Work with What You Got: A Memoir

Praise

Renowned athlete and motivational speaker Clark describes the harrowing experiences he endured growing up as a Black boy in Ohio’s foster-care system. . . . Readers will be in awe of the author’s amazing physical and mental strength to pursue all of his dreams. This memoir will appeal to teenagers who need to hear positive affirmations on never giving up. Clark is living proof that if you put in the work, you never know where the world may take you.
—Booklist (starred review)

Clark and co-author Hirsch critique the numerous challenges of life in foster care, such as instability and foster parents’ lack of training in caring for disabled children. . . . Clark feels his most important contribution is being a role model, especially to kids. . . his motivational advice is refreshingly down-to-earth, acknowledging many ways to make a difference and encouraging kids to face tough situations one step at a time. Honest and eye-opening.
—Kirkus Reviews

Concise, honest. . . Clark’s forthright recollections of wrestling with the “dual stigma of being disabled and being Black,” and how overcoming his adversities prompted him to support others’ endeavors to face their own, presents an illuminating look at the trials of one person maneuvering the foster care system, and details his views that community support and faith are the key to navigating life.
—Publishers Weekly

In this autobiography, motivational speaker and accomplished athlete Zion Clark shows readers what it looks like to overcome life’s every obstacle to find success. . . . Aside from his remarkable life, what makes Clark’s story stand out are his deep reserves of positivity and determination. . . [Clark] offers invaluable insights into living with a disability, struggling with prosthetics, and wheelchair use. . . a lively, inspirational read.
—School Library Connection