Knockin' on Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates

A parent would reach for this book when their child is grappling with a physical limitation, feeling 'different' from peers, or needs to see a real-world example of how a devastating setback can be transformed into a unique strength. This inspiring biography follows Clayton Bates, an African American boy who lost his leg in a factory accident in 1919. Instead of giving up on his love of dance, he fashioned a wooden peg leg and invented a rhythmic style that eventually led him to the stages of Broadway and television. It is a powerful narrative about resilience and identity for children aged 6 to 10. You might choose this book to help your child understand that their body's capabilities do not define their potential, while also introducing a significant figure in Black history and the performing arts.