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Willie Burton:
This is not just a book for wrestling fans nor a book just for people with disabilities. It is a book for those who feel hopeless, for the outcast and those who are told they aren't good enough. This is a story for anyone dealing with a struggle and can't find a way out. I want my story to reach as many people as possible, to give them the courage to keep moving forward.
Barry Kienzle:
I am a Kentucky author who had written two-award winning novels, The Crossings, and The Indian. I was approached by an acquaintance who had seen the ESPN E60: documentary WillPower on Willie. It was one of the most compelling stories I had ever seen and I agreed to meet with Willie and his mother, Brenda. After some discussion, they asked me to write their story. Writing, Heart of a Lion - Our Journey of Faith and Courage has been a life-changing event for me.
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Heart of a Lion: Our Journey of Faith and Courage by Willie Burton, Brenda Burton, and Barry Kienzle explores the miracle of daring and courage. It is the story of Willie Burton, born with cerebral palsy, and how his strong spirit and determination pushed him to overcome the limits imposed on him by his illness. Someone whose youth was punctuated by numerous surgeries and therapies, Willie signed up for the wrestling team at Fairdale High School where he dreamed of winning a single match on the mat. Follow his journey and discover how he triumphs over his disability to grab the attention of many.
This story explores the heart of a born fighter. Readers enter the life of someone born with a disability but who refuses to be defined by that disability. Going to Fairdale High School might have been a challenging thing for young Willie, but it turns out to offer the support he needed to overcome his fears, connect meaningfully with others, and find a purpose. The book is beautifully written, and the prose is gorgeous. The reader cares about Willie, exploring the way the relationships develop in the book. The role that his adoptive mother plays in his life is invaluable and her faith in him pushes him to build his resilience and to believe in himself. Heart of a Lion: Our Journey of Faith and Courage by Willie Burton, Brenda Burton, and Barry Kienzle is a unique gift to readers who doubt what they can do. It inspires, it builds hope, and it moves the reader to believe in the impossible.
