Representation of disability is just as important to your classroom library as representation of children’s gender, race, culture, and family circumstances. though it can be tricky. many children’s books about disabilities actually promote negative stereotypes. To put together the most useful list for you, we primarily focus on #ownvoices books written by disabled authors. We also look for books in which disabled characters tell their own stories. Finally, we read tons of reviews to see what disabled readers and parents of disabled children had to say.
Feel like you need more guidance on choosing and sharing children’s books about disabilities? We learned a lot from children’s publishing agents James and Lucy Catchpole. they are disabled and provide great tips for teachers on their blog. (also see james picture book below!)
You are reading: Books to teach children about disabilities
(Just a heads up, weareteachers may get a portion of sales from links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
Illustrated children’s books on disabilities
1. we move together by kelly fritsch and anne mcguire
This piece of jewelry celebrates human connection and calls for shared activism. the resource section in the back helps classes talk about disability, accessibility, and more. a book for all ages with many layers.
2. what happened to you? by james catchpole
joe is deep in a game of pirates on the playground when other kids start asking him questions about why he has a leg. Joe cleverly keeps the focus on the game, teaching his fellow players about empathy and privacy. this is an important book to talk about respectful responses to (any) difference. definitely check out the free lesson plans on the author’s website and his personal reasons for writing the book.
3. mom zooms in by jane cowen-fletcher
Add this cheerful title to your collection of family books! a child quickly spends the day on her mother’s lap in her wheelchair.
4. small senses series by samantha cotterill
Written by an author with autism, these stories upliftingly highlight the common experiences of neurodiverse children. many children can relate to having to deal with noisy places, managing schedule changes, trying new foods, or discovering the feelings of others.
5. can bears ski? by raymond antrobus
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A young bear shares his first experiences with deafness. others keep asking him something that sounds like, “can bears ski?” When his family learns more about how to better communicate with him, they can happily understand (and answer) the question “can you hear me?”
6. lone wolf by sarah kurpiel
Here’s an example of a children’s book that isn’t about disabilities, but can increase representation in your classroom library. People ask Maple, a husky in the family, if he really is a wolf… so much so that she begins to wonder. the author uses an electric wheelchair and shows one of the family members in the illustrations using one as well.
7. i talk like a river by jordan scott
This personal narrative explains how the metaphor of a flowing river helped the author feel less alone with his stutter. this title would be a powerful addition to his collection of personal narrative writing mentor texts.
8. my three best friends and me, zulay by cari best
zulay is a blind first grade student. she has already learned to read and write braille, climb trees, swim and has a fun group of friends. she is learning to use a cane and working hard to run a race on field day. We like how the rhythmic text and illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton make this book feel fresh and fun, and not too didactic.
informative children’s books on disabilities
9. not so different: what you really want to ask about having a disability by shane burcaw
The author uses photos and examples from his own life to answer frequently asked questions and normalize children’s disability. he has a great sense of humor, which makes for an approachable and light-hearted tone. he just reads it first to make sure his students with disabilities are comfortable listening to the shared book in a group. Also, he points out that while Shane is eager to share personal details, not all disabled people feel the same way.
10. ransom and jessica: a life changing friendship by jessica kensky and patrick downes
If you’re looking for children’s books on disabilities with guide dogs, choose this one! Jessica Kensky, an amputee, shares how her black Lab is both a service dog and a treasured companion.
11. To the Top: How a Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel
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As an 8-year-old with cerebral palsy, activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins crawled to the top of the capitol building steps. this capitol crawl protest helped propel congress to pass the americans with disabilities act (ada) in 1990. the resources section teaches readers more about the history of the ada, as well as the work that still needs to be done.
12. a children’s book on disabilities by kristine napper
This teacher and author who has spinal muscular atrophy sends a clear message: “Having a disability is one of many ways to be normal.” is a great conversation starter on how to live and spread this mindset.
13. i’m not a label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists past and present by cerrie burnell
The author explains that this collection of mini-biographies is a children’s book about the disabilities she wishes she had as a child. a fantastic classroom resource to explore and share.
books for middle grade children about disabilities
14. a chance to fly by ali stroker
This author was the first person in a wheelchair to appear in a Broadway show, so she is well-prepared to write about thirteen-year-old Natalie whose biggest dream is to be a musical theater star. Natalie’s experiences—with friends, finding independence, standing up for herself, and pursuing her passion—will be relatable and empowering for many kids.
15. the deaf: the super powerful edition of cece bell
Update to the latest edition of this classroom library staple! has new background material with photos from the author’s life and early sketches of the book. cece bell based this graphic novel on his own experiences with deafness, his “superpower”. the author’s note can help children learn about various experiences in the deaf community.
16. the many mysteries of the finkel family by sarah kapit
Tween sisters Lara and Caroline start a detective agency and end up taking a closer look at the mysteries of their own family. each sister has different characteristics on the autism spectrum. This is an affirmative title for children with similar experiences written by an autistic author. it’s also an excellent discussion book for exploring characterization and relationships.
do you have another great book to add to this list? if so, let us know in the comments! we hope this is a list that is always growing.
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