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“For young readers who are looking for hope in the face of adversity but are uninterested in sappy, sorrowful tales, hand them this autobiography of musician and recording artist Precious Perez…Perez finds little need in romanticizing her hardships, instead focusing on the power of her accomplishments and the inroads she’s made for other disabled musicians…A straightforward, no-nonsense biography that is nonetheless the triumphant story of a young person’s success.”

– School Library Journal

Vision: My Story of Strength (I, Witness)

Written by Precious Perez
Published by Norton Young Readers

A young activist opens a window into her journey to become a professional musician and leader for the disabled community.

Ever since Precious Perez was a child, she has loved to sing. Born and raised outside Boston, her family joked that she’d eventually study at Berklee College of Music. But when a high school music teacher advocated for Precious’s talent, her dream became a reality.

Precious was born two-and-a-half months premature and weighed just one pound. Her eyes did not develop fully, and she is blind. Growing up, most people focused on what Precious could not do because of her disability. With her teacher’s support, Precious realized all the things she could do with her disability—starting with attending Berklee.

With a voice that is both accessible and engaging, Vision brings forward an empowering first-person account of a woman finding strength and purpose in her disability. The I, Witness series delivers compelling narrative nonfiction by young people, for young people.

Primary ISBN: 9781324052296
Publication Date: August 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Memoir, Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Boston MA)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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