Children's Books About Disabilities and Differences
Children’s books play a crucial role in shaping the minds of young readers. They have the power to inspire, educate, and promote empathy and understanding.
One important aspect that children’s books can address is disabilities and differences. By introducing characters with disabilities in books, children can learn to appreciate diversity and develop an understanding of the need for accepting and including others.
In this article, we will explore a range of children’s books that focus on disabilities and differences, ranging from picture books to inspiring true stories.
Why is it Important for Children to Learn About Disabilities and Differences
It is important to learn about disabilities and differences because it helps kids foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
By exposing children to the experiences of people with disabilities, they can develop a broader perspective and learn to appreciate the unique qualities and strengths that each individual possesses.
Learning about disabilities also helps to combat the stigma and stereotypes that are often associated with people different than ourselves. When children are educated about different abilities from a young age, they are more likely to develop inclusive attitudes and behaviors towards others.
They are also more inclined to offer support and assistance to individuals with disabilities, rather than treating them differently or isolating them.
Additionally, teaching children about disabilities can help to break down barriers and promote inclusion of all individuals in society. When children are exposed to different abilities and perspectives, they are better equipped to navigate the diverse world in which we live.
As you can see, it is critical for children to learn about disabilities and differences to build a more empathetic and inclusive society.
Here are some of the Best Children’s Books about Disabilities
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Looking for children’s books about disabilities? Picture books are a great way to introduce young children to the topic. These books use engaging illustrations and simple language to tell stories that teach important lessons about acceptance and empathy. Here are a few notable picture books about disabilities:
In Just Ask, Sotomayor effortlessly introduces the concept that everyone has different abilities. She encourages young readers to ask questions, learn from each other’s experiences, and celebrate their differences. This beautifully illustrated book encourages children to be curious about disabilities while promoting kindness, compassion, and the power of connection. It inspires people of all ages to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the diverse abilities that exist in the world.
Inspired by the bestselling novel Wonder, this picture book tells the story of Auggie, a young boy with a facial difference, who helps children understand the importance of kindness and acceptance. This engaging book ignites conversations about diversity and inclusion, encouraging children to celebrate the uniqueness of themselves and others. It is a powerful tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to teach children about acceptance, compassion, and the power of kindness.
This sweet story with beautiful illustrations documents a first-person account of the life of a little boy with autism. Through his retelling, the reader can empathize with the experiences he goes through in day-to-day life. A Day With No Words shows what life can look like for nonverbal children or children with autism and showcases the resources utilized to help. In this character’s case, he creates his own version of communication through the resources he has. This book also highlights the beautiful mother-child bond.
This cute book highlights all of the unique and special qualities that make each of us our own separate individuals. It celebrates the differences of everyone while using bright illustrations and engaging rhyming words to capture and hold the attention of the readers. It’s OK to be Different teaches kindness to young children through the storyline and reminds the reader that everyone has differences and our differences make us beautiful!
El Deafo by Cece Bell, is a heartwarming and inspiring story that will captivate readers of all ages. This engaging picture book takes us on a journey with Cece, a young girl who starts at a new school with a unique ability. Her Phonic Ear allows her to hear her teacher no matter where she is in the school, giving her an extraordinary advantage. But El Deafo is more than just a story about a girl with a special hearing device. It delves deep into Cece’s experiences and emotions as she navigates the challenges of feeling alone in her deafness and ultimately fitting in and finding friendship.
A girl discovers the path to empowerment, self-love, and self-acceptance after drawing strength from amazing women in her life that resembled her. This is a tale of accepting and respecting one’s roots and finding your unique way to happiness.
Non-fiction Picture Books about Disabilities
Non-fiction picture books provide factual information about disabilities in an engaging and accessible manner. Through these books, children can learn more about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and how they overcome them. Here are a few non-fiction picture books about disabilities:
Written by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith I Talk Like a River takes readers on a tender exploration of a young boy’s struggles and triumphs, offering a glimpse into his daily life. It sends a powerful message about self-acceptance, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy towards those who may communicate differently. I Talk Like a River is not only a beautifully crafted book but also a valuable tool for parents, educators, and children alike. It prompts important conversations about acceptance, resilience, and the power of embracing one’s unique voice.
With humor and relatability, Shane Burrow shares a glimpse into his life with spinal muscular atrophy. This book addresses common questions children may have about disabilities, providing honest and informative answers in an accessible manner.
Inspiring True Stories
True stories about individuals with disabilities serve as powerful examples of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. These stories highlight the achievements of real people and inspire young readers to believe in themselves. Here are a few inspiring true stories:
Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes is a touching story about a young girl named Jessica and her service dog, Rescue, after a life-altering accident. As Jessica navigates through the challenges that come with her new reality, she forms an unbreakable bond with her remarkable service dog Rescue. Together, they embark on a journey of trust, love and companionship
This book tells the remarkable true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a young man with a physical disability who, against all odds, rode a bike across 400 miles across Ghana to raise awareness about disability rights.
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything is an inspiring true story that highlights the incredible journey of a young girl who contributed to a monumental change in America. The story revolves around the Americans with Disabilities Act, which aimed to ensure equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The protagonist, a brave little girl named Jennifer, decides to climb the steps of the Capitol building without her wheelchair, showing the world that her disability does not limit her determination or aspirations.
34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present by Cerrie Burnell celebrates the achievements of 34 disabled individuals from different walks of life, including artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists. Biographies of individuals with disabilities help inspire children by showcasing the accomplishments of real people who have overcome challenges. These biographies demonstrate that disabilities do not define individuals and that they are capable of achieving great things. Some examples include: Helen Keller, Frida Kahlo, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, and many more.
More Fictional Picture Books about Disabilities
Fictional picture books are a great way to spark a child’s imagination while also addressing important topics such as disabilities. These books often feature relatable characters who teach valuable lessons about empathy and resilience. Here is a collection of books about disabilities:
This story follows Emma, a little girl who has limb differences and maneuvers around in a wheelchair. She meets a new friend, Charley, who doesn’t know how to react at first to her differences. Throughout the book, the reader learns through Charley and Emma’s experiences that different isn’t bad or sad; different is just different. This book celebrates one another’s differences and helps kids learn how to navigate people’s differences with kindness.
Zane, a zebra who is autistic, is worried that his differences will draw too much attention to himself. He is worried that others will only see his “autism stripe” and not all of his other special stripes, like his caring stripe, which makes him awesome and fun to be around. His Mama helps him realize to appreciate himself for all of his stripes, even (especially!) his autism stripe. This book helps children put themselves in others’ shoes and shows them the importance of appreciating everyone for all of the unique qualities they have.
Suitable for children ages 3 and up, this story follows a group of sweet rock friends who love to roll down their favorite hill. However, Ricky can’t roll due to his shape; he’s flat on one side. The rock friends work together to help Ricky be able to roll and, after lots of teamwork and determination, they’re successful in their efforts! This book focuses on true friendship, the power of being a team, and working together to accomplish a goal, despite our differences. Children of any age will benefit from this sweet story that visualizes acceptance in teamwork in a way they can understand.
This book shows children how to create a kinder, more caring world through engaging rhyming. Different…A Great Thing to Be! follows the story of Macy who is different from her peers, and demonstrates to readers that it’s a great thing to be different from others. Children have an innate awareness of the differences of others around them. This story helps them to appreciate those differences and celebrate them, instead of viewing them negatively.
Mimi is the newest classmate at school, and the class is excited to meet her and learn about all of her unique qualities, including her physical disability. Mimi uses a walker to get around, which sparks the curiosity of her classmates and peers. Throughout the story, the classmates and the reader become familiarized with Mimi and her different abilities, empathizing with her in the process. This book provides a vocabulary guide for children, as well as notes for parents and teachers to enrich the reading experience.
The second installment in the Charley and Emma series. In this book, Emma is having a really bad day. One thing after another is going wrong for her. There are accessibility problems at the children’s art museum, and her friend Charley made her day even worse. Emma has to harness her inner strength and stand up for herself, showing everyone around her that there is power in feeling secure in one’s own skin. This story is an empowering tool for children to develop their inner strength and it illustrates the importance of being a good, helpful friend to others.
Katie has Down Syndrome, but there’s so much more that makes her unique. This book follows Katie’s story through her daily experiences, ultimately teaching acceptance and displaying the differences of others and how to be tolerant and accommodating. This book includes tips for parents and teachers as well as a vocabulary reference list for readers, making it an enriching educational tool.
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay is a heartwarming story that teaches valuable lessons about acceptance, friendship, and overcoming obstacles. The story revolves around Zulay, a determined young girl who happens to be blind. As her school prepares for a school activity, Zulay is eager to participate just like her friends. With unwavering support from her three best friends, Zulay decides to challenge herself and runs a race on field day. This inspiring tale captures the resilience and determination of a young girl who doesn’t let her physical disability define her.
Though Moses and his friends from school are deaf, they enjoy the same activities as children that can hear. In this helpful book, readers follow Moses and his friends as they attend a concert and experiences the joy of music in their own unique way.
Final Thoughts About Reading Children's Books About Disabilities
Children’s books about disabilities and differences play an important role in educating and inspiring young readers.
In addition to the benefit of helping kids learn to read, introducing characters with disabilities help children develop empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
Whether through picture books, true stories, or biographies, these books provide valuable lessons and encourage children to embrace diversity and inclusion.
We hope some of these books help your child on their journey to appreciate the uniqueness of every individual while creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
About the Author
In addition to being a bestselling children’s book author, Dane Furfaro is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked with children and families for over 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia College and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in counseling from the University of Minnesota. He has been fortunate to support many children and families in their journeys to create better futures for themselves.
