It’s important for all of us, at any age, to understand that we all are created differently – and that those differences are to be celebrated.
A great way to acknowledge and learn about our differences is through the art of story-telling. When we read about the lives of people who are like us, we feel seen and understood, and we realize we aren’t alone in whatever we are facing. And when we read about lives that are different from our own, we learn to empathize and gain an understanding and appreciation for life experiences that are as vast as the sea. This is one of the myriad of ways our lives can be enhanced by books.
We have compiled a list of some of the top children’s books that celebrate disabilities. These are excellent books to read so that children with disabilities can see that they aren’t alone, and they have so much that they bring to the table — simply by being who they were created to be.
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole
Based on the author’s real childhood experiences, a boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg. Bombarded with questions and silly suggestions, Joe becomes more and more fed up … until the kids finally understand they don’t need to know what happened. And that they’re wasting valuable playtime!
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott
When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he’d like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Compassionate parents everywhere will instantly recognize a father’s ability to reconnect a child with the world around him.
We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire
We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community.
It was Supposed to be Sunny by Samantha Cotterill
A perfectly planned birthday party goes awry in this gentle story about adapting to the unexpected, written for kids on the autism spectrum. Laila feels like her sparkly sunshine birthday celebration is on the brink of ruin when it starts to storm. Then, just as she starts feeling OK with moving her party indoors, an accident with her cake makes her want to call the whole thing off. But with the help of her mom and a little alone time with her service dog, she knows she can handle this.
A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson
A moving picture book debut about depression, sensory awareness, and the power of listening, A Blue Kind of Day explores how depression might feel in the body and shows us how to support the people we love with patience, care and empathy.
Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin
A delightful picture book that explores the home lives of children and parents who are Deaf or disabled. It touches on accommodations disabled people may use at home, such as different furniture, tools, or help from others.