Picture books are a powerful tool for helping children understand disability and unlearn stereotypes. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans has a disability. Disabilities are common, not unusual, which is all the more reason to read lots of children’s books about disability or that star disabled characters.
Of course, not every book about disability is a good one; some reflect stereotypes and reinforce ableism. If you’re new to the term ableism, it’s all the beliefs, behaviors, and laws in our society that devalue and discriminate against people with disabilities.
Following the fantastic blog Raising Luminaries: Books for Littles, written by Ashia Ray, who is autistic, got me thinking more about how ableism impacts children (both those with a disability and those without.)
In this post you’ll find children’s picture books about disability or that star disabled characters. You’ll see that I generally don’t use “person first language” in this post. You can find an explanation of this choice here.
Looking for chapter books that challenge ableism? Head to this post.
Table of Contents: (click on heading to go directly to that section)
- Children’s books about disability: fiction picture books
- Children’s books about disability: non-fiction picture books
- Picture books starring disabled characters (that don’t focus on disability)
Disclosure: For your convenience, this post includes affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I received a complimentary copy of Together Things from the publisher in exchange for my honest review; all opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Children’s books about disability: fiction picture books
You’re So Amazing! by James and Lucy Catchpole. Illustrated by Karen George.
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You’re So Amazing! is my favorite book on this list and belongs in every preschool and kindergarten library.
Joe, who has one leg and uses elbow crutches to walk, loves playing games with his friend Simone. But while they’re busy imagining they’re in a pirate battle, other people keep interrupting them to tell Joe how amazing he is. With examples that will make adults cringe and kids laugh, Joe finds all this unwanted attention unnerving. He doesn’t want to be Amazing Joe, but he doesn’t want to be pitied either. Is there anywhere he can be just Joe? (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Disabled authors.)
Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language by Joanne Que and Charina Marquez. Illustrated by Fran Alvarez.
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As Sam watches her new neighbors, she notices that their hands are dancing. She realizes they are speaking “with their hands, with the expressions on their faces.” Sam and Mai, the daughter of the family, become friends, mostly without any kind of language. But sometimes this means they misunderstand each other, so Mai teaches Sam Filipino Sign Language.
The text is beautiful in its simplicity, while the illustrations are the heart of the story. Appropriately, readers see how the girls’ friendship blossoms as they communicate with their dancing hands. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Deaf co-author.)
A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman. Illustrated by Peggy Collins.
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Aria is excited to begin school, but she’s uncertain how she will stay comfortable sitting on the floor. Aria has a helper leg, and the school has no furniture because so much wood was burned during the war. By the end of the first day, she’s in so much pain that she doesn’t want to go back to school. At the same time, she doesn’t want to give up on the idea of learning to read and write.
Aria realizes that she could build a bench for the classroom. Most of the other girls are skeptical because that sounds like a job only a boy could do. But with the help of a friend, her mother, and a caring carpenter, Aria is determined to build the bench she needs. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8.)
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper. Illustrated by Kenard Pak.
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When Lina wakes up, deep snow has covered her entire neighborhood. But that won’t stop her from walking to the building where her Sitti lives, so that they can make warak enab (stuffed grape leaves) together as they planned.
On her walk, Lina notices that snow changes the sounds around her, making them both softer and clearer. She begins to count the sounds the snow makes, from the scraping of a snow shovel to the sound her boots make as they crunch snow into little waffle shapes. When she arrives at Sitti’s, Lina is surprised to hear that Sitti knew there was a blizzard. Sitti cannot see well, so how did she know about all the snow? (Recommended for ages 3 – 7.)
Related post: Children’s books for Arab American Heritage Month
Cesaria Feels the Beat by Denise Rosario Adusei. Illustrated by Priscila Soares.
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Cesaria’s seaside community is preparing for Carnival, and she cannot wait to dance in the parade. She’s been practicing non-stop, and the plumage of her costume is on point. But when the director insists she wear shoes like the other dancers, Cesaria signs “peacocks don’t wear shoes!”
Despite her repeated protests, the director won’t budge. No one realizes that with shoes on, Cesaria won’t be able to feel the music. Will she be able to support her pride of peacocks without having to give up her particular way of experiencing the parade? (Recommended for ages 4 – 8.)
Includes:
- children’s books that teach disability history (includes many books I haven’t reviewed on the blog) + disability experiences (75 books total!)
- kid-friendly glossary of disability terms
- ableist tropes to watch out for in kids’ books
- ways kids can take action
- understanding people-first vs identity-first language
Head here to learn more about the disability resource guide
Maybe Just Ask Me! by Katie Mazeika.
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Inspired by the author’s childhood experience of starting a new school after having cancer, Maybe Just Ask Me! encourages kids to voice their questions about disability.
On the first day of school, young Mazie wears her prettiest eye patch and most colorful headscarf. She’s ready to make new friends, but her classmates would rather make up fantastical stories to each other about why she looks the way she does. While their stories aren’t cruel, the fact that they’re whispered behind her back makes Mazie feel invisible.
The story and artwork center Mazie as brave and capable, without turning her into an “inspiring” story for her non-disabled peers. A kid-friendly afterword shares the author’s experience and gives children tips for supporting people with disabilities. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Disabled author.)
Mama Zooms by Jane Cowen-Fletcher
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A joyful toddler tells us all about how their Mama uses her “zooming machine” to zoom them everywhere. In her wheelchair, they can zoom across the lawn, with the child pretending to be a racehorse. The best place for zooming is ramps, where both Mama and child can put their arms out and feel like they’re flying.
There are very few children’s books about disabled parents. This book, based on the life of the author’s sister, challenges stereotypes about disability by showing Mama as doing the same fun things with her child than a non-disabled parent would do, with her wheelchair only adding to the joy they experience together. (Recommended for ages 2 – 5)
Related Post: 12 body positive books that celebrate plus size characters
Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael López
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Just Ask is one of the most popular children’s books about disability, both because of its Supreme Court Justice author, and because it gives examples of so many disabilities.
Judge Sotomayor shares how she has lived with diabetes since childhood, and while she knew other children were curious about why she gave herself insulin shots, they never asked.
Each page introduces a new character, who shares about their disability, followed by a question non-disabled kids can relate to. For example, Madison, who is blind, asks readers how they use their senses.
One thing that disappointed me about the book is that Sotomayor never uses the word disabled or disability. Many disabled people (though certainly not all) will tell you that their disability is an important part of their identity that want acknowledged. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Diabetic author.)
Related post: Best books about race and racism for kids and teens
Moses Goes to a Concert by Isaac Millman
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One of the ways we can challenge ableism is by thinking about how disabled kids can take part in experiences non-disabled children do, when we make proper accommodations. This children’s book about disability is an excellent example of that!
Moses loves playing his drum. Though he can’t hear the sound because he is deaf, he can feel the vibration of the drum on his hand. He’s excited to go to a concert with his classmates, who are all deaf as well. Their teacher promises there will be a big surprise, and they can’t wait to find out what it is!
The book also includes American Sign Language at the bottom of each page, with Moses teaching key words and phrases from the story. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)
Related post: 14 anti-bias books for preschool and kindergarten
Together Things by Michelle Vasiliu and Gwynneth Jones.
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Most children’s books about disability focus on disabilities that are visible. There are few children’s books about mental illness, but this simple story helps fill that gap. First, we learn about all the things a little girl loved to do with her father, from flying high in the swings to “taming wild animals” (like crickets.) But because Daddy is sick inside of his head, he can’t do those things anymore.
Mama tells her that Daddy is going to see a special doctor, and she’s hopeful that he’ll get better. But she also has a lot of her own big feelings to deal with about his illness. Together, they discover new things that they can do while he’s getting better.
This book prompted important conversations with my son about how mental illness affects people, including my own experience having an anxiety disorder. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Author with mental illness.)
Related post: 6 ableist tropes that are all-too-common in children’s books
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
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Zulay and her friends love to sing and dance. She also loves her new pink shoes, and dreams about running so fast in them that she’ll feel like a bird opening her wings.
So when her teacher announces that a field day is coming up, she knows she wants to run in her new pink shoes. Her other classmates are surprised by her announcement since Zulay is blind. But another teacher knows that once Zulay learns how to use her new cane on the track, she’ll be able to join the race. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)
Silent Lotus by Jeanne M. Lee.
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The anti-ableism message of this children’s book about disability is powerful. Long ago in Cambodia, a little girl named Lotus brought her parents great joy. When they realized that Lotus was deaf, they prayed that the gods would take away her misfortune.
Though their daughter finds happiness in nature, the other children ignore her attempts at friendship. In their worry, her parents decide to visit the temple in the city. Their visit changes the parents perspective and Lotus’ life. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9)
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla and Ken Min.
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Sammy is having a terrible day, complete with getting in trouble at school and having to walk home in the rain. But his Mom doesn’t seem to notice, only letting him know that Benji is in his box. Benji is autistic. When he’s in his box, that means he’s also had a bad day and shouldn’t be disturbed.)
The box is only big enough for Benji, but Sammy wishes he had one for moments like this. Or that Mom would do something special to help him feel better, like she often does for Benji after challenging occupational therapy sessions. But when one more thing pushes Sammy over the edge into tears, it’s Benji who notices and comes to the rescue. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Neurodivergent author.)
Related post: Children’s books by autistic authors
Children’s books about disability: non-fiction picture books
We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, and Eduardo Trejos.
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This easy-to-understand story counters ableism in many forms and emphasizes the importance of communities coming together to solve problems. Children and caregivers will want to spend time poring over the illustrations, which reveal the details of the story. The illustrated end notes explain ableism, disability arts, accessibility and more in terms that young children can understand. (Recommended for ages 2 – 5. Disabled co-author.)
Shop this entire list of children’s books about disability on Bookshop.org. (Supports independent bookstores and my business!)
All Of Us: A First Conversation about Disability by Megan Madison with Jessica Ralli and Jonathan Eden.
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This short book explains a lot of key concepts to help children understand disability. The text and pictures normalize disability by emphasizing that there is no one way to be a person, and that having a disability is common. Children learn that being disabled means different things to different people, and that listening to disabled people is key. The book also introduces the concepts of access, ableism, and disability justice. While these are big concepts, the authors root them in practical examples that relate to young children’s lives. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6. Disabled co-author.)
A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott.
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In this encouraging and imaginatively illustrated book, Talbott describes what it was like for him to learn to read during a time when people didn’t talk about dyslexia.
He loved drawing and telling stories through pictures, and books called to him. But he could only read a few words at a time, while his classmates progressed through longer and longer books.
As the pictures in the books started to disappear and the text took over, Talbott even imaged a monster inside the books who declared “me eat pictures! You read!” But once he realized that he could take as long as he needed to piece together the words he did know, along with the pictures, books became friends instead of sources of fear. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. Dyslexic author.)
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith
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One day Jordan Scott’s father picked him up from school after a “bad speech day,” and took him to the river. Pointing at the water, his father told him, “you see how that water moves, son? That’s how you speak.” While most people treated his stuttering as unnatural, that moment helped Scott understand his speech in a different way.
This moving picture book tells children his story. When he has to speak at school, the other children don’t hear the ways he speaks that connect him with nature. They only hear that he doesn’t speak like them. When the teacher gives an assignment to tell the class about their favorite place, his father helps him understand his kinship with the bubbling, churning, crashing river. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Author with speech impediment.)
Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls
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When Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was a baby, many people dismissed what he could do. That’s because he was born with only one strong leg. But Emmanuel’s mother had faith that he could still find a way to make his way in the world, despite all the obstacles for disabled people in Ghana.
As a child, Emmanuel figured out how to do many things other children did, from playing soccer to even riding a bicycle with his one strong leg.
When his mother became ill, he knew that he must travel to the city to earn money for their family. He often met people who assumed he only wanted to beg from them. But Emmanuel was determined to show them that “being disabled did not mean being unable.”
And so, Emmanuel decided to make an incredible journey, riding his bicycle for 400 miles across Ghana, in just 10 days. His activism continues to challenge many people’s ideas about what people with physical disabilities can do. (Recommended for ages 4 – 9)
Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask about Having a Disability by Shane Burcaw and Matt Carr.
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Living with spinal muscular atrophy, Shane Burcaw is used to getting lots of stares and questions from kids. He created this book to answer their questions in a straightforward way. The book is crack-up funny in many places, something folks might not expect from children’s books about disability.
Shane’s honesty and humor, combined with the zany photographs of him and his family, challenge non-disabled kids’ assumptions that they should feel sorry for someone like Shane. Instead, they can see all the things that Shane can do, on his own, with the help of family, and using his awesome motorized wheelchair. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10. Author with spinal muscular atrophy.)
Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Kensky, Patrick Downes, and Scott Magoon.
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This is the author’s true story about how she adjusted to life with prosthetic limbs after she was injured in the Boston Marathon bombing. (The bombing is not mentioned in the story.)
Jessica is worried about how different life will be with prosthetic legs. Rescue isn’t sure he’s up to the task of being a service dog.
While Jessica deals with her frustration at how hard it is to learn to walk again, she meets a friend’s service dog and realizes just how much one could help her.
Once Rescue and Jessica are paired with each other, Jessica figures out how to do the things she used to do before she was hurt. As their friendship grows, kids can see how both Rescue and Jessica need each other. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)
I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes, and Activists from Past and Present by Cerrie Burnell and Laruen Mark Baldo.
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In her introduction, Burnell points out that one in four people have a disability, yet their stories are often ignored. This non-fiction children’s book profiling disabled leaders is a must-have for elementary classrooms.
Burnell’s moving introduction talks about her own childhood, and being unable to find disabled heroes to look up to in the books that she read. Her book provides important mirrors and windows, introducing readers to the fascinating stories of Stephen Hawking, Frida Kahlo, Stella Young, Henri Matisse, and so many more. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Author with limb discrepancy.)
Related post: A playlist of social justice songs for kids
Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco.
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It’s no surprise that prolific author Patricia Polacco grew up loving books. What many don’t know about her is that she struggled mightily with dyslexia. As other children learned to read and she still could not, Trisha began to feel dumb.
She developed coping strategies to hide the fact that she couldn’t read. But whenever she had to read aloud in class, she faced cruel teasing and bullying from her classmates. It wasn’t until a kind teacher named Mr. Falker intervened that Trisha could see her own talent and bravery, gifts that equipped her to learn to read, with his help. (Recommended for ages 7 – 11. Dyslexic author.)
The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca and Daniel Rieley.
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As an autistic child, future scientist Temple Grandin saw the world differently than other children. Many people didn’t understand that being autistic made Temple “different, not less.” So her mom decided that time on her aunt’s ranch would give her a much needed break from bullying.
It’s there that Temple first developed her empathy for cows, who were also visual thinkers like she was. Her understanding of the animals helped her advance livestock science to become more humane.
This rhyming book not only teaches kids about Temple’s life, but reminds them to celebrate the many different ways our brains can work. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)
Picture books starring disabled characters (that don’t focus on explaining disability)
In addition to reading children’s books that explicitly focus on disability, it’s also important to read books that star disabled characters simply living their lives!
My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf. Illustrated by Ashley Barron.
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My City Speaks follows a child and their parent through a very busy day in a city that rushes and stops, buzzes and tweets, and emits smells and sweet fragrances. The simple first-person text does not mention that the main character is blind, with her white safety cane providing that information.
The detailed papercut illustrations give sighted children the information they need about how she uses her cane and her other senses to navigate the city without much assistance from her father. The day ends with a delightful moment in the park where the child and her friends offer a concert where the city, for once, simply listens. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6.)
A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel.
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A child’s mother is eager to take her to a special winter event where ice sculptures are being carved. The trip involves itchy clothes, boots that won’t let her bend her ankles, and cold wind. Why go to so much trouble to see something that’s all going to melt anyway?
Watching the sculptures being made is somewhat interesting, but when the girl realizes she’s lost her favorite horse that she always keeps in her pocket, she knows they never should have made the trip. When Mom takes her back the next night to see the finished sculptures lit up by huge spotlights, she’s sure it won’t be worth all the trouble. Little does she know how different her visit this time will feel. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Disabled author.)
Related post: 6 essential types of anti-bias children’s books
Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer. Illustrated by Leah Nixon.
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Told from the perspective of an exuberant dog, this book shows – rather than tells – that using a wheelchair doesn’t keep kids from having all kinds of fun. (The chair also doesn’t mean being incapable of not-so-fun tasks, like bathing a muddy dog.)
Spending the whole day with their best pal, dog and boy play in the backyard and hang out at the park. But when the puppy jumps into the lake and rolls around on a “nice dead fish,” their boy is not eager for the dog to jump all over him. When their best friend yells, the day goes from “best day ever” to “worst day ever” for the dog. Can their friendship get back on track? (Recommended for ages 3 – 7.)
My Ocean Is Blue by Darren Lebeuf and Ashley Barron.
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With beautiful papercut illustrations, this simple yet expressive story describes a girl enjoying a day at the beach with her mother. Sparkly waters and slimy seaweed, hermit crabs and deep waters she plunges into from a pier all mark the day. Attentive readers will notice that some of the time, she is using elbow crutches to help her move, but the focus of the book is her experience of the ocean. (Recommended for ages 3 – 6.)
Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari and Patrice Barton.
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Zara’s dog Moose hates to be separated from her. He’s always ready to say hello to her, showing up at school in all kinds of places he isn’t welcome. Even though Moose is always well behaved, each and every time, he has to tell Zara and her friends goodbye after just a few minutes.
Finally, Zara has an idea of how Moose won’t have to say goodbye anymore. First, he’ll have to go to his own school, so that he can start being invited to hers.
I love that Zara is shown just going through her normal day in this book using her wheelchair, without making the book be about her using a wheelchair. This is one way to normalize being disabled to kids! (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)
King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan and Christiane Krömer.
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This is truly unique children’s book starring a disabled character. Malik, a boy who lives in Lahore, Pakistan, looks forward to the spring festival of Basant all year. People all over the city will be testing their kite flying skills, and Malik knows he will be king of the festival. His brother and sister are surprised at the small size of his kite Falcon, though.
Yet with Malik’s skill, Falcon is swift enough the capture the huge, expensive flag of the bully who has called his sister bad names. Soon his expertise provides him with another opportunity to show compassion to a young child on the street below.
I love the way that Malik and his kite are the heroes of the story, challenging the stereotype that disabled people are incapable of standing up for themselves or others. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9).
Tip: As you look for additional children’s books about disability, I encourage you to read Ashia’s guidance about what makes for an empowering versus condescending story about disabled characters.
One response to “Children’s books about disability that shatter stereotypes”
The website is not mine. I am a parent and have read many of your blogs which are wonderful.
There is an author I recently discovered who has a disability and has written amazing books featuring her 5 characters – all animals. So what, you ask? Each one of these adorable, lovable characters has its own disability/challenge. Her books are a big hit in our home.