Children's books about differing abilities

Books that showcase different abilities and disabilities in a way children will understand or relate to.

A few topics included: hearing impaired, visually impaired, anxiety, PTSD, wheelchair users, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, ADHD, limb differences, service animals, dyslexia, learning disabilities, autism.

Updated March 28, 2023
D
Davidson County Public Library
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Aaron Slater, illustrator
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can't...
The boy with big, big feelings
Lee, Britney Winn
Paper Book
An instant classic in the world of Social-Emotional Learning, this bestselling picture book tells the story of one little boy with some big, big emotions -- and how he learns to see them for the gifts they are. The Boy with Big, Big Feelingsis relatable for any child -- especially for a...
Too sticky! : sensory issues with autism
Malia, Jen
Paper Book
Holly loves experiments but doesn't like sticky things--how will she make slime? Holly loves doing experiments and learning new things in science class! But when she finds out the next experience is making slime, she's worried. Slime is made with glue, and...
Wiggles, stomps, and squeezes calm my jitters down
Parker, Lindsey Rowe
Paper Book
"This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp, or squeeze!" This is a story about sensory differences and how some children experience their world, told from a child's perspective. The vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of...
Brilliant Bea
Rudolph, Shaina
Paper Book
An endearing and empowering story that demonstrates that a learning difference like dyslexia doesn't define who you are. Despite her struggles with reading and writing, Beatrice is a natural and brilliant storyteller. With the help of a kind-hearted teacher, Beatrice uses an old-fashioned tape...
I talk like a river
Scott, Jordan 1978-
Paper Book
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner What if words got stuck in the back of your mouth whenever you tried to speak? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to? Sometimes it takes a change of perspective to get...
Caillou meets Sophie : a story about autism
Thompson, Kim 1964-
Paper Book
While playing at the park, Caillou meets Sophie, an autistic girl. She doesn't speak, doesn't like loud noises, but sees many beautiful things that other children usually don't notice. In her very own way, she communicates with Caillou. At her side, Caillou learns about the peculiarities of the...
Awesomely Emma
Webb, Amy 1977-
Paper Book
Fans of When Charley Met Emmawill love seeing Emma champion her inner awesomeness in this inspirational sequel that teaches readers about the power of self-advocacy. Emma has limb differences, but different isn't bad, sad, or strange. It's just different! But when some accessibility...

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