Ever since my niece, Grace, was born, I’ve dreamed of sharing books with her, and now that she’s three years old, she’s discovering a whole new world of picture books with big ideas. In our family, Grace is surrounded by people with various disabilities. The people she loves think differently, move differently and learn differently. To him, it’s normal because it’s normal. Children like Grace deserve, just like everyone else, to see themselves and their families in the books they read.
Disability Pride Month is all about taking strength from who we are as people with disabilities, celebrating our lives, and coming together as a community. This also includes the children in our lives. This is where picture books come into play. These stories are not just sweet stories; They are a reflection of the many different types of lives people with disabilities live around the world. They describe the incredible diversity in disability communities.
There are dozens of picture books that highlight the lives of people with disabilities—I had a hard time narrowing them down! But here are a few to help you get started.
If you want even more recommendations for young people, check out Schneider Family Book Awards. These awards were created to “honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies the artistic expression of the disability experience for children and teen audiences.”
Picture Books for Disability Pride Month
a day without words by Tiffany Hammond, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
Aiden doesn’t use words to talk. Instead, he uses a tablet to select words and photos to tell people what he means. But some people think that Aidan doesn’t understand words because he doesn’t use them. a day without words Shows its readers that people communicate in different ways, and it shows non-speaking readers what life is like.
in reading color
A weekly newsletter focused on literature by and about people of color!
i talk like a river by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith
Poet Jordan Scott tells the story of a boy who stutters, who feels helpless in a world where others easily understand what he says. But when her father takes her for a walk by the river, his words make her feel at home. With Sydney Smith’s stunning illustrations, it’s no surprise that this book has been highlighted and featured in countless publications.
mom car by Lucy Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George
Dad has a big car. Mom’s in a wheelchair, or even better, it’s a mom’s car! Mama Car is there for all of life’s big adventures. When kids need a hug, Mama Car is there. Written by wheelchair user Lucy Catchpole, mom car Shows its readers that moms who use wheelchairs are just like every other mom. They hug and go on trips and love as much as anyone else.
Can bears ski? by Raymond Antrobus, illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Poet Raymond Antrobus has written an adorable children’s book about a baby bear who is hard of hearing (HoH). He keeps hearing adults asking him, “Can bears ski?” She doesn’t realize until the end of the book that they are actually saying, “Can you hear me?” This is a great book to give to the Deaf and HOH children in your life. Can bears ski? Also starts conversations with hearing children to help them understand that being Deaf or HoH is just another way of being human.
Sam’s Super Seats By Keah Brown, illustrated by Shari Miller
From #DisabledAndCute creator Keah Brown, Sam’s Super Seats Follows a young girl named Sam who has a passion for cozy seating. Wherever she goes, she finds a very comfortable place to sit, made just for her. Brown’s warm and funny story highlights the importance of accessible seating and self-advocacy.
a sky blue bench By Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Peggy Collins
Afghan writer Bahram Rahman tells the story of Ari, a young Afghan girl returning to school after an accident where one of her legs had to be amputated. She couldn’t be more excited to return to school this time with her “assisted leg.” But sitting on the floor with her new leg causes her constant pain, so she organizes a way to build benches at the school so kids like her can focus on learning instead of their disabilities. We love a story about creative solutions that make education more accessible!
a walk in words by Hudson Talbot, illustrated by the author
Hudson Talbot has illustrated some of the most beloved children’s books over the past few decades, including Jacqueline Woodson. show the way And in the forests By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. But a walk in words This is his own story of growing up with a learning disability. As a boy, Hudson had difficulty reading words in front of him. After all, he allowed himself to read at his own pace, enjoying the stories he read on his own terms, not at the pace those around him expected.
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