Rewriting the Rules

How Dr. Kathleen Friel

Created New Possibilities

for Brain Research and Disability

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Millbrook Press / Lerner Books

pub. 9.9.2025

32 pages

Ages 6 - 10

Author: Danna Zeiger

   Illustrator: Josee Bisaillon

Character: Kathleen Friel

Overview:

"When Kathleen Friel was young, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and a doctor told her parents all the things she'd never be able to do.

They left his office for good and found a new doctor. 

As Kathleen grew up, she found her own methods to tackle tricky tasks and make her way through the world. After becoming fascinated by science, she went on to earn a PhD, investigating how injured brains can build new connections. She now runs her own lab, developing new techniques to help others with cerebral palsy."

Tantalizing taste:

"The world is full of limitations,

but as Kathleen discovered,

there are many ways to wish on dandelion wisps.

Kathleen just had to find her own."

And something more: Danna Zeiger in the Author's Note explains: "Kathleen has taught me a lot of complicated scientific concepts and techniques over the years. However, the most valuable lesson she taught me, which I hope readers glean from this book, is this: People who think or move differently 'have so such to offer!'"