The Girl Who Figured It Out: The Inspiring True Story of Wheelchair Athlete Minda Dentler Becoming an Ironman World Champion
Written by Minda Dentler
Illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin
Published by Sourcebooks Explore
Minda Dentler made history when she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the world’s toughest triathlon, using only her arms to finish a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile marathon. But the journey there wasn’t easy. Minda was paralyzed as an infant in India after contracting polio, and was left in the care of an orphanage. After she was adopted by an American family and moved to Washington, she underwent surgeries to enable her to walk with leg braces and crutches.
As she grew, she faced many challenges, but remained undeterred by her disability. Her decision to begin training and competing in triathlons was no different. Despite the obstacles and failures she experienced along the way, Minda’s persistence and determination in the face of setbacks helped her to make sports history and inspire people around the world to rethink what’s possible!
Primary ISBN: 9781728276533
Publication Date: March 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Blog/Memoir, Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Indian/Indian American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Diverse Abilities: Physical, Family Relationship: Adoption, Genre: Biography, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Sports
Setting: India; United States (Spokane WA)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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