Literature, art and culture have always been tools of illustration and knowledge. Exposing children to books that have a disability theme or disabled characters ensures a future generation free from discrimination and exclusion.
Here, our writer Raya Al-Khadir highlights 8 books you should encourage kids to read or local libraries to buy.
You are reading: Children’s books with characters with disabilities
tom fletcher’s christmas aurius
Written by McFly lead singer Tom Fletcher, the story follows William Trundle, a wheelchair-using, dinosaur-obsessed 10-year-old boy, as he goes on an adventure to see Santa Claus in a unique version of the north pole.
On his journey, he meets a rare dinosaur and together they try to fight a dangerous hunter.
buy tom fletcher’s christmasaurus on amazon.
You can also buy the other books in the series on amazon: christmasaurus and the winter witch and christmasaurus and the naughty list.
mommy saying by rosana sullivan
For many, disability manifests as chronic illness and burnout. This is the case of Aleeya’s mother in Mommy Sayang, Rosana Sullivan’s first illustrated book.
The story is based on Rosana’s childhood: her life in a small Malaysian village, or kampung, and the loneliness she felt when her mother became ill and could no longer play with her.
find out where to buy mommy sysand by rosana sullivan on goodreads.
taking care of louis by lesley ely, illustrated by polly dunbar
caring for louis shows how inclusive classrooms are advantageous for disabled and non-disabled children. Louis has autism and does not speak for himself or participate in class activities like other children.
one day, when his classmate sam plays soccer with louis, a whole new world opens up for louis and all the kids learn a little more about communication, joy, being human and that breaking the rules is okay. allowed in certain circumstances.
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buy caring for louis de lesley ely on amazon.
attention, tim-tron by ian roy and gary parsons
This storybook explains brain injury through the experiences of a young robot, Tim Tron. The reader sees Tim Tron before his accident and then goes on a journey with him as he deals with change and going back to school.
This picture book is packed with practical ideas to help kids, their siblings, friends, and parents understand and manage brain injuries.
you can download head’s up, tim-tron for free from the children’s trust
amazing by steve anthony
This illustrated children’s book celebrates an unusual friendship between a boy in a wheelchair and his pet dragon.
They go everywhere together and teach each other things along the way. Zibbo the dragon may be different, but he’s amazing just the way he is.
buy incredible by steve anthony on amazon.
dancing with daddy by anitra rowe schulte
This story was inspired by the author’s three daughters, particularly one with wolf-hirschhorn syndrome.
This picture book follows Elsie, a fair-skinned girl with WHs who uses a pragmatic organization dynamic display book to communicate, a gastro tube to eat, and a wheelchair to complement her orthosis.
elsie is looking forward to a father-daughter dance, excited to wear her new red dress and bow that “matches daddy’s soccer jersey.”
as the snow falls, elsie worries that the event will be cancelled. But the morning brings positive news, and she, her dad, and her sisters dance the night away.
buy dancing with dad from nitra rowe schulte on amazon.
ali and the starfish by ali stroker
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In her first picture book, Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker captures the magic and community of theater.
Based on the pivotal summer that Ali performed in her first musical on the Jersey Shore, the story is about an energetic girl in a wheelchair who puts on a show for her hometown.
ali loves to dance, sing and act. but she had never thought of putting on her own show until his neighbor asks, “why wait?” Immediately full of energy, Ali gets to work.
There’s a lot to do before showtime—choosing the right musical, auditions, rehearsal, wardrobe, and set design—but Ali can do anything with her family and friends.
When a storm threatens to undo all her hard work, Ali must use her imagination and adapt so the show can go on.
Buy ali stroker’s ali and the sea stars on amazon and read our interview with ali stroker.
hello bye dog by maria gianferrari
Hello Bye Dog is about a biracial girl who uses a wheelchair to get around. but the book is not about race, and it is not about disability. It’s about the relationship between the girl and the dog that adores her.
buy hello goodbye dog from maria gianferrari on amazon.
Do you know other children’s books that have disabled characters? share your suggestions in the comment box or on facebook and twitter @dhorizons.
by Raya Al-Jadir
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