Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability

Adult/High School–Journalist and disability activist Blake was born with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, a rare genetic bone and muscular disorder. In 2019, trolls attempted to silence her solely because of her appearance, but “they just empowered [her] to be more vocal—and go viral in the process.” In her first book, she’s “guided by two words: real and honest,” which also describes her chummy, engaging self-narration. Her quotables among her 13 “truths” are limitless: “Do use the world disabled. I feel respected. I feel seen. I feel valued.” “Disabled people are not burdens.” “Most ‘inspirational’ stories about disability are...dehumanizing and demeaning.” Posting selfies is “a revolutionary act...an act of demanding to be seen.” “People with disabilities deserve love and romance.” “The more I grow to love my body—the more I realize that the words disabled and beautiful totally belong in the same sentence.” “Wheelchairs...Are Freedom.”