Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens

Marieke Nijkamp

Sep 2018 · Sold by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

About this ebook

This anthology explores disability in fictional tales told from the viewpoint of disabled characters, written by disabled creators. With stories in various genres about first loves, friendship, war, travel, and more, Unbroken will offer today's teen readers a glimpse into the lives of disabled people in the past, present, and future.

The contributing authors are awardwinners, bestsellers, and newcomers including Kody Keplinger, Kristine Wyllys, Francisco X. Stork, William Alexander, Corinne Duyvis, Marieke Nijkamp, Dhonielle Clayton, Heidi Heilig, Katherine Locke, Karuna Riazi, Kayla Whaley, Keah Brown, and Fox Benwell. Each author identifies as disabled along a physical, mental, or neurodiverse axis—and their characters reflect this diversity.

Ratings and reviews

OVERALL: 3.5 stars — You know, this was a pretty successful anthology! I find there are always a few gems, and then a few that just don’t hit. In this one, the ones that didn’t hit were mostly just not a match for me. I also really loved the breadth of disabilities/mental health covered. THE LONG ROAD by Heidi Heilig: 3.75 stars — Totally not what I was expecting. But for a short story it captured my attention, had some great emotions and imagery…it was just more vague than I usually like. BRITT AND THE BIKE GOD by Kody Keplinger 4.5 stars — Super freaking cute, everything I was hoping. Loved learning about tandem bike riding, and reading the perspective of someone losing their sight. But mostly Britt and Andre were just too cute for words. THE LEAP AND THE FALL by Kayla Whaley 3 stars — I think this one confused me…I did not expect the direction it went. It had great atmosphere, but I prefer things more spelled out and less cerebral. PER ASPERA AD ASTRA by Katherine Locke 4.5 stars — I really felt for Lizzie, and thought how her anxiety was portrayed was realistic and easy to follow. Loved Ros, loved how he was able to help her focus on just one thing. FOUND OBJECTS by William Alexander 3.75 stars — There were beautiful bits that I loved, especially the perspective of things people do and have no idea how annoying and hurtful. But the addressing “you” part was super hard to get used to, and it left me wanting more. Also, the powers are mostly just eluded to, and it left me feeling incomplete. PLUS ONE by Karuna Riazi 2.5 stars — I…am just not one for ambiguity, for literary stuff. I have no idea what It was. A mental illness? And in the end I don’t think I followed Hafsah’s journey as a result. On the other hand I did enjoy learning about the Hajj and other things that I only vaguely know about. THE DAY THE DRAGON CAME by Marieke Nijkamp 3.5 stars — Took a bit to get into it, but kind of a cute love story with two lost souls/misfits finding one another. CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN by Francisco X. Stork 3.25 stars — Another story that doesn’t really explain everything, not my favourite style. A developmental disability, but also felt schizophrenic or autistic? In the end it was an interesting concept, and I enjoyed parts of how it was represented, but I needed more resolution. DEAR NORA JAMES, YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT LOVE by Dhonielle Clayton 4 stars — Another story that ended without any resolution… it’s like we’re just getting a glimpse into her life. And yet, I connected with Nora so much with her IBS/stomach disorder. All the anxiety and the embarrassment, it just hit me hard. I can’t imagine what it would be like if mine was as chronic as Nora’s. And even though she didn’t think so, Marcus was adorable. A PLAY IN MANY PARTS by Fox Benwell 2.5 stars — Eh, not my thing. It mostly left me confused, I didn’t follow it. But I like straightforward. BALLAD OF WEARY DAUGHTERS by Kristine Wyllys 4.25 stars — Wow, that one was quiet but affecting. It was slow at first, but River’s emotions really got to me. The description of the craziness of trying to find the right combo of meds… just perfect. MOTHER NATURE’S YOUNGEST DAUGHTER by Keah Brown 3.75 stars — Fun world, was not expecting it. I loved that the story showcased that the disability wasn’t the only reason there is bullying. Wasn’t completely okay with the revenge thing and being praised for it. A CURSE, A KINDNESS by Corinne Duyvis 4.5 stars — What a perfect story to end on! I seriously have goosebumps and happy butterflies in my tummy. a) the concept is so unique and intriguing! b) I really ended up feeling for Sienna, and it was interesting being in the head of someone autistic. c) Mia was cute and awkward, and I just really loved how thoughtful and genuine she was. And then OMG the two together?? Love love love.

It's a interesting book

About the author

Marieke Nijkamp is the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of This Is Where It Ends. She is a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, and geek. She currently resides in her home country, the Netherlands.