Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability

by Danna Zeiger

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.


This is the incredible story of how a determined scientist rewrote the rules and followed her dreams.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

DANNA ZEIGER, Ph.D. is a former biology professor and researcher who enjoys finding ways to make STEM accessible. After rewriting her own rules, Danna is now a homeschooling mama and passionate children’s book author. As a young scientist, she was lucky to be mentored by the master rule-rewriter and subject of this book, Dr. Kathleen Friel. Danna lives in Massachusetts with her husband, three curious children, two pet chickens, and a bookcase always filled with the maximum number of checked-out library books. Rewriting the Rules is her debut book, and it has earned a starred review from School Library Journal. Learn more about Danna, her books, and her love of all things science at www.dannazeiger.com.

Reviews

[Elizabeth E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring true story about Dr. Kathleen Friel who refused to let cerebral palsy limit her. Perfect for budding scientists and anyone advocating for themselves or others.

[Delia Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was about Kathleen and how she lived with her cerebral palsy. It talked how people saw her, how people reacted, how she reacted, what she accomplished, and what she continues to do. This would help a child to see themselves or be more aware of someone who has a disability. It's short but has a lot of good information in it. Thanks Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this in exchange for a honest review.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and inspiring story. My kids and I absolutely love this book!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I can!
A life story for overcomers and for those who need to learn about Differently Abled persons.
If you take away nothing else from the life of Dr Friel, know this: "people who think or move differently have so much to offer"
The illustrations by Canadian artist Josee Bisaillon are fairly simple, imaginative, and FUN in bright colors.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Lerner Publishing Group | Millbrook Press ™ via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 09, 2025 Five star review #goodreads #bookbub
#RewritingtheRules a bio of @kathleen.friel by Danna Zeiger @drzathome and illustrated by @joseebisaillon @lernerbooks @millbrookpress @steamteambooks #cerebralpalsy #Possibilities #BrainResearch #Disabilities #determination #scientist #physicaltherapies #advocating #overcoming #biography #medicalresearch #STEMinist #kidlit #illustrated #perseverance
@childrensbookcouncil #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #indiebookstoresca #thriftbooks

[Christine Gustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughters and I read this aloud and we loved it! Beautiful illustrations and inspiring story! I think this book is a great way to raise awareness and inspire kids.

Age recommendation: elementary age and anyone else that enjoys reading inspiring stories about others overcoming.

Huge thanks for the published and NetGalley for allowing me to read an eARC of this book!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful book for children who have celebral palsy and those who know others with it. It does a great job explaining it in terms they can understand.

Would definitely recommend this book.

[Hilary Margitich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the most beautiful picture book for children on disability and women in science that I have ever read. Kathleen Friel is a brave, talented, an inspirational woman, and her story is incredibly riveting. Beautiful textured illustrations look like paper cut-outs. I really loved all of the details around how she learned to do even the smallest of physical movements (picking up a cheerio) in her own way. She found new ways to live her life, and THEN she found new ways to look at the science around cerebral palsy. Then she was able to develop groundbreaking new therapies for children!

The book made me teary in parts--particularly the way her parents tirelessly and compassionately advocated for her, showing her how to advocate articulately for herself as she got older. This is such an amazing book for children, and Danna Zieger did such a phenomenal job writing the story.

[Nerdie Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book on Kathleen Friel. I had never heard of this scientist before and Danna does a wonderful job of introducing us to this pioneer in brain research. Dr.Friel has cerebral palsy yet despite her diagnosis as a young child, she never let this stop her. This book is filled with not only information but hope and the power of perseverance and never giving up. What I found beautiful is that Dr.Friel was Danna’s mentor! I highly recommend this book for every classroom as it can be used to teach so many different things! I’m excited to see it out in September!

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing and inspiring story, and I give so much credit to the author for choosing Kathleen Friel's story as the main focus of this book. The whole time I was reading this book and thinking "this book is going to be so, so special to kids with cerebral palsy". I can't stress enough how important it is for kids to see people like them in the books that they read, whether the people are fictional or real. However, the fact that this book puts the spotlight on a real story and a real person increases the impact immensely and makes for an all-around better book. Lastly, while I thought that this story might have been a little long, it was written in such a way that holds the reader's attention the entire time, which is impressive, and there is so much packed into this book so that there is never a dull moment. This book is a total gem, so bravo!

[Krista Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...there are many ways to wish on dandelion wisps. Kathleen just had to find her own."

This perfectly wraps up the theme of this beautiful story.
A brave, strong-willed girl who was looked down upon by classmates and even by the doctors that were supposed to help her, figures out her own unique ways of dealing with life's situations.

Born with cerebral palsy, Kathleen Friel had to do things differently than others. With determination and grit, she eventually earned her PhD and later began working with children affected with brain injuries, offering hope for their futures.

[Rachel S · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a parent of a child with Cerebral Palsy, I was very interested to read this book. I don't remember hearing about Dr. Friel, although I might have after many hours of research and I enjoyed learning more about her story of growing up with Cerebral Palsy and pursuing a career in research to advocate for herself and others with Cerebral Palsy.

What I liked: From the beginning, I loved seeing that Kathleen found her own way to do things. I see my daughter do the exact same. It seems those with physical challenges are really good at figuring other ways to do things when they're motivated to do so. I like making this more normalized among people with physical challenges and those without. There isn't just one way to do things.

Things to note: I'm not sure I would read this book to my daughter with Cerebral Palsy and at least not while she's young. There are many pages about people treating Kathleen poorly because of her Cerebral Palsy and I wouldn't want to introduce those ideas to my daughter. My daughter might or might not experience the same challenges with other people. I don't really want her to worry about that and focus on the idea of others thinking less of her. If she's already experiencing that, maybe it would be comforting to read about someone else experiencing it too and pushing through. It's a tough call as a parent to decide what challenges to share.

For the reason above, I'm wondering who the ideal audience is. Is it people with. Cerebral Palsy or those without? There are parts I'd love my daughter with Cerebral Palsy to read and have an inspiring example. And there are parts that I'd worry would make her fearful and discouraged.

I think Dr. Friel has a really fantastic story. If I were writing it, I would decide who my audience is and try to make the challenging parts of it a little more positive sounding. For example, maybe she had a good perspective or motto that helped her get through the challenges.

Rating: 3.5-4 stars
Content warning: None besides I'd recommend parents of children with disabilities read it alone first and consider how their kids will take it.
Recommend: Yes, with the above considerations.

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book biography of Dr. Kathleen Friel is absolutely enthralling. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Kathleen struggled as a child to walk, speak clearly, and get her muscles to do what she needed them to do, but her heart and mind were like any other child’s. She yearned to have friends and do the things that kids do. She had so many interesting ideas and yet people could only see her disability. As a result, she was often misunderstood and bullied by her peers. And yet. Kathleen persisted, eventually becoming an world-renowned scientist and researcher, and today helps kids with Cerebral Palsy strengthen their bodies and minds. This book chronicles Dr. Friel’s amazing accomplishments in a kid-friendly, accessible way and is accompanies by gorgeous, colorful illustrations. Extensive back matter includes more about Dr. Friel’s groundbreaking research, information about brain function, an explanation of Cerebral Palsy and its causes, and an Author’s Note detailing the author’s personal relationship with Dr. Friel. Perfect for little scientists who have their own big dreams for making the world a better place.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly inspiring and beautifully illustrated picture book biography about Dr. Kathleen Friel. I did not know who she was before reading this story so I was extra appreciative for the author's note and information about Dr. Friel's advocacy work at the end of the book. I have mostly seen fictional children's books about cerebral palsy so I was excited to see a picture book biography featuring a scientist with CP. The book does a wonderful job of presenting Dr. Friel and her family's perseverance as they encounter various challenges, from day-to-day living to having a doctor tell her parents she should be institutionalized because they had other children. I also appreciated the inclusion of how her parents did not lower their expectations for her because of her disability and how they supported her independence as a child. This would be a great addition to school, home, and public libraries.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Laura Stegman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rewriting the Rules, a fascinating biography by Danna Zeiger, we meet Kathleen Friel, born with cerebral palsy. As a toddler, a doctor said she'd never walk normally and encouraged her parents to institutionalize her. Today, Friel not only walks, she bikes, she skis, and she earned a black belt in Taekwondo. Most significantly, this extraordinary girl with extraordinary parents grew up to be an extraordinary scientist who discovered ways to reshape brain-cell connections to create new possibilities for people, especially kids, with brain injuries and disabilities. Young readers and their families will love Zeiger's moving story and Josée Bisaillon's compelling illustrations and perhaps be inspired to, like Friel, make a difference against all odds. I loved this picture book and highly recommend it!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating look at a brilliant, resilient woman! Dr. Kathleen Friel was born with cerebral palsy, but that never stopped her from figuring out how to do the same things as everyone else — just in her own unique way. This book follows Kathleen through a childhood of both struggles and triumphs, as well as through the start of her scientific career. Just as she had in her childhood, Dr. Friel discovered a new way of thinking about cerebral palsy: if new brain connections can be formed, why can't this apply to people with CP and brain disabilities?

I'd never heard of Dr. Friel before reading this book, but what luck to now know her story! Rewriting the Rules is also adorably illustrated, perfect for engaging the reader with Dr. Friel's life. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Doreen Klein Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspiring and uplifting true story about the power of never giving up and rewriting the rules! Kathleen Friel was born with cerebral palsy and faced many challenges - but that didn’t stop her from achieving her goals. With the love and support of her family, Kathleen went on to become a scientist, studying brain injuries and earning her doctorate degree. In her lab, she helps children with cerebral palsy write their own rules - using therapies that she’s developed. The author’s special connection to Dr. Friel makes this picture book even more remarkable. Filled with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and SEL (social emotional learning ) components, this important book should be in every classroom, school library, and home collection.

[Cindy Rivka Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danna Zeiger's new book, "Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability" is both accessible and sophisticated - a perfect mixture for curious young readers. The story of Dr. Kathleen Friel, who was born with cerebral palsy, is framed lyrically with the image of a dandelion. Young Kathleen has to find her own way to scatter the seeds, and she meets this challenge and so many others in her life. The book includes fascinating information about our brains' ability to learn new ways of doing tasks. With excellent back matter and engaging illustrations, this book provides a vehicle for STEM learning while reading the inspiring story of one individual.

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewriting the Rules, written by Danna Zeiger and beautifully illustrated by Josee Bisaillon, is a lovely and important picture book biography. The subject of this book is an incredibly inspiring woman named Kathleen Friel, who was born with cerebral palsy. When she was just a toddler, a doctor told her parents that she should be institutionalized. Happily, her parents didn't agree, and with their help, this extraordinary child grew up to be an extraordinary adult. Dr. Friel's disability never stopped her, and she became a scientist who discovered new possibilities for people with brain injuries and disabilities. This book is written in a way that children can understand, and they will be inspired by Kathleen Friel.

[Jan Schwaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7-year-old daughter and I loved this winning, gorgeously written book about overcoming adversity. Dr. Kathleen Friel's journey is inspiring; diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, she never gave up on herself, even when faced with pessimistic doctors and unhelpful peers. Instead, she found new ways to do things - rewriting the rules and paving the way for an amazing scientific career. Children will empathize with her immediately and eagerly follow her story. There is so much information in this picture book, and the story is consistently engaging for kids, with an inspiring message. Bright illustrations are the perfect accompaniment. Bonus backmatter about cerebral palsy, the brain, and Dr. Friel are insightful and add even more dimension to the book.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, what a gorgeous, inspiring, true story lies between the covers of Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and Disability. Dr. Friel has led an amazing and important-to-the-world life and I’m so glad it will now be shared with everyone, thanks to this beautiful picture book. The author’s tight, lyrical writing and the illustrator’s vibrant pictures are a great combination. Dr. Friel’s personality and perseverance leap off the page. A true gateway to understanding how much everyone has to offer, no matter what roadblocks might be in the way. Excellent back matter, as well. Highly recommended!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, maybe targeting the 6-10 y/o age group, is very well done. The artwork & text works very well toward that age group too.......but it's really is appealing to all readers, young & older! The book is soooo easily educating about living with a disability...... it tells about the life & achievements of a scientist that has cerebral palsy. It's a great read & would be a prize to find in any library, public or private!
I received this e book from Lerner Publishing Group/Millbrook Press via NetGalley, giving me an opportunity to read it & post my own fair/honest review.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous and moving picture book biography of Dr. Kathleen Friel, who, since childhood, has defied society’s definition of what it means to be a person with cerebral palsy. Readers will be immediately drawn in by young Kathleen’s incredible spirit, perseverance, and determination to live her life on her terms. Readers will be engaged and inspired from beginning to end of this remarkable story, so wonderfully told by author Danna Zeiger, who knows how to reach children’s hearts. A must-have for classrooms, libraries, and home collections.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book showcases the struggles Doctor Kathleen Friel has to endure due to her diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. The book then discusses how she persevered and overcame her obstacles by discovering various methods to complete everyday tasks.

Overall, I found this book inspiring and hopeful. I love the disability representation as it is not common in most books, especially in regard to Cerebral Palsy.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewriting the Rules is a beautifully illustrated book about a groundbreaking scientist with cerebral palsy and her work helping others with cerebral palsy form new brain connections. I’m well past the target age for this book, but I still learned a lot—I hadn’t known about this scientist or the research being done in this field. For such a short children’s book, it packs in a surprising amount of information, and I’d recommend it to anyone, especially young readers.

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping and inspiring picture book biography about neuroscientist Kathleen Friel. The story chronicles Dr. Friel's experiences with cerebral palsy and her path to becoming a world-renowned researcher, focusing on finding new treatments for people with CP. Both text and art are engaging and kid-friendly, and the excellent back matter offers even more information about Kathleen and her work. I highly recommend for every home, school, and library.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much in this book, not only about Dr. Kathleen Friel, but what it’s like to have cerebral palsy. Zeiger does a wonderful job of telling Dr. Friel’s story, and sharing what she went through to become an accomplished scientist, proving so many people wrong about her abilities. It’s a story that should be read with anyone who has been told they can’t do something! Bisaillon’s illustrations beautifully convey Kathleen’s story in her journey from child to PhD, and beyond!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewriting the Rules is such an enthralling and important read. Dr. Kathleen Friel's story is so inspiring and Danna pulls us right in with the charming details from Kathleen's early childhood. The illustrations are realistic and delightful. This story of resilience is the perfect addition to any library, classroom or home. I especially love the author's note and all the important back matter.

[Rachel Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to library collection picture book biographies, especially for those with students or patrons with cerebral palsy. I love that this book explains CP and the capacity for growth, despite limitations. A longer picture book, but not too advanced that early elementary couldn't understand. Good backmatter to support the text. K-5.

[Alison McGauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating to learn about Kathleen Friel in this picture book biography. People of all ages will enjoy reading about Kathleen’s grit and perseverance as she continuously ‘rewrites the rules’ set out by others. This important story is a wonderful resource for home libraries and classrooms alike.

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

I love the message of this book! Rewriting the rules is exactly what this woman did. Her parents were told to put her in a home but they found a second option the let Kathleen grow and shine and become an amazing person who continues to make her own rules and improve the world.