Roll With It

In Roll with It, Sumner draws attention to many of the challenges faced by individuals living with cerebral palsy in the United States. Cerebral palsy is a disability that causes difficulties with controlling the movements of the body. It affects individuals differently and there are a wide range of abilities among those who have cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can develop before a child is born, during birth, or after birth. It is the result of atypical brain development which alters the brain’s ability to control the body. Cerebral palsy does not worsen as people grow older. Some people with cerebral palsy need more assistance while others need little (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Cerebral Palsy.” 2023).

Sumner situates the main character, Ellie Cowan, along the CP spectrum by describing a number of symptoms that she has overcome with therapy, medication, and time. The text suggests that she once had difficulty speaking and chewing, which she was able to improve with therapy. She is also depicted as having had seizures, but after six years of having taken seizure medication she is declared seizure-free and no longer needs the medication. At age 12, Ellie uses a wheelchair and is more susceptible to long-term illness than individuals without a disability.