The Girl Who Figured It Out

By Minda Dentler and Stephanie Dehennin 

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Minda Dentler's website

https://mindadentler.com/

Illustrator Information:

Stephanie Dehennin's website

https://poodlesoup.be/

Activities & Resources:

Polio

What is polio?  Explained for kids

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/polio/390972

Triathlons

What is a triathlon?

https://kids.kiddle.co/Triathlon

Courage and perseverance

Read about courage when swimming: Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (3:32)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfpIivqO3ic

Bicycle craft for kids (4:38)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1suC1kg_RO4

Stretches for kids to get ready for exercise

https://healthpoweredkids.org/lessons/stretch-for-your-best/

Create a medal for a competition (4:25)

https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=93Qi3CoJq9g

Make a card for a kid in the hospital

https://diytodonate.com/making-cards-for-hospitalized-kids/

Create fun signs for someone facing a challenge

https://www.girlsontherun.org/blog/10-5k-signs-that-made-us-smile/

Make decorative bows for a cane, crutches, wheelchair or walker (6:09)

https://www.youtube.com./watch?v=8qScV0yo7GA

Share your story: How to write a personal narrative (5:29)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0uXjL2IdeU

MakerSpace Activities:

Swimming pool STEM activity for kids

https://www.greenkidcrafts.com/pool-stem-activity/

Build a bike

https://www.lesliejohnstone.com/2021/11/steam-building-bikes/

No sew water bottle holder

https://engineermommy.com/2017/diy-no-sew-water-bottle-holder/

Make a sports pennant or flag (1:18)

https://www.youtube.com./watch?v=F6SxXiIoJz4

Discussion Questions:

How does Minda Dentler's journey of self-discovery shape the overall narrative of the book?

What role does Minda's physical disability play in her personal growth and in her interactions with others?

How does Minda's determination influence her approach to challenges in her life?

How does the theme of resilience appear in the book? Can you identify key moments where Minda’s resilience is tested?

What does the title The Girl Who Figured It Out mean in the context of Minda's story?

How does Minda’s experience with polio influence her sense of identity?

How do the relationships in Minda’s life, especially with her family and friends, contribute to her development?

In what ways does Minda challenge societal expectations or stereotypes about disability?

What role does education play in Minda's life, both in terms of her physical therapy and personal growth?

How does Minda handle adversity and setbacks? Can you think of specific examples from the book?

How does Minda's connection to her community impact her journey? Is there a particular moment that stands out?

What role does faith or spirituality play in Minda's understanding of her challenges and successes?

In the book, Minda expresses the importance of perseverance. How does this quality manifest in her career and personal life?

How does Minda's relationship with her parents help her progress? Do you think any of them reflect societal attitudes toward disabilities?

What significance does Minda's love of biking have in the narrative? How does it symbolize her resilience or transformation?

What does Minda's story tell us about overcoming limitations—both physical and mental?

How does Minda use her platform to inspire others with disabilities? What messages does she hope to convey?

What was the most surprising or inspiring part of Minda's journey for you?

How does Minda’s story challenge traditional notions of what it means to be successful or "normal"?

What lessons can readers take from Minda’s experience about dealing with life’s challenges, whether big or small?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for The Girl Who Figured It Out by Minda Dentler and Stephanie Dehennin.

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes: 

Kimmel, Allison Crotzer. Unbeatable Betty. At only sixteen years old, Betty Robinson became the first female gold medalist in track and field in the 1928 Olympics and an overnight sensation. She was set for gold again and had her eyes on the 1932 Olympics. Her plans changed forever when a horrible plane crash left her in a wheelchair, with one leg shorter than the other. But Betty didn't let that stop her. In less than five years, she relearned how to stand, to walk, and finally to run again and try to taste gold once more in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. (NovelList Plus)

Magoon, Kekla. She Persisted: Simone Biles.  Simone Biles was raised by her grandparents and had to overcome many hardships as a child. After trying gymnastics for the first time on a field trip from elementary school, Simone continued with the sport, working hard and reaching professional levels. She persisted in the field and went on to become the most decorated US gymnast of all time. Through it all, she inspired kids everywhere to follow their dreams. (NovelList Plus)

Mazeika, Katie. Annette Feels Free. Tells the incredible true story of "The Original Mermaid" Annette Kellerman, who, after an illness left her reliant on leg braces, was able to dance again in the water, eventually performing water ballets, attempting daring dives, competing in swim races and fighting to wear the swimsuit she created. (NovelList Plus)

Pimentel, Annette Bay.  Girl Running.  The inspiring story of the first female to run the Boston Marathon comes to life in stunningly vivid collage illustrations. Because Bobbi Gibb is a girl, she’s not allowed to run on her school’s track team. But after school, no one can stop her–and she’s free to run endless miles to her heart’s content. She is told no, yet again when she tries to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, because the officials claim that it’s a man’s race and that women are just not capable of running such a long distance. So what does Bobbi do? She bravely sets out to prove the naysayers wrong and show the world just what a girl can do. (NovelList Plus)

Vina, Rose. Ice Breaker. In the 1930's, only white figure skaters were allowed in public ice rinks and to compete for gold medals, but Mabel Fairbanks wouldn't let that stop her. With skates two sizes too big and a heart full of dreams, Mabel beat the odds and broke down color barriers through sheer determination and athletic skill. After skating in ice shows across the nation and helping coach and develop the talents of several Olympic champions, Mabel became the first African-American woman to be inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. (NovelList Plus)

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews (April 15, 2024)

An Indian American polio survivor explains how in 2013 she became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete an Ironman World Championship. Born in a village near Mumbai, Dentler contracted polio before her first birthday; her legs were paralyzed. Unable to afford her care, Dentler’s loving single mother put her up for adoption. Adopted by an American couple, Dentler moved to Spokane, Washington. She endured multiple surgeries, and her adoptive parents encouraged her to achieve seemingly impossible goals, such as learning to walk with crutches and leg braces: “You can do it...Just figure it out.” But classmates sometimes excluded and taunted her because of her mobility aids and dark skin. Undaunted, Dentler grew up to accomplish much, including backpacking solo through Europe and becoming a White House intern. But ultimately, she wanted to be an athlete. After practicing handcycling, she competed in the New York City Marathon and, feeling “unstoppable,” set her sights on triathlons. Dentler tackled difficulties, such as learning to swim and adjusting to a racing wheelchair. She follows disappointments, such as being disqualified at her first Ironman attempt, with refreshingly concrete details of how she trained harder and, above all, believed in herself, punctuated by the refrain: “Just figure it out.” Ultimately, she completed an Ironman in Kona, Hawaii, swimming, biking, and running 140.6 miles. Dehennin depicts Dentler’s endeavors with bright hues and vivid expressions; fluid curves impart a sense of motion. An uplifting ode to persistence. (author’s note, information about polio and wheelchair sports) (Picture-book memoir. 6-8)

Book Trailer