“Minda’s visit was a huge success! Schools loved her inspiring story and engaging presentation. Thoughtfully planned with interactive elements, her talk captivated students. Teachers gave glowing feedback, and we’re so grateful she shared her book and message with us!”
Resources
Region: Southwest (US)
Categories: Picture Books
Genres: Biography BIPOC Nonfiction Picture Books SEL
Minda Dentler (she/her) (mindadentler.com) is an award-winning athlete, speaker, author, and global health advocate—and proud mom. She is the author of The Girl Who Figured It Out, an inspiring true story of perseverance, chronicling her journey from being an orphan with polio in India to making history as the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
A TED speaker and Aspen Institute Fellow, Minda has shared her story on CBS Mornings, CNN, Forbes, and Glamour. She was nominated for an ESPN ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete with a Disability and has contributed to TIME and HuffPost to advocate for polio eradication.
Her debut picture book, The Girl Who Figured It Out, won the 2026 Texas Bluebonnet Award. It has received a starred review from School Library Journal, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection, and has been featured in The Horn Book. It is recognized on state reading lists in California, Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and Texas.
Minda holds an MBA from Baruch College and a BA in Information Systems from the University of Washington. After two decades in New York City, she now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and daughter.
Books by Minda Dentler
Resources
Region: Southwest (US)
Categories: Picture Books
Genres: Biography BIPOC Nonfiction Picture Books SEL