The Courage to Compete

June 15, 2015
Curran, Miss Iowa 2008, tells how she became the first major pageant contestant with a disability. Growing up in a close-knit Illinois farm family, Curran always wanted to enter beauty pageants. However, cerebral palsy caused her to limp, which caused teasing that eroded her confidence-but not for long. Curran cheerfully describes growing up with leg braces and doting grandparents as well as tough love, then traces a rambling road to competing in the Miss USA pageant, founding her Miss You Can Do It pageant for girls with disabilities, and entering nursing school. Exciting events pass with little scenery-the pageants themselves, TV appearances, and even an interview by John Hockenberry. Unfortunately, because Curran touches on people and events so quickly, some comments come off as patronizing or glib-as if all discouragement vanished easily, a wheelchair signified "a helpless invalid," or a trailer were shameful. However, these comments fade in a whirl of pageant butterflies, wardrobe malfunctions, and the challenge of walking in heels, which Curran handles with aplomb. Debunking myths about pageant participants, she praises the sisterhood she found and the hope pageants give "[her] girls," a happy ending to a tale of accomplishment. Though Curran's account of faith and perseverance is somewhat unfocused, readers will appreciate her overarching point: "discover what makes you happy, and then act on what you've learned." (Memoir. 11-18)

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July 1, 2015

Gr 7 Up-This uplifting memoir about a young woman living with cerebral palsy who competed in the Miss USA pageant is sure to inspire readers. Abbey was diagnosed at age two. She experienced teasing and bullying from classmates and strangers alike. Well aware of how other people perceived her, Abbey often looked to God for help. Her family was largely supportive, and she felt confident in their love. At 16, Abbey decided to take part in a local beauty competition, the Miss Henry County pageant. Though she was initially anxious, she excelled, finishing in the top 10. With her family's encouragement, she decided to organize her own beauty contest, the Miss You Can Do It Pageant, for girls and women with special needs. Abbey later went on to win Miss Iowa 2008 and to compete in Miss USA. She comes across as positive and hopeful, and her tone is breezy and enthusiastic ("I was just beside myself. I did it! I had made the Top Ten!!! Amazing!!!"). The teenager is honest about her struggles, from wearing leg braces to coping with her parents' divorce. She exudes hope, confidence, determination, and bravery. VERDICT Adolescents will be motivated to pursue their own dreams after reading this stirring title.-Jess Gafkowitz, New York Public Library

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August 1, 2015
Grades 4-7 Curran made history at age 20 when she became the first person with a disability to win a major beauty pageant. Curran was born with cerebral palsy, and though it has been a source of embarrassment and suffering for her throughout her life, she also credits her disability with helping her to develop the backbone and tenacity needed to silence doubters. Though often feeling isolated and misunderstood because of her disability, Curran credits the solid support of her family for teaching her not to fear failure. Curran writes with a warmth and enthusiasm that, though sometimes lacking polish, give the reader a feel for her charm and gumption. Miss USA opened doors for her, but Curran's true passion is for the Miss You Can Do It Pageant, which she started while a sophomore in high school. This pageant for young women with disabilities is built on the motto I'll try (words of wisdom from a former Miss America winner). Curran's story will inspire readers to follow their dreams.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)