Award-winning author Annette’s book “All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything” narrates the impactful real-life story of eight-year-old Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins who was born with cerebral palsy and captured the nation’s attention through her demonstration supporting the Americans With Disabilities Act. This amazing picture book helps kids to learn about the importance of this act and has received many awards including the 2021 Schneider Family Book Award, the Junior Library Guild Selection and CCBC Choices title. Annette’s other books include Mountain Chef and Girl Running.

Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything”?A: I write about people who nudge the world in new directions. In 2018, I was looking for a new book topic and thought about how much the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) had changed the world around me. When I was a girl, sidewalks didn't have curb cuts, TV shows didn't offer close captioning, and kids with disabilities weren't allowed to attend school with me. Thanks to the ADA, my children had grown up in an entirely different world. I wanted to write about how the ADA came to be law. As I researched, I discovered the story of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. I was dazzled to find a story about a child activist and knew her story would make a compelling book.

How has writing this book been a different experience than your other prominent work?A: I didn't feel like Jennifer's story was mine to tell. So I reached out to her and asked if she'd like to work with me to make it into a book. It was a pleasure to work so closely with the subject of my book. Whenever I had a question or wondered about something, I could call her and ask! She wrote the foreword to the book and speaks to children and other groups about the book and about her life.

Who can benefit from reading this book?A: Kids who are interested in using their voices to make the world a better place will find a kindred spirit in Jennifer! We hope the story gives them courage to speak up for what they know is right.

What is your most memorable writing project and why?A: I love telling true stories and doing all sorts of research. On this book, as well as my other books, I've been surprised at how helpful historical photographs are in doing my research. They really help me get the details right.
It was a total thrill when All the Way to the Top was awarded a Schneider Honor from the American Library Association for its depiction of the disability experience. Jennifer and I were both invited to speak at the ALA conference. I still am pinching myself that it happened!

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?A: Jennifer's mom took her to demonstrations and planning meetings and encouraged her to speak up when she saw injustices. Children's voices matter!