The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World!
by Mathew Klickstein
illustrated by Michael S. Bracco
(Schiffer Kids, 2020)
Audiobook edition released March 9 (including two unreleased KOWH songs)
narrated by Cary Hite
(Blackstone Audio, 2021)
About the Book
Before they became the world-famous Kids of Widney High, they first had to survive junior high! This rock band, composed entirely of members with developmental disabilities, loves to put on a show, but boy can they can get into fights, trouble, and sticky situations. Join their friend and honorary assistant manager Robbie as he introduces the band members and shows us how they’re just like everyone else. From cafeteria food fights to relationship woes, Robbie finds himself immersed in an incredible adventure to get everyone onboard for the big concert while better understanding his new friends with special abilities. Junior high can be tough, but this group of rambunctious misfits is ready to entertain and loves to have a good time! Comes with an exclusive interview and free downloadable songs from the Kids themselves.
Includes three free Kids of Widney High songs, an exclusive interview with a KOWH member talking about the importance of representation in media/entertainment today and a portion of the profits will be going to non-profit L.A. Goal. (Also available in Kindle/e-book edition and audiobook from Blackstone, including two unreleased KOWH songs.)
Independent Publisher Book Award winner (Juvenile Fiction)
#1 Best Seller on Amazon (Children's Books on Disability)
#1 Best Seller on Amazon (Audiobook on Music for Children)
"Most Wished For" on Amazon (Audiobooks on Music for Children)
"This book is tender, it’s funny, it’s perfect to read with your kids, and it gives me hope. LOVE THESE KIDS!."
-- Mayim Bialik, star of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory
"Funny, colorful and conversational."
-- Mike Reiss, Four-time Emmy Award-winning writer of The Simpsons and bestselling children's book author
"A wonderful story about inclusion and acceptance."
-- Jackson Browne, legendary singer-songwriter and multiple Grammy nominee
"Sweet and fun."
-- Andrew Bujalski, award-winning filmmaker and writer of Disney's live-action Lady and the Tramp
"The Kids of Widney High is a remarkable band, and Klickstein’s story provides readers an opportunity to learn about their music and world while simultaneously modeling for readers how to sensitively interact with individuals with disabilities."
-- School Library Journal
Press
Publisher's Weekly
by Mathew Klickstein, illus. by Michael Bracco (Sept. 28, $12.99, ISBN 978-0-7643-6018-3), is a fictionalized account of the early days of a real-life L.A. rock band comprised of members with developmental disabilities ...
Dayton Daily News
A local author’s book about a rock band made up of people with disabilities has made an Amazon bestseller list with help from a well-known actress ...
School Library Journal
On the first day of sixth grade at Widney Junior High, Robbie Wilson is thrown against a locker. His rescuer is Peewee, who pelts Robbie’s aggressor with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then invites Robbie to band practice after school.
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Mathew is on the podcast primarily to help us acknowledge Disabilities Awareness Month & to celebrate his new middle grade novel The Kids Of Widney Junior High. We also talk about life, travel and so much more. Don't miss our visit with "the geek guru of the 21st Century."
Books YA Love
Bullied his first week at junior high, 11 year old Robbie is rescued by big Peewee who invites him to band practice where the autistic eighth grader is a singer ...
The Dayton Jewish Observer
Mathew Klickstein is celebrating the release of his newest book, The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World!, aimed at younger readers and features an entire group of characters with various developmental disabilities ...
Xceptional
Leaders Podcast
Mathew talks with Mai Ling about his work with the Kids of Widney High, a group of young adults with developmental disabilities who formed a touring rock band ...
Heroes Homebase Podcast
RMR sit done with author Mathew Klickstein again to discuss his new book, The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World! ...
An Apple A Day Podcast
In this episode, we sit down with Mathew Klickstein, the author of the Best Seller "The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World"...
Dream Gardens Podcast
For my ninety-first Dream Gardens children’s books podcast, I interviewed author Mathew Klickstein about the classic picture book The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss ...
Meet The Biz Podcast (part 1 of 2)
-- Part 1 of 2 -- Mathew Klickstein stops into David Zimmerman's Meet the Biz podcast at Performing Arts Studio West ...
Meet The Biz Podcast (part 2 of 2)
-- Part 2 of 2 -- Mathew Klickstein stops into David Zimmerman's Meet the Biz podcast at Performing Arts Studio West ...
Sittercity
Many children’s books are inspired by actual people and events. The Kids of Widney High are a popular revolving band composed of vocalists with special abilities and instruments played by the teachers and volunteers who support them. Their story was adapted into a chapter book entitled “The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World” by Matthew Klickstein. It serves as an introduction to the band members, but also as a way to help normalize the subject of disabilities and show just how awesome these cool musical teenagers really are.
L.A. Parent
Writer and filmmaker Mathew Klickstein pays homage to the rock band The Kids of Widney High in his book, “The Kids of Widney Junior High.” Loosely based on the band, this fictional chapter book is told from the perspective of Robbie, a new middle school student at Widney Junior High. Robbie encounters the members of the band, who all have developmental disabilities. Robbie and the members of the band navigate the adventures and conflicts of middle school, while acknowledging the unique differences of those with special needs. In each chapter, the book features action packed, comic illustrations from Michael Bracco.