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Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion
The top Paralympic swimmer in the world, Jessica Long delivers an inspirational photographic memoir.
Born in Siberia with fibular hemimelia, Jessica Long was adopted from a Russian orphanage at thirteen months old and has since become the second most decorated U.S. Paralympic athlete of all time. Now, Jessica shares all the moments in her life—big and small, heartbreaking and uplifting—that led to her domination in the Paralympic swimming world. This photographic memoir, filled with photographs, sidebars, quotes, and more, will thrill her fans and inspire those who are hearing her story for the first time.
Born in Siberia with fibular hemimelia, Jessica Long was adopted from a Russian orphanage at thirteen months old and has since become the second most decorated U.S. Paralympic athlete of all time. Now, Jessica shares all the moments in her life—big and small, heartbreaking and uplifting—that led to her domination in the Paralympic swimming world. This photographic memoir, filled with photographs, sidebars, quotes, and more, will thrill her fans and inspire those who are hearing her story for the first time.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published June 26, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 15, 2017
2018, Autobiography, abilities, adoption, competitive swimming, persevering
I am supposed to be grading papers but instead I read this autobiography in one sitting. I made a lot of connections to this book since I have an adopted daughter and was a swimmer for 20+ years. I enjoyed the easy reading style and can see tweens and teenagers enjoying this book and being inspired. Despite all of Jessica's circumstances (amputated legs, being adopted, struggling with accepting herself, not giving up on her dreams, etc) she is a survivor and unsinkable! Jessica shares her journey of living in a Russian orphanage to learning to walk with prostheses, discovering swimming, losing confidence and failing.
I am excited to give this book to my 10 year old daughter because she struggles with accepting herself and feels very different because she is adopted. Like Jessica my daughter wants to be right (doesn't like to listen to her mom) and is very competitive. Maybe I need to get her on a swim team STAT!
I love how Jessica closes her autobiography with "What does your story look like so far? Will your next chapter be a continuation of the last, or do you need to tear up the previous one and start a completely new story?" (p. 103). She goes on to say that "We are all writing our stories." (p. 104). The advice and wisdom Jessica gives can help any girl (and mom).
I am supposed to be grading papers but instead I read this autobiography in one sitting. I made a lot of connections to this book since I have an adopted daughter and was a swimmer for 20+ years. I enjoyed the easy reading style and can see tweens and teenagers enjoying this book and being inspired. Despite all of Jessica's circumstances (amputated legs, being adopted, struggling with accepting herself, not giving up on her dreams, etc) she is a survivor and unsinkable! Jessica shares her journey of living in a Russian orphanage to learning to walk with prostheses, discovering swimming, losing confidence and failing.
I am excited to give this book to my 10 year old daughter because she struggles with accepting herself and feels very different because she is adopted. Like Jessica my daughter wants to be right (doesn't like to listen to her mom) and is very competitive. Maybe I need to get her on a swim team STAT!
I love how Jessica closes her autobiography with "What does your story look like so far? Will your next chapter be a continuation of the last, or do you need to tear up the previous one and start a completely new story?" (p. 103). She goes on to say that "We are all writing our stories." (p. 104). The advice and wisdom Jessica gives can help any girl (and mom).
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October 19, 2018As a swimmer, I was interested in this story of an amazing athlete. The book is definitely geared for kids (about age 11 and up). The writing was a bit immature (sooooo many sentences starting with "I). Still a good inspirational book for young athletes.
July 3, 2018
Beautiful, inspiring story. My daughter was so excited to read it, and it's exactly the kind of heartfelt, encouraging book I want her to soak in!
July 21, 2019
From its portrait on the cover to its reminder that each of us has a story to tell and that Jessica Long's is just beginning, I found this autobiography uplifting. She writes, "I don't know what my future holds, but I'm looking forward to finding out. What about you? What does your story look like so far? Will your next chapter be a continuation of the last, or do you need to tear up the previous one and start a completely new story?" (p. 101). Wow! Did I ever need to see those words as I consider new chapters in my own life! Born with fibula hemimelia, a condition that meant she had no ankles, heels or parts of her fibular bones in her lower legs, Jessica was adopted from an orphanage in Russia, became a double amputee, and found her way through competitive swimming. Eventually, she won 23 medals in the Paralympics, thirteen gold medals among them. She tells her story through a series of moments, some successful and some failures, but all of them inspiring. Middle grade and teen readers and even younger and older readers will find great life lessons about hard work and persistence and gratitude in the book's pages as well as a reminder to not allow circumstances or disappointments to hold you back. Hers has not been an easy journey, but as the engaging text and full-color photographs reveal, it's been an exciting one and one that promises to take her in all sorts of interesting directions. It would certainly be worth sharing this with students who feel as though life is just too hard and their goals are too far out of reach. If Jessica can accomplish her goals and become a highly-decorated athlete, then maybe, just maybe, they can achieve their own goals. Anyone in need of a pick-me-up read after a dismal day or week will find encouragement and hope in these pages. I love how she focuses primarily on what she CAN do and not what she CAN'T do.
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August 11, 2021An inspiring memoir that gives a glimpse into the experiences and training of an elite Paralympic athlete. Recommended for young athletes, readers who enjoy inspirational sports biographies, or anyone who's seen that Toyota commercial ten thousand times and wants to know more.
April 29, 2019
I so wanted to love this book. Jessica has an amazing story, and her courage is inspiring to all. I wish she had talked more about how she adapted to her prosthetics as a child. That isn't even touched on. It goes very quickly from her starting swimming to being on the Paralympics team. I longed for more details. The text is often difficult to read when it is white text over a photograph. I know this is picky, but she says she is an "audible" learner, instead of "auditory" learner. Her editor should have caught that. There are many photographs, but they seem to be more modeling photos than photos that complement the text. One cannot deny that she is beautiful and courageous with a story that needs to be told, but there seemed to be too many modeling photos. I wish there had been more details about how she faced her struggles.
March 15, 2019
Unsinkable was one of my least favorite books I've read. The writing seems like it was directed at 7-year-olds. I get where the story was trying to inspire me, but it just... didn't. I respect Jessica Long herself and her career, but the book itself just flops. The book also felt as if it was trying to direct me away from swimming, which I enjoy. I definitely read it if it was rewritten in a different way and the story was told in a different light. Overall, I would not recommend this book.
February 7, 2019
Incredible story and person, but I resented the informal way in which the novel was written. It was reminiscent of a scrapbook and had similar language to a Facebook post. I was just disappointed that such an inspiring story was not brought to its full potential through editing and more polished writing.
October 4, 2018
Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion by Jessica Long, 112 pages. Houghton Mifflin, New York. 2018. $17. 9781328707253
Language: G (0 swears), Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Jessica Long was adopted from a Russian orphanage when she was thirteen months old. She was born with a rare birth defect where the fibular bone in the lower legs were missing. This is called fibular hemimelia. She also did not have ankles, heels or most of the bones in her lower legs. Usually this defect only affects one leg. However, both of Jessica’s legs were affected. When she was only eighteen months od, her lower legs were amputated right below her knees. Her mom gave her a doll where the lower legs had been cut off, so her doll would be like her. Jessica learned fast to walk with her prostetic legs. Nothing could stop her. She was very active and especially loved swimming, earing a gold medal in the Paralympics in Athens at the age of 12.
This book is very positive and upbeat. Jessica is a very happy and positive person. She never let her handicap stop her from doing what she loved. She shows a tremendous amount of stick-to-it-tivness. She has not let her circumstance stand in her way of doing what she wanted, and loved to do. She worked hard and practiced for hours and hours. I loved the story of Jessica, and her journey from an orphanage in Russia to a very much admired and celebrated Paralympic gold medalist many times over. This is a must read and I highly recommend this book. It would be a great read-aloud for younger children and a book I will use for book talks with my students. Jessica shows that if you can dream it, work hard and never give up you can achieve anything you want.
Ellen-Anita, Library Teacher.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Language: G (0 swears), Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Jessica Long was adopted from a Russian orphanage when she was thirteen months old. She was born with a rare birth defect where the fibular bone in the lower legs were missing. This is called fibular hemimelia. She also did not have ankles, heels or most of the bones in her lower legs. Usually this defect only affects one leg. However, both of Jessica’s legs were affected. When she was only eighteen months od, her lower legs were amputated right below her knees. Her mom gave her a doll where the lower legs had been cut off, so her doll would be like her. Jessica learned fast to walk with her prostetic legs. Nothing could stop her. She was very active and especially loved swimming, earing a gold medal in the Paralympics in Athens at the age of 12.
This book is very positive and upbeat. Jessica is a very happy and positive person. She never let her handicap stop her from doing what she loved. She shows a tremendous amount of stick-to-it-tivness. She has not let her circumstance stand in her way of doing what she wanted, and loved to do. She worked hard and practiced for hours and hours. I loved the story of Jessica, and her journey from an orphanage in Russia to a very much admired and celebrated Paralympic gold medalist many times over. This is a must read and I highly recommend this book. It would be a great read-aloud for younger children and a book I will use for book talks with my students. Jessica shows that if you can dream it, work hard and never give up you can achieve anything you want.
Ellen-Anita, Library Teacher.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
February 6, 2019
Unsinkable is about Jessica Long, a paralympic swimmer champion. Jessica is a double amputee that was born in Russia, but was adopted by an American family. She found her love of the water and became a swimmer. Jessica had obstacles in her life, but never let them weight her down and she never gave up. Her perseverance and strength helped her achieve many milestone and win lots of medals!
I really enjoyed reading this book about Jessica Long and it was hard for me to put the book down. Learning about other people's life and stories are very interesting to me. Reading about Jessica made me inspired because of her strength, positivity, and perseverance. I love how there are many pictures of herself to go along with the stories she told about her life because it helped me visualize the events better.
I would recommend this book to my future students because it is easy to follow and a great autobiography. If I use this book in the classroom I would let student read the book, and then create their own autobiographies. I think it would be a fun project where students can write about their life stories. I would have the students write their life events in chapters, like the book, and they can even add pictures or drawings.
I really enjoyed reading this book about Jessica Long and it was hard for me to put the book down. Learning about other people's life and stories are very interesting to me. Reading about Jessica made me inspired because of her strength, positivity, and perseverance. I love how there are many pictures of herself to go along with the stories she told about her life because it helped me visualize the events better.
I would recommend this book to my future students because it is easy to follow and a great autobiography. If I use this book in the classroom I would let student read the book, and then create their own autobiographies. I think it would be a fun project where students can write about their life stories. I would have the students write their life events in chapters, like the book, and they can even add pictures or drawings.
January 11, 2019
The subtitle says it all "From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion>" Jessica ws adopted at 13 months by an American family. She had a birth defect, fibular hemimelia, which means her legs below the knee were missing bones and she would need to have the lower legs amputated. With the support of her new family, Jessica had the best care and was able to be physically active. She loved swimming and loved competing. Jessica tells her amazing life story with the help of her sister Hannah. She as been able to overcome may obstacles and win several medals in the Paralympic Games. She is a responsible young woman who dedicated to her sport and to inspiring young athletes with disabilities to work to their best. Young readers will really appreciate all she has done.
March 16, 2018
I liked this book more than I thought I would. We have a copy for our YALSA book review group and I will book talk it at our next meeting. Why should you care about a young, adopted, Russia-born orphan girl who earned gold in the Paralympics? Because our kids need to learn empathy and acceptance for those who are different from themselves, AND learn that people can do extraordinary things and overcome obstacles. It's a double whammy learning opportunity. Jessica's struggle viewing a silver or bronze medal as a failure is also a fantastic teaching point as our kids really put so much pressure on themselves to be perfect. 3.5 stars.
January 1, 2019
Jessica was born in (Siberia) Russia with a condition that affected her feet and ankles. She was put in an orphanage. She was adopted by a family from the US. She had both legs amputated below the knee. She loved to swim and was really good at it. She participated in the paralympics and won many medals. Lots of full color photographs throughout, strong female overcoming adversity, supportive family, found her birth mother, struggle with not getting as many golds as she had hoped for (how to cope with difficult situations). I think teens could relate - but have had the ARC out and no one has taken it yet...
May 21, 2019
I just unpacked a box of new books for my library today and couldn't put this one on the shelf without reading it first. Jessica Long is a beautiful, intelligent girl BUT most importantly she is beautiful on the inside. She doesn't let her past or handicap define her. She has a stubborn spirit that has done right by her all these years. Great inspirational story when you think you might have it rough or feel down trodden, give this book a read. Jessica is an amazing person with an amazing family.
May 5, 2020
Born in Russia and given up for adoption, Jessica was adopted by her American parents at 18 months old, had surgery to remove both of her legs below the knee due to a birth defect, and went on to win her first Paralympic gold medals in swimming at the age of twelve. In this memoir, co-written with one of her younger sisters, Jessica talks about her successes and struggles with her self-image, sport, and the idea of reuniting with her birth mother. Written very optimistically and with lots of hope, this is an inspiring tale of resilience by an accomplished woman.
July 27, 2020
Pre-reading books for J's 8th grade year. She loved I Got This by Laurie Hernandez and Proud by Ibtihaj Muhammad, and asked for more memoirs of young female athletes. We picked this one because it's also about adoption and overcoming a disability in addition to the athletic success. It is more of a coffee table book for juniors with glossy pages and tons of full color photos than a serious autobiography. I think J. will enjoy it, though we've already had the pre-talk that it's full of religious bits (God had a plan for me, etc.) which is not a good fit in our house.
September 5, 2021
I want to hear what I CAN do
An encouraging, positive look at adversity and facing challenges.
"It’s easier to give up control when you realize you never had control over life anyway."
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” —Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
"I’ve never been good at listening to people. They always seem to tell me what I can’t do, which I see as merely an opinion until I’ve tried it to my full capacity. I want to hear what I can do."
An encouraging, positive look at adversity and facing challenges.
"It’s easier to give up control when you realize you never had control over life anyway."
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” —Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
"I’ve never been good at listening to people. They always seem to tell me what I can’t do, which I see as merely an opinion until I’ve tried it to my full capacity. I want to hear what I can do."
February 25, 2022
Written as a quick glimpse into the life of a young example, this is an easy read filled with many of her favorite pictures. Jessica organized this memoir into 19 chapters of moments: the moment I became a Long, the moment I failed, the moment I found peace, the moment I met my Russian family, etc. Perhaps we’ll get to read a more detailed biography on her when she’s older, but for now, my 5year old just loved being introduced to another person she can learn from. Jessica gives credit to her Lord, and for that, I respect her too.
March 21, 2018
Jessica Long is an incredible person, who does not quit in the face of adversity and that is completely clear from this book which mostly talks about her swimming career, with a few inserts about being adopted and being an amputee. Very body positive, self-esteem building and potentially inspiring for anyone with a big goal they hope to reach. As you would expect from a book written by a young star, the writing is passable but seems like it has her personality so seems fairly relatable.
July 15, 2018
It was an interesting biography, plus I loved the great, color photographs throughout the book. I think it’s important for children to read biographies about differently-abled people, especially learning about overcoming obstacles.
Side note: Jessica Long mentioned that one of her favorite tv shows is Gilmore girls and one of her favorite books is The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han!!
Side note: Jessica Long mentioned that one of her favorite tv shows is Gilmore girls and one of her favorite books is The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han!!
October 15, 2018
This was an amazing book for those wanting to learn about Olympians, especially for a child. I'm always wanting to learn about Olympians stories and I was not disappointed with Jessica Long's story. She writes about going to the Paralympics and her triumphs and failures throughout her four Olympics. This book can be an inspiration to anyone that reads it.
February 17, 2021
When I saw her in Toyota’s Super Bowl commercial, I wanted to know more about her and was thrilled to find her book at the library!
She writes about 12 life changing moments which are incredibly inspiring and uplifting. Lots of personal stories, tons of candid photos, and a chapter she devotes to talking about her Faith.
I enjoyed this one a ton!
She writes about 12 life changing moments which are incredibly inspiring and uplifting. Lots of personal stories, tons of candid photos, and a chapter she devotes to talking about her Faith.
I enjoyed this one a ton!
June 23, 2021
Jessica Long is a world class swimmer. She swam in her first Paralympics at 12 years old. She was adopted from Russia. This is a simple story of her journey from the orphanage to winning medals at the Paralympics. She has inspired many children with and without disabilities to reach their potential.
August 14, 2021
A short book written in 2018 on the main points in a young athletes life including the Rio Olympics and including her meeting her Russian family of the past. Interest in her story arose from the Olympic commercials during the 2020 (2021) olympics and her story introduced then on TV. A VERY GOOD short read and her testimony on how she regards her afflictions and not allowing them to dominate her future.
December 17, 2018
Jessica Long tell how she became a paralympic swimming world champion as a Russian orphan and double amputee. Her family and faith gave her strength and meeting other amputee athletes inspired her. Excellent book and great photos add to her story!
August 16, 2021
A great way to tell your story through the important impactful changes
The story is great as we see her go from orphan to successful athlete and then filling in the voids as she moves on. Well done, well told and thanks for the inspiration!
The story is great as we see her go from orphan to successful athlete and then filling in the voids as she moves on. Well done, well told and thanks for the inspiration!
March 4, 2022
It’s a book written for children or teens and has plenty of pics in between. Jessica Long has an indomitable spirit and perseverance that is evidenced in the book. For the age group and even adults it’s a pleasurable read.
August 5, 2018
Very positive and honest, short and full of color photographs. I like the structure — not as a thorough autobiography, but a collection of her best-worst moments that have made her who she is.
December 27, 2018
Inspirational biography about overcoming odds to achieve one's dreams complete with struggles and doubts and how she rose above them.
February 5, 2019
Inspiring, beautiful story! A quick read that's appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students. But, really, her story is worth reading at any age.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews