Representation in books has been a problem for a long time and it feels like the publishing industry is making a real effort to address this right now. There are still a lot of underrepresented groups in literature of all kinds. As Literacy Minnesota states so clearly, “Reading books with accurate representations of students’ own cultures can contribute to self-worth within students, while allowing them to connect with themselves and their culture on a deeper level.” This is true not just for cultural and ethnicity representation, but also representation of different genders, orientations, and disabilities. I would argue a greater balance in suburban vs. urban settings, family structures, and the like are also vital for children feeling seen and seeing the huge variety that exists in our world.
Children’s books that represent these different differences are important not just for the children who need to see themselves on the page, but also for all children. Reading about characters who are different than you, experiencing life in a different type of home, feeling compassion for characters experiencing things you haven’t all lead to better understand others. This kind of compassion and understanding helps to rid us of preconceived notions and be more open to different points of view.
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This is a booklist of children’s books about disabilities. There have been a growing number of books that depict children with a variety of disabilities in recent years, hopefully a trend that will continue. When you say “disabilities” you are talking about a mammoth range of physical and mental conditions. I’ve done my best to collect the best books for kids, while also considering this range. They are books not just “about” disabilities, but also just featuring positive examples of children with disabilities. It is this second category I am hoping we will see more of in coming years. If you have recommendations of books that should be added to this list please share them in the comments!
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Children’s Books about Disabilities and/or Featuring Characters with Disabilities for kids of all ages
1. Dancing with Daddy
by Anitra Rowe Schulte
illustrated by Ziyue Chen
Written by a mother who has a daughter with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, this book is about a girl who is getting ready for her first father daughter-dance. The story depicts her in her wheelchair, communicating nonverbally, and being fed through a feeding tube – all things rarely seen in children’s books. The story is sweet, well written, and beautifully illustrated.
2. All The Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
by Annette Bay Pimentel
pictures by Navi H. Ali
This true story of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins put tears in my eyes. The passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act is a complex issue that many played a role in, but the courage of this little girl made a huge impact. This book is not only an inspiring story for kids who want to change big things in their communities, but is also a great stepping stone for conversations about disabilities, what ADA changed that we now take for granted, and perhaps further steps that still need to be taken.
3. I Talk Like a River
by Jordan Scott
illustrated by Sydney Smith
Stuttering is a fairly common disability among children, but not one I have ever seen so aptly described in a children’s book. The author, who based this book on his own experiences, describes stuttering as talking like a river. The beautiful metaphor and the touching relationship between the father and son are the heart of this book. This is a wonderful book for kids who stutter to feel seen and understood, but it’s also an important read for their siblings and classmates.
4. Lucas at the Paralympics
by Igor Plohl
illustrated by Urska Stropnik Sonc
LUCAS AT THE PARALYMPICS is the perfect book to read before the Paralympics begin, but it’s a wonderful introduction to physical disabilities and sports in general as well. This book has an engaging story about a newly paraplegic lion who goes to watch the Paralympics and you learn along with him. Tons of nonfiction information about the games, physical disabilities and adapted sports are shared in boxes on the pages for kids who want to know more.
5. Just Ask
by Sonya Sotomayer
illustrated by Rafael Lopez
Justice Sonya Sotomayer wrote this beautiful book addressing that uneasy feeling I think many of us can relate to; wondering about a disability or difference but being afraid to ask about it. This book represents a huge variety of differences and encourages open dialogue between people. It’s empowering and positive. The bright, bold illustrations are a lovely bonus.
6. Rescue & Jessica
by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
illustrated by Scott Magoon
Based on the true story of a woman injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing (although that piece is only mentioned in the author’s note) and her service dog. Warm, honest, and inspiring this story tells the struggles of someone adapting to a prosthetic, but also the life changing help that a service dog can provide. Equal parts sweet and heartwarming, these two characters will stay with you long after you close the book.
7. Ninita’s Big World
by Sarah Glenn Marsh
illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman
This is the true story of a deaf pygmy marmoset. For animal lovers, this is a fun story about an absolutely adorable marmoset who was born deaf. While obviously not quite the human experience, the author attempts to put you in the mind of the pygmy marmoset as she attempts to figure out her world without the ability to hear.
8. Hands & Hearts
by Donna Jo Napoli
illustrated by Amy Bates
I have read several good books that integrate sign language in some way, but this is by far the best. This beautiful story is about a mom and her daughter and their day at the beach. It is told with simple words and an American Sign Language example on each of the 15 pages. Illustrated with soft watercolor paintings, this is a gentle story about hands, love, and simple joys.
9. I Will Dance
by Nancy Bo Flood
illustrated by Julianna Swaney
Inspired by an inclusive dance program, this is Eva’s story. A girl who dreams of dancing and the place that makes that dream come true. Gentle, fluid illustrations, brief lyrical text. A lovely story about dreaming, dancing, and including all. Eva’s disability isn’t explained, but she is pictured in a wheelchair throughout and preemie issues are hinted at. Other children with walkers and in wheelchairs are also depicted in the illustrations.
10. Aaron Slater, Illustrator
by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts
AARON SLATER, ILLUSTRATOR is the latest in the series of heartwarming books by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts. I love this whole series, but this is my favorite. I closed the book with tears in my eyes because it captures the beautiful mind and frustrating challenges of a child with dyslexia so well. A book everyone should read but for the child with dyslexia who is always doing their best, trying to fit in, traying but failing to communicate what is in their brains – this book is a gift.
Also Read: Children’s Books for Kids with Dyslexia
11. Aven Green series
by Dusti Bowling
illustrations by Gina Perry
This is a fun early chapter book series about a little girl with no arms but plenty of gumption and personality. Aven doesn’t have arms but that doesn’t stop her from doing much, including baking in our favorite Aven book: Aven Green Baking Machine. This is a fantastic series for any kids who loves a strong female character. Lots of humor, baking (including fun recipes) in our favorite, and good conversations about differences, friendship, winning and losing and more. There are two books in the series so far with a third on the way.
Find Aven Green #1 Online
Find Aven Green #2 Online
12. Brilliantly Dyslexic
by Liz Trudeau
BRILLIANTLY DYSLEXIC is a must read for every child with dyslexia. It is a collection of interesting, well written short stories about a huge variety of people who have dyslexia and have accomplished remarkable things. I think it is equally inspiring for children with dyslexia to read about other people having struggled through the same things in their early years – the difficulties in school, the slow pace of their reading, the emotions that often go hand in hand – as it is to hear about their astonishing triumphs. I want my daughter with dyslexia, like all children, to know that she has remarkable strengths and is capable of achieving her dreams. This book is both reassuring and inspiring in this regard.
13. Show Me a Sign
by Ann Clare LeZotte
This is a powerful and award winning middle grade novel written by a woman who is deaf. It is a fascinating story that was inspired by the true history of a thriving deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard in the early 19th century. Ableism, racism, colonialism are all poignantly explored in this story that will linger in your mind long after you finish.
