Description

---

Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion celebrates the life of one of Wisconsin's most inspirational leaders and activists. Born with an intellectual disability, Cindy Bentley spent much of her childhood at the Southern Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled. When she began participating in Special Olympics, she gained confidence as she worked with teammates to earn medals in tennis, track and field, and even snowshoeing. Chosen as a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics International in 2000, Cindy has had dinner at the White House with two different American presidents, traveled around the world, and given speeches in front of thousands of people.

About the Author

---

Bob Kann, author of several Badger Biographies, is a well-known storyteller, juggler, and magician who performs at schools, libraries, and festivals throughout the country. He also holds workshops on humor, motivation, creativity, and storytelling. His book Belle and Bob La Follette: Partners in Politics won a 2009 National Indie Excellence Award.

Caroline Hoffman, now retired, worked for 20 years for the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities as a policy advocate. She has also lectured in the UW Madison School of Social Work and is coauthor with Bob on a 2009 curriculum on community service projects for youth titled "It's Our World, Too."

Praise For…

---

"Cindy has defied all of the stereotypes in her life. She lives independently. She holds jobs. She travels the world. She's met presidents of the United States. She's won gold medals, and she's gone to the World Games. She's never let anyone tell her, 'No you can't.'" (Kirsten Suto Seckler, Special Olympics International)

2011 Silver in the Multicultural Non-fiction Category from Moonbeam Children's Book Awards