Kids Books Celebrating Disability Pride

Updated June 8, 2026
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
All about Us: 20 True Tales of Courage and Disability
Leavitt, Hannalora
Paper Book
★"A fantastic introduction for middle-grade students interested in learning more about the world of disabilities. This much needed resource belongs in all libraries"--Booklist, starred review Meet twenty inspiring kids and adults living with disability today. Stefan Daniel is...
All of us : a first conversation about disability
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
Based on the research that race, gender, disability, and other important topics should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by...
All the way to the top : how one girl's fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything
Pimentel, Annette Bay
Ebook
Aven Green, sleuthing machine
Bowling, Dusti
Paper Book
Third-grader Aven Green has been solving mysteries for a whole month--cracking such cases as The Mystery of the Cranky Mom. But can this perceptive detective solve two cases at the same time? First her teacher's lunch bag disappears. Then Aven's great-grandma's dog goes missing....
Benny on the case
King, Wesley
Paper Book
Two starred reviews! A New York Public Library Best Kids Book of 2025 A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2025 A boy with Mosaic Down syndrome navigates entering a mainstream classroom, making new friends, and standing up to...
The bionic boy
Plourde, Lynn
Paper Book
The moving story of a superhero-loving boy born without hands who finds the hero inside himself Benji feels like he's had more than his fair share of good luck--so it's frustrating that his disability tends to make people think the opposite. Adopted from an overseas orphanage...
The chance to fly
Stroker, Ali
Paper Book
A heartfelt middle-grade novel about a theater-loving girl who uses a wheelchair for mobility and her quest to defy expectations-and gravity-from Tony award-winning actress Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz Thirteen-year-old Nat Beacon loves a lot of things: her dog Warbucks,...
Deer run home : a novel in verse
LeZotte, Ann Clare
Paper Book
Effie is Deaf, and no one in her family speaks sign language, her language. This moving story of survival and found family, inspired by a true court case and told in verse, is perfect for fans of Wonder and Out of My Mind. * "Quietly extraordinary." --...
The disability experience : working toward belonging
Leavitt, Hannalora
Paper Book
People with disabilities (PWDs) have the same aspirations for their lives as you do for yours. The difference is that PWDs don't have the same access to education, employment, housing, transportation and healthcare in order to achieve their goals. In The Disability Experienceyou'll meet...
Disability visibility : 17 first-person stories for today : adapted for young adults
Wong, Alice
Paper Book
Disabled young people will be proud to see themselves reflected in this hopeful, compelling, and insightful essay collection, adapted for young adults from the critically acclaimed adult book, Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century that "sheds light on...
Down syndrome out loud : 20+ true stories of disability and determination
Hart, Melissa
Paper Book
"In a society that often overlooks those with intellectual and developmental disabilities...this book will inspire readers to befriend and champion people with Down syndrome." - JACQUELINE JODL, Special Olympics International In this illustrated biography collection, meet over twenty...
El deafo
Bell, Cece
Paper Book
New York Times Bestseller A 2015 Newbery Honor Book Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator...
Emmanuel's dream : the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Thompson, Laurie Ann
Paper Book
Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's inspiring true story-which was turned into a film, Emmanuel's Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey-is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people-but not by his mother, who taught him to reach...
The fastest girl on Earth! : meet Kitty O'Neil, daredevil driver!
Robbins, Dean
Paper Book
Gear up for this high-powered picture book biography about Kitty O'Neil, the stuntwoman and racecar driver who broke the women's land speed record! Kitty O'Neil was a force to be reckoned with. She became deaf as a child, and grew up loving sports and action. Kitty jumped, ran,...
Fooled
Haas, Susan
Paper Book
In this fresh, funny, and fast-paced story, chaos ensues when a down-on-its-luck middle school comes to believe that fake magic is the real deal! Magic loving, wheelchair user Lil Evers wishes she could start sixth grade at a real wizarding school, instead...
Gut reaction
Larson, Kirby
Paper Book
Critically acclaimed, bestselling author and Newbery Honor-winner, Kirby Larson, and her daughter, debut author, Quinn Wyatt, pen this gorgeously moving and often funny story that explores what living with a chronic illness is like. Inspired by Quinn''s own personal journey, Gut Reaction<...
I hear the snow, I feel the sea
Milusich, Janice
Paper Book
In this lyrical picture book illustrated by a two-time Caldecott Medalist, share in a blind child's joyful experience of the changing seasons. A SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD HONOR Where I live, seasons change. I know because my fingers and toes, my ears, my...
Hummingbird
Lloyd, Natalie
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book From the bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic comes a heartfelt story about a girl who -- armed with her trusty, snazzy wheelchair -- refuses to let her brittle bone disease stand in the way of adventure Twelve...
Insignificant events in the life of a cactus
Bowling, Dusti
Paper Book
"Aven is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned." --School Library Journal (Starred review) Aven Green loves to tell people that she lost her arms in an alligator...
Just ask! : be different, be brave, be you
Sotomayor, Sonia
Paper Book
Justice Sonia Sotomayor and award-winning artist Rafael Lopez create a kind and caring book about the differences that make each of us unique. A #1 New York Times bestseller! Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award! Feeling different,...
A kids book about disability
Napper, Kristine
Paper Book
A clear explanation of what disabilities are and how to navigate conversations about them.  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?...
Listen : how Evelyn Glennie, a deaf girl, changed percussion
Stocker, Shannon
Paper Book
* Schneider Family Book Award Winner * A gorgeous and empowering picture book biography about Evelyn Glennie, a deaf woman, who became the first full-time solo percussionist in the world. A robust author's note brings further detail and highlights Evelyn's own voice. ...
A little like magic
Kurpiel, Sarah
Paper Book
Winner of the Schneider Book Award and glistening with winter charm, this is an exhilarating, tender story of pushing past your comfort zone and finding inspiration in art and natural beauty. Our young narrator doesn't like itchy hats or cold wind, and she especially doesn't like...
The lumbering giants of Windy Pines
Netz, Mo
Paper Book
In this debut spooky adventure, Jerry and her trusty wheelchair move into a creepy motel at the edge of the woods where nothing is as it seems. When her mom disappears, it's up to Jerry to brave the forest and its demons so she can save what's left of her family. Ever since her dad died,...
Mama car
Catchpole, Lucy
Paper Book
From author and disabled parent Lucy Catchpole, this gentle and accessible picture book celebrates a wonderful part of one child's life: her mother's wheelchair. I have a tricycle. Daddy has a big car. And Mama has a Mama Car.   ...
More than words : so many ways to say what we mean
MacLean, Roz
Paper Book
A CBC Kids Reads Competition Finalist In the tradition of All Are Welcome and The Day You Begin comes a touching picture book about the many unique ways we communicate, and how we can better listen to and respect these different modes of expression, from the author...
My city speaks
Lebeuf, Darren
Paper Book
A young girl, who is visually impaired, finds much to celebrate as she explores the city she loves. A young girl and her father spend a day in the city, her city, traveling to the places they go together: the playground, the community garden, the market, an outdoor concert. As they...
Not so different : what you really want to ask about having a disability
Burcaw, Shane
Paper Book
Not So Different offers a humorous, relatable, and refreshingly honest glimpse into Shane Burcaw's life. Shane tackles many of the mundane and quirky questions that he's often asked about living with a disability, and shows readers that he's just as approachable, friendly, and funny as...
Out into the big wide lake
Harbridge, Paul
Paper Book
An empowering and necessary picture book about a young girl with Down syndrome who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents.
Out of my mind
Draper, Sharon M.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller for three years and counting and now an original film on Disney+! "A gutsy, candid, and compelling story. It speaks volumes." --School Library Journal (starred review) "Unflinching and realistic." --Kirkus...
Please pay attention
Sumner, Jamie
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! A girl with cerebral palsy navigates loss, grief, and the aftermath of trauma following a school shooting in a world that wasn't built for her in this "intimate, lyrical" (Publishers Weekly, starred review) novel in verse from Jamie Sumner, the...
Rescue & Jessica : a life-changing friendship
Kensky, Jessica
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! A 2019 Schneider Family Book Award Winner Based on a real-life partnership, the heartening story of the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog will illuminate and inspire. Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a...
Rewriting the rules : how Dr. Kathleen Friel created new possibilities for brain research and disability
Zeiger, Danna
When Kathleen Friel was young, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and a doctor told her parents all the things she'd never be able to do. They left his office for good and found a new doctor. As Kathleen grew up, she found her own methods to tackle tricky tasks and make her way...
Roll with it
Sumner, Jamie
Paper Book
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019 "A big-hearted story that's as sweet as it is awesome." --R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder In the tradition of Wonder and Out of My Mind, this big-hearted middle grade debut tells the...
Rolling warrior : the incredible, sometimes awkward, true story of a rebel girl on wheels who helped spark a revolution
Heumann, Judith E.
Paper Book
Judy Heumann, one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her story of fighting to belong. "If I didn't fight, who would?" Judy Heumann was only 5 years old when she was first denied her right to attend school. Paralyzed from...
A sky that sings
Sanchez, Anita
Paper Book
Mia, a blind girl who enjoys identifying birds by their distinct calls and songs, leads her aunt through the park on a bird-listening adventure! Mia and her tía are spending a sunny afternoon at the park bird-listening! Some people enjoy bird-watching but as a blind person, Mia uses...
So much more to Helen : the passions and pursuits of Helen Keller
Pincus, Meeg
Paper Book
We all know Helen Keller's story--but what else do you know about her? Did you know she was an activist, a rebel, a performer, a romantic... and so much more! Most stories about Helen Keller focus on the story of her deaf-blindness and scholarship, but there is more to Helen than her disability....
Song in the city
Bernstrom, Daniel
Paper Book
From Daniel Bernstrom, the acclaimed author of One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, comes a charming and irresistibly fun picture book about a young blind girl and her grandmother who experience the vibrant everyday music of their busy city. A young girl, filled with...
Splinter & Ash
Nijkamp, Marieke
Paper Book
"A winning addition to boundary-defying heroines like Alanna of Trebond and Sir Callie." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "An essential middle grade fantasy where all readers will find heroes to love and to cheer!" --Alex London, author of Battle Dragons and The Princess...
Tenacious : fifteen adventures alongside disabled athletes
Cisneros Prevo, Patty
Paper Book
Meet fifteen remarkable athletes who use adaptive equipment in this beautiful and truth-telling picture book. A downhill skier whose blindness has sharpened her communication skills. An adaptive surfer who shreds waves while sitting down. A young man who excels at wheelchair...
This is how we play : a celebration of disability and adaptation
Slice, Jessica
Paper Book
A jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that features families at play, each with a family member who has a disability. With love and adaptation, this is how we play! This joyful read-aloud with an empowering refrain, from disability rights activists...
This is how we talk : a celebration of disability and connection
Slice, Jessica
Paper Book
From the creators of This Is How We Play is a new jubilant, inclusive, luminously illustrated picture book that celebrates all the ways we communicate with each other. A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR We sign, write, clap! We tap, stim,...
Unstoppable : women with disabilities
Wolfe, Helen
Paper Book
Around the world, people living with disabilities face barriers in the built environment, in employment and education, and in social attitudes and policies that can make it hard to live a full and satisfying life. The ten women we meet in this book face physical and mental health...
Wanda hears the stars : a blind astronomer listens to the universe
Hansen, Amy
Paper Book
A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Diaz Merced and how losing her sight didn't stop her from studying the stars. This 2026 Schneider Family Book Award winner is an inspiring true story of a woman scientist of color and a riveting, intersectional STEM read for...
We are the scrappy ones
Taussig, Rebekah
Paper Book
We are the scrappy ones. / We live, we adapt, we defy. / Made of stardust and grit, we are spectacular. Children with disabilities experience the world in all kinds of ways. Yet one thing they share is navigating a world that doesn't always make space for them as they are. Existing on the...
We want to go to school! : the fight for disability rights
Cocca-Leffler, Maryann
Paper Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection February 2022 The true story of the people who helped make every public school a more inclusive place. There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren't allowed to go to...
What happened to you?
Catchpole, James
Paper Book
The first ever picture book addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to. What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what...
I will dance
Flood, Bo
Paper Book
This poetic and uplifting picture book illustrated by the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines follows a young girl born with cerebral palsy as she pursues her dream of becoming a dancer. Like many young girls, Eva longs...
You're so amazing!
Catchpole, James
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor book! ​In this authentic and humorous picture book, a child with a limb difference is tired of being told how amazing he is for doing normal things. Joe and his friend Simone are practicing their best playground...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.