Rewriting the Rules is an incredibly powerful true story about the life of Dr. Kathleen Friel, a renowned scientist, who was born with cerebral palsy and overcame all the odds against her to reach her goals, prove the nay-sayers wrong, and make an incredible impact in her field and in the lives of others with cerebral palsy. Her story of resilience is truly inspirational and her impact and new groundbreaking science/therapies have changed many lives for the better. What an amazing story and a great reminder that no one should ever be underestimated or told they can’t do something. In addition to her amazing story, the book was also beautifully illustrated. A must read for children and adults alike! Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.

An inspiring and powerful true story, Rewrite the Rules celebrates resilience, inclusion, and the strength of the human spirit. Through the life of Dr. Kathleen Friel—who was born with cerebral palsy and went on to become a scientist helping others like her—this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages kids to embrace differences and believe in the power of perseverance. With meaningful SEL and STEM elements woven throughout, it’s a must-have for classrooms and home libraries alike. A short read, but full of heart and hope.

This is probably the most beautiful picture book for children on disability and women in science that I have ever read. Kathleen Friel is a brave, talented, an inspirational woman, and her story is incredibly riveting. Beautiful textured illustrations look like paper cut-outs. I really loved all of the details around how she learned to do even the smallest of physical movements (picking up a cheerio) in her own way. She found new ways to live her life, and THEN she found new ways to look at the science around cerebral palsy. Then she was able to develop groundbreaking new therapies for children!

The book made me teary in parts--particularly the way her parents tirelessly and compassionately advocated for her, showing her how to advocate articulately for herself as she got older. This is such an amazing book for children, and Danna Zieger did such a phenomenal job writing the story.

What a fascinating look at a brilliant, resilient woman! Dr. Kathleen Friel was born with cerebral palsy, but that never stopped her from figuring out how to do the same things as everyone else — just in her own unique way. This book follows Kathleen through a childhood of both struggles and triumphs, as well as through the start of her scientific career. Just as she had in her childhood, Dr. Friel discovered a new way of thinking about cerebral palsy: if new brain connections can be formed, why can't this apply to people with CP and brain disabilities?

I'd never heard of Dr. Friel before reading this book, but what luck to now know her story! 'Rewriting the Rules' is also adorably illustrated, perfect for engaging the reader with Dr. Friel's life. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rewriting the Rules, a story about Kathleen Friel and her life's mission to find success and help others with cerebral palsy just like her. Her inspiring story comes alive through the pages along with the beautiful illustrations on how strength and determination will always prevail.

Amazing book on Kathleen Friel. I had never heard of this scientist before and Danna does a wonderful job of introducing us to this pioneer in brain research. Dr.Friel has cerebral palsy yet despite her diagnosis as a young child, she never let this stop her. This book is filled with not only information but hope and the power of perseverance and never giving up. What I found beautiful is that Dr.Friel was Danna’s mentor! I highly recommend this book for every classroom as it can be used to teach so many different things! I’m excited to see it out in September!

I LOVE this book!! It is a beautiful, inspiring story about overcoming all odds. It’s soo important for children to see themselves in books as well as learn about others who are different from them. This book provides a true reflection of a person living with cerebral palsy and the struggles they have to overcome daily. This will be a great addition for my classroom library.

WOW—Rewriting the Rules is an absolutely stunning and inspiring read! 💫 This true story about Dr. Kathleen Friel had me hooked from the first page. Her life, her work, and her determination to push boundaries in brain research and disability advocacy? Truly next-level.

The writing is lyrical and engaging, the illustrations are vibrant and full of energy, and Dr. Friel’s passion radiates off the page. This picture book is more than just a biography—it’s a beautiful reminder that no matter the obstacles, we all have something powerful to offer the world.

The back matter is fantastic (yes to more disability history in kidlit!), and I’m so glad young readers will get to learn about this incredible woman who’s changing the world for people with cerebral palsy—and beyond. Highly, highly recommen

This is such an inspiring and uplifting true story about the power of never giving up and rewriting the rules! Kathleen Friel was born with cerebral palsy and faced many challenges - but that didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. With the love and support of her family, Kathleen went on to become a scientist, studying brain injuries and earning her doctorate degree. In her lab, she helps children with cerebral palsy write their own rules - using therapies that she’s developed. The author’s special connection to Dr. Friel makes this picture book even more remarkable. Filled with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and SEL (social emotional learning ) components, this important book should be in every classroom, school library, and home collection.

This is such a wonderful, inspiring story about not accepting limitations people may put on you. When Kathleen Friel was little, her parents took her to the doctor to find out why she was having trouble doing some things. The doctor said she had cerebral palsy so she wouldn't be able to do much. So they took her to a different doctor!
Her new doctor said to let her do anything she wanted, and so she did. She not only accomplished great things, she learned to help other kids who may not realize how much potential they have. Instead of accepting her limitations, Dr Friel used her experience to break boundaries.

This is such an amazing and inspiring story, and I give so much credit to the author for choosing Kathleen Friel's story as the main focus of this book. The whole time I was reading this book and thinking "this book is going to be so, so special to kids with cerebral palsy". I can't stress enough how important it is for kids to see people like them in the books that they read, whether the people are fictional or real. However, the fact that this book puts the spotlight on a real story and a real person increases the impact immensely and makes for an all-around better book. Lastly, while I thought that this story might have been a little long, it was written in such a way that holds the reader's attention the entire time, which is impressive, and there is so much packed into this book so that there is never a dull moment. This book is a total gem, so bravo!

WOW, what a gorgeous, inspiring, true story lies between the covers of REWRITING THE RULES: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability. Dr. Friel has led an amazing and important-to-the-world life and I’m so glad it will now be shared with everyone, thanks to this beautiful picture book. The author’s tight, lyrical writing and the illustrator’s vibrant pictures are a great combination. Dr. Friel’s personality and perseverance leap off the page. A true gateway to understanding how much everyone has to offer, no matter what roadblocks might be in the way. Excellent back matter, as well. Highly recommended!

This well-researched book, written by a protegee of Kathleen Friel, is warm, personalized, and very interesting. I was intrigued to learn that the author knows Dr. Friel well, and it is evident in how caring and joyful she is portrayed. I loved learning how Kathleen made do with her limitations as a child, and figured out knacks to be successful. There's more than one way to skin a cat, as she demonstrates!

I highly recommend this wonderfully informative biography for schools, libraries, and physical therapy or pediatricians' offices.

This biography is inspiring and will serve as a perfect positive role model for my advocacy unit. I’m trying to collect books to teach disability history and this woman has done amazing things in science for people with cerebral palsy.