By: Elowen Gray

Cultural understanding has historically been shaped by fiction, particularly for young readers negotiating identity, change, and obstacles. Author Beth Watter (real name Elisabeth Ellen Watter) writes the poignant, character-driven book Champions, We Are, which centers a coming-of-age story around disability, resiliency, and emotional development.

The genuine yet unprejudiced depiction of a young child with cerebral palsy whose dreams are as big—and competitive—as those of any peer without cerebral palsy is what distinguishes this book. Watter offers a different perspective on friendships, overcoming adversity, and the potential of youth through insightful narrative and personal experience.

In What Ways Do Champions Uniquely Present Disability?

In contrast to numerous stories that depict disability as a constraint or a mere backdrop, Champions, We Are portrays Nik—a middle school boy—as a richly developed character. He is determined, clever, and motivated, with an objective that seems both familiar and significant: to triumph in a race and secure a gold trophy. The novel neither diminishes Nik to his cerebral palsy nor overlooks the physical, emotional, and social obstacles he encounters. Instead, it engages readers in his everyday experiences, letting his character, choices, and viewpoint propel the narrative. The outcome is a depiction of disability based on empowerment instead of sympathy. Nik’s friendship with his best friend Josh adds another dimension: how able-bodied peers can sometimes misinterpret or neglect the complete humanity of their disabled friends—not out of ill intent, but rather ignorance. Observing Josh transform into a more empathetic and self-aware friend is one of the main emotional storylines.

What Importance Do Friendships Have in the Novel’s Theme

Essentially, Champions, We Are centers around the themes of shared support and education. As Nik aids Josh in understanding the value of empathy and inclusion, Josh likewise assists Nik in managing feelings of frustration, doubt, and self-assurance. Their developing friendship is not flawless or excessively dramatized, contributing to the book’s genuineness. Another important character, Matt—a once-prominent high school football player learning to navigate life in a wheelchair due to an injury—broadens the story’s exploration of how individuals adapt to altered situations. His engagement in the Special Olympics and his revived bond with his grandfather contribute themes of recovery and intergenerational connections to the novel’s essence. Collectively, these relationships illustrate that being a “champion” goes beyond mere physical accomplishment. It focuses on self-improvement, resilience, and supporting others throughout the journey.

Photo Courtesy: Beth Watter

In What Ways Does the Novel Promote Wider Cultural Discussions?

While targeted at young adolescents and families, Champions, We Are addresses broader themes of visibility, representation, and fairness. By featuring a disabled main character at the heart of a challenging and heartfelt adventure, Watter paves the way for enhanced inclusion in children’s literature—a category where disability remains insufficiently portrayed. The book subtly examines systems that complicate life for children with disabilities: unwelcoming sports activities, implicit social barriers, and adults’ minimal expectations. Through Nik’s successes—both on and off the track—the novel inspires young readers and educators to reconsider the definition of potential. Most crucially, it portrays disabled characters not as mere sidekicks or symbols but as intricate individuals possessing agency, ambition, and humor.

How Does the Author’s Background Influence the Story?

Beth Watter draws heavily from personal experience. Her youngest son, Nik, was born with a heart defect and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. After helping him through surgeries, scouting achievements, and school life, Watter began writing to share their story—and to inspire others facing similar challenges.

This lived authenticity is evident in the book’s dialogue, family dynamics, and emotional depth. The story reads not as fiction for fiction’s sake but as a call to recognize the beauty and complexity of lives that are often overlooked.

Her goal, she writes, was “to champion the disabled, the kindhearted, and the determined.” With Champions, We Are, she succeeds in doing just that.

What Does the Book Indicate About the Meaning of Being a Champion?

While Nik and Josh did a school skit titled “Champions, We Are,” the novel skillfully reflects this theme in its organization. Whether it’s competing on a hand-powered bicycle, mentoring at the Special Olympics, or assisting a friend in gaining self-assurance, every character reshapes the concept of “winning.” The novel implies that awards don’t measure triumph—it’s rooted in perseverance, understanding, and the bravery to continue participating. By doing this, Watter presents young readers with a concept of heroism that seems both achievable and profoundly essential. Champions, We Are is more than a heartwarming story—it’s an essential one. As discussions about inclusivity in media expand, Watter’s first work emerges as a significant addition to the literature that acknowledges, celebrates, and elevates all types of champions.