Piece by Piece, David Aguilar
Piece by Piece, David Aguilar
List: $35.99 | Sale: $25.20
Club: $17.99

Piece by Piece
How I Built My Life (No Instructions Required)

Author: David Aguilar, Ferran Aguilar, Lawrence Schimel

Narrator: Fabio Tassone

Unabridged: 5 hr 44 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/25/2022

Synopsis

The heartfelt and funny memoir of a boy who built himself a prosthetic arm out of the world-famous toy bricks.David Aguilar was born missing part of one arm, a small detail that seemed to define his life and limit people’s ideas of who he was and who he could be. But in this funny and heartfelt memoir, David proves that he can throw out the rulebook and people’s expectations and maybe even make a difference in the world—and all with a sense of humor. At only nine years old, David built his first prosthesis from LEGO bricks, and since then he hasn’t stopped creating and thinking about how his inventions, born from a passion for building things, could fuel change and help others.With a voice full of humor and heart, David tells his powerful story, of family and friendship, of heartbreak and loss, and ultimately of triumph and success, as he continues to dream big and build a life and a better world—piece by piece.

About David Aguilar

David Aguilar and his father, Ferran Aguilar, are from Andorra, in Europe. David was born missing part of one arm. At the age of nine, he designed his first prosthesis with LEGO bricks, and in high school he built the next generation, which he named the MK-1. David’s father encouraged him to make a video about his prosthesis and the huge role that LEGOs played in his life, and posted it on social media, where it went viral and changed both of their lives. In addition to telling his story in this book, David is also the protagonist of the Spanish documentary Mr. Hand Solo, which won the award for best documentary at the Boston Science Fiction Film festival. David is currently developing his own brand, Hand Solo, which will aim to benefit various organizations for the disabled and fight against the stigma of “diff-ability,” as he calls it. Follow David and Ferran on Twitter @Handsolooficial and @AguilarFerran.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Katherine on October 30, 2022

A fantastic read for young and old alike that highlights that challenges give us the chance to preserve and overcome adversity. Self-actualization is key to achieving what others think isn't possible. Good book to start the discussion on ingenuity and optimism in the face of assumptions and stigmas......more

Goodreads review by Monica on December 13, 2022

Interesting memoir of a young man’s unique vision and design of a LEGO prosthesis which he first imagined at age nine and his social/emotional struggles as a younger student. Aguilar’s father’s love and ceaseless support of his son’s “diff-ability” demonstrates a strong family bond. This book is mor......more

Goodreads review by Tom on December 19, 2024

This is an uplifting and engaging memoir from the subject of the documentary Mr. Hand Solo. This amazing man as a youth created a series of prosthetics for his left arm out of LEGO pieces. Of course we not talking the classic bricks, but more versatile plastic tech: Yes, those small square plastic pi......more

Goodreads review by irenette on April 24, 2023

David y su familia son increíbles, y ésta es su historia. Un ejemplo de superación, de resiliencia y de amor.......more

Goodreads review by Kelly on April 21, 2023

Incredible story just not written in my style.......more

Quotes

“Fabio Tassone deftly introduces young listeners to David Aguilar, who was born missing a hand, for which he faced discrimination from taunting classmates and rude strangers. Listeners will feel connected to David and his supportive family, who live in the tiny European country of Andorra. Touching descriptions of family members, particularly his beloved abuela and his kind, clever father (Tassone's best creation), are moving, especially as they confront David's "dif-ability." Tassone convincingly conveys David's persistence as he masters riding his special bike, swimming, and playing ball—and as he designs devices to make his life easier.” —AudioFile Magazine“Humorous and uplifting…While readers needn’t be LEGO fans to admire David’s ingenuity, fellow builders may be inspired to dream up their own inventions.” —Kirkus Reviews“Readers will cheer for Aguilar and relate to him as he shares conversational stories about growing up, playing sports, and struggling with school. Family is at the heart of his story, and the endless support and advocacy of his parents, in particular, make this a sweet and uplifting story. Young readers will identify with this creative young person and will question society’s definition of “normal.” —School Library Journal

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