A Kids Book About Disability
Kristine Napper
Sometimes people act like having a disability means you’re from another planet, even though over a billion people in the world have disabilities. So how do you talk about disability? How do you talk to people with disabilities? This book helps kids and grownups approach disability as a normal part of the human experience. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction for kids on the topic.
How To Be Disabled and Proud: (or at least kinda sorta okay with it…)
Cathy Reay and Jaleel Hudson
Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere? Or like no-one understands what it feels like to be you? Maybe you feel like you’re the only person in the world who looks, moves or thinks like you do. Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone, and you belong in the world exactly as you are. In this honest, funny, empowering guide, Cathy Reay draws on her own experiences of growing up disabled to encourage young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta OK with) their disabled identity.
I Am Not a Label
Cerrie Burnell
In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 34 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.
I Am, You Are
Ashley Harris Whaley and Ananya Rao-Middleton
‘I Am, You Are’ is a powerful, practical book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about disability and ableism. This book was written by disability activist Ashley Harris Whaley to support children, parents, teachers and carers, by explaining what disability is and why it should be celebrated.
Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination
Melissa Hart and Maria Perera
In this illustrated biography collection, meet over twenty people with Down syndrome who have accomplished amazing things in their lives. Excelling in film, sports, business, photography, and more, these people are changing hearts and minds about their disability. Read about Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon, and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada, the first designer with Down syndrome invited to showcase her work at London Fashion Week. Learn about the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, and other organizations who support the Down syndrome community. Each of these stories will educate and inspire young readers, both kids with Down syndrome and their family members, friends, classmates, and teammates!
Break the Mould
Sinéad Burke and Natalie Byrne
Sometimes it can seem like the world isn’t built for you or like you don’t belong. But why should you change who you are for the sake of others? From the power of being different and discovering things you love about yourself, to using your voice to be an ally and show friendship to others, it’s time to break the mould and find your place in the world.
All About Diversity
Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero
This exploration of difference helps young children learn to respond in a kind and equal way to everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, physical and mental ability, gender, ethnicity, beliefs, language, culture, background and so on. With topics ranging from clothes and food to homes, festivals and families, there is plenty for children to talk about as they find out about what makes people different and what makes them unique.
Owning It
James Catchpole, Lucy Catchpole, Jen Campbell and Sophie Kamlish
Growing up disabled can be an isolating experience. As much as you might be surrounded by loving and well-meaning friends and family, chances are no one close to you is going through this alongside you – until now! From navigating sports at school, to facing the confusion of getting given free stuff all the time, to juggling hospital trips alongside your social life, this anthology of firsthand experiences of childhood disability will be a welcome companion for disabled children. For non-disabled children it provides a welcome own-voice perspective and will help build empathy and understanding.
We Are All Different
Tracey Turner
This book is an inspiring celebration of the fact that all of us are individuals, and has been created in conjunction with several Inclusive Minds Inclusion Ambassadors. This vibrant, inclusive book introduces us to a cast of children who have different abilities and disabilities, likes and dislikes; who come from different places and have different cultures and ethnicities; and who have different family structures and gender identities.
What Happened To You?
James Catchpole
Imagine you were asked the same question again and again throughout your life. Imagine if it was a question that didn’t bring about the happiest of memories. This is the experience of one-legged Joe, a child who just wants to have fun in the playground. Constantly seen first for his disability, Joe is fed up of only ever being asked about his leg. All he wants to do is play Pirates. But as usual, one after the other, all the children ask him the same question they always ask, ‘What happened to you?’
The Same But Different
Molly Potter
An inspiring picture book to encourage children to celebrate uniqueness and diversity and help them to challenge stereotypes. This book explores the ways in which we’re all unique as well as the similarities we share. Using everyday examples, clear explanations and colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings, this book prompts children to broaden their perspectives and rejoice in their differences.
Questions and Feelings About Having a Disability
Louise Spilsbury and Ximena Jeria
How do you help a young child deal with disability or explain what that means? This hands on picture book is designed to help children with their questions and feelings about tricky topics that can be hard to talk about. The exquisite and approachable illustrations to give a comforting story book feel.
Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion
Shannon Stocker
This inspiring picture book tells the true story of world-famous deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie. This is a story of music, of obstacles, of strength and hard work, of all you can accomplish when you dream. As a child, Evelyn Glennie’s ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers. Ringing phones sounded like muffled crunches in her ears. But when she was told that she would need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, Evelyn was determined that this would never stop her from playing music. Instead of giving up on her dreams, Evelyn found new ways to listen.
Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo
Lucy Brownridge and Sandra Dieckmann
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter and today is one of the world’s favourite artists. As a child, she was badly affected by polio, and later suffered a terrible accident that left her disabled and in pain. Shortly after this accident, Kahlo took up painting, and through her surreal, symbolic self portraits described the pain she suffered, as well as the treatment of women, and her sadness at not being able to have a child. This book tells the story of Frida Kahlo’s life through her own artworks, and shows how she came to create some of the most famous paintings in the world.
Terry Fox
Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Terry loved every sport under the sun. He was training to become a sports teacher when he received the cancer diagnosis that meant that his leg would have to be amputated. Owing to his experiences as a patient, Terry decided that he had to do something to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He embarked upon an incredible feat, the Marathon of Hope, in which he ran for 143 days, travelling the equivalent of a single marathon every day, and raised millions of dollars for his fellow Canadians. This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the legendary Canadian hero.
Helen Keller
Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Little Helen was curious and eager to learn about the world. After contracting an illness during childhood, she became deaf and blind at the age of one and was unable to talk. Helen and her family found ways to connect with each other, such as hand-signing. But when Anne Sullivan, a teacher, came into her life, Helen discovered more ways to communicate with the wider world, learning finger-spelling and how to talk. This saw her become the first deaf-blind person to earn a university degree, and led her to tour the world advocating for the rights of disabled people.
The Extraordinary Life of Stephen Hawking
Kate Scott
Discover the extraordinary life of the man behind some of the world’s most incredible scientific discoveries; Stephen Hawking was a physicist, cosmologist and author who made the study of the universe understandable to everyone.
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