This Kid Can Fly: It's About Ability (NOT Disability)

"At once beautiful and heartbreaking, Aaron Philip found a way to make me laugh even as I choked up, found a way to bring on my empathy without ever allowing me to feel sorry for him. An eye-opening debut." —Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winner and Newbery Honor author of Brown Girl Dreaming

In this heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting memoir, Aaron Philip, a fourteen-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, shows how he isn't defined so much by his disability as he is by his abilities.

Written with award-winning author Tonya Bolden, This Kid Can Fly chronicles Aaron's extraordinary journey from happy baby in Antigua to confident teen artist in New York City. His honest, often funny stories of triumph—despite physical difficulties, poverty, and other challenges—are as inspiring as they are eye-opening.

Includes photos and original illustrations from Aaron's personal collection.

How does a boy who can’t walk learn to fly?

• Inspirational Memoir: Follow Aaron’s incredible journey from his early years in Antigua to becoming a confident teen artist and activist in New York City.
• Disability Awareness: An honest, funny, and eye-opening account of life with cerebral palsy that focuses on ability, creativity, and fighting for accessibility.
• A Coming of Age Story: From finding his voice on his Tumblr blog to facing homelessness, Aaron shares his story of growing up, making friends, and discovering his own power.
• The Power of Community: Meet the community of “Angels”—friends, family, and mentors—who rallied around Aaron to help him overcome enormous challenges, from poverty to major surgery.

“At thirteen years old, Aaron has written a memoir that manages to tell the real story of being not only significantly disabled, but also of being a new immigrant to this country, the child of brave, hard-working parents, of being poor but also hopeful and passionate about a brighter future. This book will inspire many children to work a little harder and dream a little bigger. It inspired me.” - Cammie McGovern, author of Say What You Will

“Following Aaron’s journey as he overcame countless adversities with endless humor and positivity was nothing short of awe-inspiring. I am delighted to know the world will get to read his story.” - Shane Burcaw, author of Laughing at My Nightmare

“This story of how a boy with cerebral palsy and his family navigate an indifferent social system is proof that the human spirit has no boundaries.” - Sonia Manzano, Sesame Street actor and author of Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx

“This book will inspire many children to work a little harder and dream a little bigger. It inspired me.” - Cammie McGovern, author of Say What You Will

“This inspiring glimpse into the life of a real kid goes beyond disability to celebrate his remarkable ability.” - Booklist

“Philip’s simple, chatty account of both physical and societal challenges...will motivate readers with and without disabilities to support accessibility and inclusion.” - Kirkus Reviews

“In an enlightening and candid memoir, Philip recalls his early childhood years, when he moved from Antigua to New York City to seek medical attention for cerebral palsy. Now 14, he shares memories . . . that are honest, raw, and devoid of self-pity.” - Publishers Weekly