Picture Books To Help Kids Understand Physical Disabilities and Differences
Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Board for the Special Olympics, told me (years ago in an interview) that when parents don’t talk about physical and intellectual differences, it becomes the elephant in the room, which gets translated for children as a taboo topic. That’s not what any of us wants. Let’s prioritize discussing and educating children about all kinds of physical differences. One way to do this is to read children’s books that show respectful and accurate representation.
This list originally appeared on ReadBrightly.com.
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Add to BookshelfJust Ask!
by Sonia Sotomayor
A group of children works together to plant a garden. Each of the children has a difference that, like the plants, make them special and unique. For example, learn about kids with ADHD, allergies, diabetes, blindness, and other physical and neurological differences. The author asks readers questions such as “How do you use your senses?” to help encourage empathy and understanding.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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This Is How We Talk
by Caroline Cupp and Jessica Slice
In this book, young readers will learn about the various ways people with disabilities communicate. Some people use sign language, others use written communication, body language, and sensory cues to convey their thoughts and feelings. The back matter includes resources and discussion starters for kids and parents to explore disabilities and advocacy.
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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All of Us: A First Conversation About Disability
by Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison
This beautiful book explains that everyone can do different things, and some abilities are more common than others. Your worth as a human does not depend on having the same abilities as someone else. The conversational tone and brightly colored artwork make this book an excellent starting point for conversations about disabilities, while the back matter offers additional talking points.
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$15.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Everyone Belongs
by Heather Avis
Two young girls plan to put on a show in the park. When more children appear and want to participate, the girls find a role for everyone. This sweet book encourages children to embrace their differences and celebrate everyone’s unique abilities.
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$13.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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A Little Like Magic
by Sarah Kurpiel
The young narrator can think of many reasons why she does not want to go to the ice festival, and is even more upset at having been forced to go when she loses her beloved horse toy. But a return trip shows how just how wonderful the unexpected can be. While her disability is not the focal point of the story, beautiful illustrations show the little girl in a wheelchair.
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6
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Listen
by Shannon Stocker
This is the story of Evelyn Glennie, a young girl who loses her hearing and with it, potentially her ability to keep playing the music that’s an integral part of her life. But deafness does not defeat Evelyn, and with the encouragement of a kind teacher, she learns how to feel rhythms through her body. Evelyn’s story proves that anyone can succeed, no matter their circumstances.
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7
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I Talk Like a River
by Jordan Scott
This is an absolutely beautiful book that sheds light on the insecurities and struggles of those with speech issues. As a young boy with a stutter moves through his day, we see him in his classroom, hoping he doesn’t have to talk. When the teacher asks him a question and his peers turn to look at him, the picture captures his sense of panic and the pressure he feels. Thankfully, a quiet walk in nature with his father helps give him a new way to think about his speech.
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$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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Fauja Singh Keeps Going
by Simran Jeet Singh
Unable to walk as a child, Fauja Singh strengthens his legs with farm work, eventually becoming a runner. At age one-hundred, he sets a record as the oldest man to run a marathon.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Dark Was the Night
by Gary Golio
Willie, a blind boy with a knack for music, loses his mother and sister at a young age. But music helps Willie survive his life’s difficulties. As an adult, he sings and plays guitar around Texas, eventually making a record. His most famous song, “Dark Was the Night,” becomes one of the selections that travels with Voyager 1 on its mission to space.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Sam’s Super Seats
by Keah Brown
This exuberant picture book about a little girl with cerebral palsy teaches readers about the importance of rest. When Sam goes back-to-school shopping with her friends, she gets tired and needs to sit down. But finding the right seat proves challenging, until Sam comes up with a brilliant idea. Warmhearted and charming, this book is a great affirmation of self-love. The story also includes narrative descriptions of the colorful artwork for readers with low and limited vision.
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11
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I am Helen Keller
by Brad Meltzer
After a childhood illness, Helen Keller becomes deaf and blind. Scared and frustrated, she misbehaves frequently. A skilled teacher helps Helen learn to speak in sign language and read braille, giving Helen hope and a future that includes higher education and work as an activist.
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$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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She Persisted in Sports
by Chelsea Clinton
The inspiring women in this collection of biographies face discrimination and physical challenges, yet they all persist to become successful athletes, overcoming difficulties and fighting their way to success.
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13
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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
by Jen Bryant
Compelling storytelling narrates the life of Louis Braille, who was blind from the age of five. He is determined to find a way to read more books, but his options are limited. Through trial and error, he creates the Braille raised-dot reading system that people still use today.
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$19.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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14
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We’re All Wonders
by R. J. Palacio
Auggie is a boy with facial differences. His feelings get hurt when people stop and stare, or point or laugh. When he feels bad, he puts on his helmet and pretends to blast off into space. Doing this helps him remember that he is a wonder, as are all the people in the world.
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15
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Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by Laurie Ann Thompson
Emmanuel hops two miles to school with only one leg, learns to ride a bike, plays soccer, and works to support his family. As an adult, he rides 400 miles across Ghana to show others that disability is not inability. His life exemplifies perseverance and grit.
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16
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Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember
by Tim Tebow
In this story by sports legend Tim Tebow, all the animals get a puzzle piece to bring to a party. Unfortunately, nearsighted Bronco can’t find his puzzle piece. As he searches for it, he meets other animals who worry about going to the party because of their physical difficulties. Even still, they all go to the party and have a wonderful time.
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$17.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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17
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Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
This book is a heartwarming story about the special bond between Jessica and her service dog, Rescue. Rescue feels excited and nervous to help Jessica, who had her legs amputated after the Boston Marathon bombing. Working with her, Rescue finds his purpose by helping Jessica with her everyday tasks.
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
