Knockin’ On Wood

Barasch, Lynne. Knockin’ On Wood. Lee & Loo Books, 2004.

This children’s book, Knockin’ On Wood, is a biography about a legendary tap dancer of the twentieth century known as Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates. When Clayton was a young boy, he loved dancing. Unfortunately, he lost his left leg in a factory accident when he was 12 years old, so no one thought he would ever be able to walk again, let alone dance again. However, Clayton would not let this physical disability keep him down because he knew he still had his musical spirit inside him. He first starting dancing using crutches, and then he used a peg leg. Soon enough, his peg leg was able to match the same dancing abilities of his right leg. The misfortune that he felt before turned into triumph, and set out an example by being an inspiration to everyone he met.

At first this book did not occur to me as being one to deal with disabilities. However, as I continued on with the story, I realized that this book could explain to children how someone can become disabled once they are faced with certain circumstances, such as Clayton’s accident. Children need to understand that not every child with a disability is born that way, even though at most times this is the case. I thought that this story had a very positive message because Clayton never gave up on what he loved to do most, dance. No matter what, he did not let his disability get in the way because that was not as important to him as dancing was. This story shows children that even people with disabilities can become successful once they have enough motivation and will power to do it. Once the misconceptions that people who are physically disabled are “unable” to be active, then everyone can look up to them for being role models.

I also think that this book has a lot of potential for being a positive portrayal for people with disabilities because the character is also African American (even more diversity). Both of these topics are underrepresented in children’s literature, so I think that this book is a plus that it represents both. This story is also a biography, so children also get history out of this book as well. A final photograph of Bates in action is complemented by his words: "Don’t look at me in sympathy,/I’m glad that I’m this way./I feel good, knockin’ on wood."