illustrator whose work has appeared in children’s books, and on toys and decorations. Amélie grew up in France and Mauritius which inspired her love for painting bright and colorful sceneries, rich flora, and friendly animal characters.