Books By Vastine East

Do you know a child with a disability? Vastine East’s I Swam With An Angel is a colorful picture book that offers a glimpse into the life of a child with a disability, as narrated by his cousin. Follow a boy in a wheelchair becoming a fixture in his own little world and how that world discovers the disabled boy’s humanity and strengths. It is a powerful message of acceptance that melts and dissolves the various faces of prejudice and ignorance. Initially from Jamaica, ten-year-old Cornell was born with a rare disease that made it impossible for him to walk. After the divorce of his parents, he was then sent to his aunt’s house, something nine-year-old Jaime thinks is a wrong idea. When Cornell first arrived to Jaime’s house, they were like water and oil. Jaime did not like the idea that he bragged too much about things he could not do, like swim or sail a boat. But when Cornell started to get sick, Jaime began to realize the real meaning of strength and how strong Cornell really is.

Follow this boy’s touching life… Beautifully illustrated by Ivy Marie Apa, I Swam With An Angel reminds everyone that love and courage is never handicapped.