Willie has suffered from cerebral palsy his entire life. When he was young he was challenged with being accepted by other children as their equal because they either didn’t understand his disability or were afraid he would get hurt playing with them. He learned to cope, mostly by showing them in many ways he was their equal on the playground.
Barry Kienzle is an award-winning author who has written two historical fiction novels, The Crossings, and The Indian, and who also worked with Willie and Brenda Burton on their memoir, Heart of a Lion. He decided to venture into writing this children’s book based on the stories Willie told him about the difficulties handicapped children have being accepted by other children even on the playground. You can learn more about Barry and his writings by visiting www.barrykbooks.com.
Willie Burton is a cerebral palsy survivor. He became well-known nationally when he wrestled for four years at Fairdale High School near Louisville, Kentucky. He lost every match but one, which he won on Senior Night. His story was told by ESPN when they produced an E:60 documentary, WILLPower, broadcasted nationally. He and his mother, Brenda, also told their story in their memoir, Heart of a Lion—Our Journey of Faith and Courage, written with Barry Kienzle. Visit www.willieburton-ky.com for more information on Willie’s life.