A few weeks ago, the wonderful mayor of St Charles reached out to me to invite me to a city council meeting. He had heard about the Gold Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite, read up on our family story and wanted to recognize us. I can’t express how honored I was - I have said this before, but I will take any opportunity I can to talk about my son and our journey in hopes that we reach people who want to listen - or who may be impacted by our words and story.

Our son Benjamin was meant to only live with us for a few short years. We walk this path because we didn’t have a choice — but I can choose how I survive, how we live and how we remember him. I feel blessed that he was mine, if only for a short time. And I believe we are honoring him in the best way possible. Sometimes you wonder if you’re reaching people or if you are impacting families. Then there are moments like this one from last night that reinforce and reassure — this is meant to be our story.

If you’d like to see the full video presentation - click here.

To learn more about Ben Smiles Memorial Foundation, click here.

To learn more about Ben’s Adventures books, click here.

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

Ben’s Adventures

(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!.

HiYa Moriah!

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.

My Brother Otto

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.

All My Stripes

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 Down Syndrome

Kelly and Kelso

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 Syperpowers

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.

I hope there is something here that will fit onto your bookshelf at home! Happy reading.