Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness

Written by Maria Birmingham

Illustrated by Catherine Chan

Owlkids Books

978-1771476201

48 pp.

Ages 8–12

January 2026 

 

While I suspect that identification as being left-handed is not the big deal that some used to make it, it is still an issue for many whose left hands are their dominant hands, particularly as they live in a world that is dominated by right-handers. For those who are left-handed and those who aren't but love learning about human behaviour, how our brains work, and what makes us unique and different, Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness offers opportunities for insight and for understanding. 

From Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness, written by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Catherine Chan

Maria Birmingham, one of the stars of children's non-fiction (e.g., Snooze-O-Rama: The Strange Ways That Animals Sleep, 2021; Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth, 2022; When Nature Calls: The Unusual Bathroom Habits of the World's Creatures, 2024; Can We Talk?: How Humans Stay in Touch, 2025), takes a historical and scientific approach to the topic of why and how some people become lefties. Outside of her introduction and conclusion chapters, Maria Birmingham organizes her information according to the following:

• The History of Lefties
• Why is a Lefty a Lefty?
• Fact or Fiction?
• Inside Sports
• Body Talk
• Can Animals Be Lefties?
• Living in a Righty World 

After an introduction to being a lefty, including a fun quiz to help determine whether the reader is a lefty, a righty, or a bit of both—about one percent of people are ambidextrous—Maria Brimingham discusses some fascinating historic evidence of lefthandedness, like scratches on teeth and hand painting. She also writes of how lefthandedness was perceived in ancient civilizations—either as cursed or magical—through the middle ages, and into the Industrial Revolution. Readers will also learn how lefthandedness was seen in modern times, with parents and teachers forcing kids to write with their right hands.

From Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness, written by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Catherine Chan

Beyond the history, Maria Birmingham gives readers the basics of the science of lefthandedness, from DNA to baby's development, and brain differences. There's also some discussion related to creativity, intelligence, and memory, as well as its role in sports and perhaps survival. And even though the term "lefthandedness" rests on the premise of having hands, other animals seem to show preferences too. A penultimate discussion about living in a world of righthandedness will give readers pause, particularly for righties who never consider the challenges for lefties using scissors, tech, and other tools.

From Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness, written by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Catherine Chan

I appreciate Maria Birmingham's final note about moving away from the lefty-versus-righty idea. The issue isn't that we're different; it's the idea that one may be better than the other because of dominance. Since we're all about diversity, equity, and inclusion, maybe separating people along lines of handedness may not be appropriate. But, acknowledging those differences will help everyone be included and get what they need, and that's a good thing.

 

Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness is a terrific introduction to why some people use their left hands for writing and other functions rather than their right hands. The book is a thorough examination of the topic from history to science and sports, and even identity. With Toronto illustrator Catherine Chan's digital artwork (created on a Wacom tablet) to bring the non-fiction text to life in colour and context, Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness becomes an entertaining and informative read about the extraordinary nature of the ordinary.