I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Tyndale House Publishers on April 3, 2018
Source: Tyndale
Genres: Christian, Emotions & Feelings, Friendship, Religious, Social Themes, Special Needs, Young Adult
Pages: 32
When Marcus moved next door to John, they knew instantly they'd be friends. Now John and Marcus do almost everything together. They go on lots of adventures, with Marcus pushing John's wheelchair and John fueling their escapades with jokes. Through their friendship, the boys discover that their unique gifts make them stronger together.
Based on the friendship of real-life best friends Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, The Push teaches kids that people of all abilities have important roles to play and that we're all better together than we are on our own.
This book is a wonderful tale of friendship that is actually based on the real-life friendship of the authors, Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck. They have a book for adults called I’ll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair.
My girls are in physical therapy for a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. We frequently see children in wheelchairs at therapy and thank God my girls don’t see a disability. They just see someone to talk to and to make friends with.
But, many children are not exposed to children (or adults) with disabilities. This book illustrates a beautiful friendship between two boys—one of which is in a wheelchair. Children need this exposure. They need to see that we are all people who deserve love and respect.
The kids loved this book so much. Two of my most tender-hearted girls cried when we read this book the first time. They ask to read it often.
This book is perfect to start teaching compassion to your children ages 5-9. Although I will say, I might have had a few tears in my eyes myself as I read this book aloud to the girls.
About Patrick Gray & Justin Skeesuck
Born in the same small town just a few days apart, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray have been blessed with a unique relationship. Their childhood adventures and shared interests make for many moments of laughter, joy, and shared memories. At fifteen years of age, a car accident triggered a dormant disease in Justin’s body resulting in a life lived in a wheelchair.
Though life led Justin and Patrick down different paths and to colleges a thousand miles apart, their childhood friendship has not only survived, but has thrived in their adult years. This relationship has been put to the test by distance, time apart, and Justin’s progressive neuromuscular disease, but the two grow closer with each passing year and each new adventure.
In 2014, these lifelong friends did the impossible—together they tackled a 500-mile pilgrimage through Spain known as the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James. While most people attempt this epic journey on foot, Justin traveled the entire distance in his wheelchair, pushed by Patrick (and others). As Patrick physically pushed Justin over mountains, through deserts, and across fields, Justin pushed Patrick, mentally and emotionally, beyond fear and insecurity, into a whole new world of joy and freedom. Their journey is a brilliant metaphor for the lives they have been blessed to live. Just as neither could have accomplished the rigorous trek on his own, their successes in life are largely attributed to the way they have pushed each other, and the way they have allowed others to push them.
Now they work together, sharing unapologetic words of hope and faith through their writing and speaking, as they share the message that we can achieve more together.
Both men love music, road trips, and driving their wives crazy.
Justin lives in Eagle, Idaho, with his wife, Kirstin, and their three children: Jaden, Noah, and Lauren.
Patrick lives in nearby Meridian, Idaho, with his wife Donna, and their three children: Cambria, Joshua, and Olivia.
Learn more at pushinc.us
Wow! I can’t wait to check it out!! ((Also, I love your review and your blog format!!))
Aww, thank you! <3 That means a lot!
Incredibly inspiring of the authors’ as well.
Yes! I would love to read the book meant for adults :-)