Hi All!
Thank you for visiting this post where I’m going to list a few GREAT books to help you introduce your kids to the world of different abilities.
I truly believe that showing young children books representing all types of characters (races, abilities or disabilities, circumstances, whatever), will lead to awareness, understanding and acceptance of the HUMAN race. Kids are curious by nature and reading books will help to answer questions and build their knowledge and compassion for others.
YES, it’s important for kids to ‘see themselves’ in books … but it’s just as important (if not more so) for them to see kids that ARE NOT just like them.
Here are my top picks for now – I’m sure this post will grow as I find new and exciting books to share!
Characters in Wheelchairs
(Of course I had to include Ben’s Adventures – they are my books!) Follow along as young Ben dreams up fun adventures with his friends and family. He may use a wheelchair but that doesn’t stop him and he continues to show that ALL kids can play and dream. It’s full of hope and inspiration. So far, there are two books in the Ben Adventures series: A Day at the Beach and Under the Big Top!.
Moriah is a little girl living with special needs and is an inspiration. She continues to show just how important it is to just say ‘hiya’ when you meet someone new. Filled with humor and inspiration, the book also serves as a tool to help educate young minds on some equipment a child with special needs might require, using a picture glossary in the back.
Yes, I Can: A Girl and her Wheelchair
Come along as Carolyn navigates her daily life as a first-grader. See what she can do at home, in class and even on a field trip. She’s able to do just about all the same things that any typical child can do. Sometimes she may need to do things a bit differently but that’s okay! This book encourages children to interact with others who may have a disability.
Characters with Autism or any Behavioral Differences
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings
Meet the boy who feels strongly, loves deeply, has extreme highs and low lows. Relatable for any child, but especially for children experiencing anxiety and extreme emotions, or who have been diagnosed with autism, this book is about a boy who tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings. But with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated.
Meet Otto and Piper, sweet crow siblings who enjoy the simple things that all siblings enjoy. Otto is on the Autism spectrum but they show that Love, Kindness and Understanding go a long way in this sweet and easy to read picture book. In these times, many children have behavioral differences and/or sensory-processing disorders. Cultivating kindness in our children starts at home and books are a great way to introduce and expose children to these topics.
Using simple language, Why Is He Doing That? explains the many questions typical students may have about students with Autism who are mainstreamed into general education classrooms. It’s designed to encourage acceptance, kindness, and inclusion of students on the spectrum with the hope they are treated with kindness and love …. because we are all different, just like everyone else!
Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates. He worries that all they notice about him is his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes — the unique strengths that make him who he is! It also includes a Reading Guide with more information on the Autism Spectrum.
Characters with Facial Differences
Lia’s Kind Mind - the second book in The Able Fables®, is a heartwarming story of a young lion who adores gymnastics. When Lia struggles to master a new skill on the balance beam, she doubts her abilities and ponders quitting the sport altogether. Encouraged by her teammates, Lia harnesses the power of a kind mind and learns to embrace the balance beam as she does her birthmark. The Able Fables™ collection proudly represents characters with diverse abilities, empowering children, and their guardians to embrace inclusion and see first, ability.
Characters with Down Syndrome
Spreading Down Syndrome awareness … one book at a time! Inspired by his uncle, author Jordan Kelly is increasing awareness of people with disabilities. Follow along as young Kelly and his plush Koala Professor Kelso go on adventures together, teaching all to see value in others even though some may look or act differently. Series books include Kelly and the Space Cadets and Kelly and the Pinewood Derby.
Hannah’s Down Syndrome Superpowers
Meet Hannah, a little girl and superhero princess with Down Syndrome. Hannah leads us through her magical superpowers including Compassion, Kindness, Trust, Love and several more…. All the things that make her special. The book is chock full of helpful hints on how to be a good friend to someone with Down Syndrome. Throughout the book, it becomes apparent that kids are more alike than they are different.
General Inclusion Books
Inclusion Alphabet - Follow a boy who struggles to make friends, a girl who feels different from those around her, and a man who meets a stranger that changes his life.Each letter of the alphabet accompanies a word that helps to demonstrate what inclusion is all about. As you read through the alphabet, you can begin to see these people, stories and ideas come together to build understanding and inspire action.
I hope there is something here that will fit onto your bookshelf at home! Happy reading.
E