Unstoppable: True Stories of Amazing Bionic Animals

by Nancy Furstinger

Overview

Chris P. Bacon was born with malformed legs, but with the help of a wheelchair made of construction toys, he’s become a hero to people with similar challenges.

Nancy Furstinger profiles Chris P. Bacon and many other animals in Unstoppable—all of whom are making their way around with the help of prosthetics, braces, orthotics and wheelchairs! Readers will meet the caretakers, prosthetists, vets, and loving families that help to make recovery possible. Furstinger offers a glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing and brain-controlled prosthetics, that are helping to improve the lives of animals and humans alike.   

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780544879669
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/10/2017
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Nancy Furstinger has been speaking up for animals since she learned to talk, and she hasn't shut up yet. She is the author of nearly 100 books, including many on her favorite topic: animals! She started her writing career in third grade, when her class performed a play she wrote while recovering from chicken pox. Since then, Nancy has been a feature writer for a daily newspaper, a managing editor of trade and consumer magazines, and an editor at two children’s book publishing houses. She shares her home with big dogs, house rabbits, and a chinchilla (all rescued), and volunteers with several animal organizations. Visit her website at www.nancyfurstinger.com

Table of Contents

Introduction 8

Albie, Felix, and Fawn: Finding Strength in their Differences at a Farm Sanctuary 12

Allison: Paddling in New Directions with Her Ninja Suit 26

Brutus: High-Stepping on Four Faux Paws 31

Chhouk: Putting His Best Foot Forward 38

Chris P. Bacon: Hamming it up as an Internet Star 44

Estella: A Rolling Rodent Rocks a Mini-Wheelchair 53

Hudson: Paying it Forward as a Top Therapy Dog 57

Molly: Leaving Smiles Wherever She Goes 62

Mr. Stubbs: Swimming Like an Olympic Champ 68

Tripod: Walking with a New Spring in his Step 76

Vincent: Moving Forward on Titanium Legs 80

The Wizards of Prosthetics 89

A Note from the Author 109

Glossary 112

Bibliography 114

Learn more about the Animals 116

Photo Credits 120

Index 123

Editorial Reviews

"There’s no way a book this adorable will stay on the shelves, which is fitting considering it’s about animals on the move—disabled animals to be exact...Numerous STEM connections, from the prosthetics’ designs, the shared advances between veterinary and human medicine, and a page devoted to low-tech solutions, such as PVC-pipe walkers and a skateboard-scooting tortoise. Inspiring and heartwarming."  —Booklist "This book is sure to appeal to animal lovers and future veterinarians. A must-have for nonfiction shelves." –School Library Journal “…Entertaining and enlightening to read.” –Kirkus —

From the Publisher

10/01/2017
Gr 4–7—Divided into two sections, this book provides examples of animals being helped through the use of prostheses and adaptive devices. The first section, "The Comeback Animals," shares stories of a number of individual creatures, ranging from large (Chouk the elephant) to small (Estella the guinea pig). Descriptions of their physical challenges are juxtaposed with the ways in which they have been fitted with artificial limbs or orthopedic devices to improve their quality of life. The second section, "The Wizards of Prosthetics," focuses on a few of the people who design the technologies that assist these animals. Insight into the devices' conception give mention of STEM-related processes, which may motivate readers to do further research and try some creative problem-solving of their own. The short narratives are heartwarming, expanding on the animals' personalities and sharing a few details about the ways in which their caretakers have made their lives more enjoyable. VERDICT This book is sure to appeal to animal lovers and future veterinarians. A must-have for nonfiction shelves.—Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY

School Library Journal