Zion Unmatched

by Zion Clark, James S. Hirsch

Overview

An extraordinary, deeply inspirational photo essay follows elite wheelchair racer, wrestler, America's Got Talent contestant, and Netflix documentary star Zion Clark.

This stunning photographic essay showcases Zion Clark’s ferocious athleticism and undaunted spirit. Cowritten by New York Times best-selling journalist James S. Hirsch, this book features striking, visually arresting images and an approachable and engaging text, including pieces of advice that have motivated Zion toward excellence and passages from Zion himself. Explore Zion’s journey from a childhood lost in the foster care system to his hard-fought rise as a high school wrestler to his current rigorous training to prepare as an elite athlete on the world stage. Included are a biography and a note from Zion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536224184
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	08/03/2021
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	516,712
Product dimensions:	9.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Zion Clark is an elite athlete, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. He lives in Los Angeles.

James S. Hirsch is a New York Times best-selling author of several books, including Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter, as well as Riot and Remembrance: The Tulsa Race Massacre and Its Legacy and Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend. He lives outside of Boston.

Editorial Reviews

10/11/2021

“Consider me Jim Thorpe without legs, with the passion of Malcolm X and the backbeat of Louis Armstrong,” reads a bold early spot quote in this largely visual, mostly autobiographical profile of Zion Clark (b. 1997), a Black wrestler and seated racer—and “musical prodigy”—born without legs who hopes to become “the first American man to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics.” After Clark and Hirsch reveal Clark’s challenges, including abuse and neglect in Ohio’s foster care system from infancy until he was adopted at 17 and “the dual stigma of Blackness and disability,” quotes from loved ones, coaches, and Clark himself are highlighted in graphic capitalized letters, skillfully layered over energetic full-color photographs of Clark both in action and at rest. Though Clark’s journey lacks enough detail here to transcend its magazine feature style, young readers will appreciate his incontestable tenacity and drive. Ages 8–12. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

Completely inspirational. . . A moving read, no matter one’s ability, identity, or circumstances.
—Booklist

Clark, who was born without legs, presents snapshots of his journey from foster child to talented athlete. . . . Accenting the photos, bold, uppercase quotes from family members and coaches affirm his talent and determination.
—Kirkus Reviews

This photo-based picture book will inspire readers to persevere as they follow along through Zion Clark’s unique life journey. . . an excellent addition for any school libraries looking for titles to promote student wellness and mental health or those looking for titles about admirable athletes.
—School Library Connection

Zion inspires you to go against your fears. If you have any fears, just continue, because if Zion can do it, so can you.
—Anderson Silva, mixed martial arts champion who holds the longest title reign in Ultimate Fighting Championship history

Clark has documented his journey in a new book, Zion Unmatched. It captures his life as an elite athlete in words and photos. With a calendar booked with practices, more upcoming book projects, and training for the Paralympics, Clark is hoping his story and accomplishments will help others feel moved to achieve their goals.
—The Week Jr.

From the Publisher

10/01/2021

Gr 2–4—A visual and motivational picture book autobiography. Zion Clark was born without legs, given up by his mother, and forced to face neglect in the foster care system. He went on to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics. Full-page color photographs with first-person captions show Clark working out, competing in wrestling and track, and bonding with his adoptive family. Bold-face quotes from Clark's coaches and foster parents portray him as a motivational figure. Readers will be left hoping for more specific information about Zion's disability and journey. A positive and uplifting look at overcoming adversity, Clark's autobiography could use more depth. VERDICT An uplifting autobiography from an athlete without legs. Consider as a general purchase for large collections.—Emily Bayci-Mroczek, Naperville P.L., IL

School Library Journal

2021-06-16
Clark, who was born without legs, presents snapshots of his journey from foster child to talented athlete.

After being given up at birth, Clark experienced abuse and neglect in foster care. Fortunately, at 17, he was adopted. His adoptive mother, “a woman of great faith,” encouraged him to succeed: “If they’re going to look at you, make sure they remember your name.” And succeed he did, becoming an elite high school wrestler and an Ohio state champion in seated racing. Vivid color photos depict Clark wrestling nondisabled opponents and racing via wheelchair and handcycle. Accenting the photos, bold, uppercase quotes from family members and coaches affirm his talent and determination. An early foster mother encourages him to “fly.” His high school track coach remarks, “After coaching Zion, I no longer have any excuses in my life”—a sentiment echoed by the stark “NO EXCUSES” tattoo spanning Clark’s shoulders. Though readers will appreciate Clark’s advice to “work with what you got,” his clichéd suggestion that “you just have to follow your dreams” falls flat; kids may find themselves wanting more information. How did he adapt his wrestling technique? How did he cope with the “dual stigma of Blackness and disability”? Without concrete examples, readers struggling with similar challenges may find his assertion that “if I can do it, so can you” frustrating rather than inspiring.

An optimistic if somewhat superficial tale of persevering and thriving with a disability. (Picture book/memoir. 8-10)

Kirkus Reviews