Disability Pride for Kids

July is Disability Pride Month! Join us in celebrating with these new and recommended Fiction and Nonfiction titles for early and middle grade readers.

Updated June 25, 2026
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Ableism : deal with it and appreciate everyone's abilities
Maich, Kimberly
Paper Book
This reader-directed exploration of ableism is both informative and empowering. Author Kimberley Maich uses her experience as a special education specialist, certified teacher, registered psychologist and a board-certified behaviour analyst to present a realistic and accurate book for young...
I absolutely, positively love my spots
Moore, Lid'ya C.
Paper Book
"Highly recommended." --School Library Journal A young girl with vitiligo celebrates her skin in this joyful picture book by debut author Lid'ya C. Rivera and illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Niña Mata! This lyrical celebration of self-esteem,...
All the way to the top : how one girl's fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything
Pimentel, Annette Bay
Paper Book
2021 Schneider Family Book Award Young Children's Honor Book (American Library Association) Experience the true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl in this inspiring autobiographical picture book. This beautifully illustrated...
All You Can Be with ADHD
Holderness, Penn
Paper Book
An INSTANT New York Times Bestseller and USA TODAY Bestseller! From the New York Times bestselling authors of ADHD Is Awesome comes an empowering and joyful picture book that invites young readers to join the ADHD...
I am a masterpiece! : an empowering story about inclusivity and growing up with Down Syndrome
Armstrong, Mia
Paper Book
Tween actress Mia Armstrong celebrates her fun, funny, beautiful childhood living with Down syndrome in this debut picture book. Don't miss Mia in A Christmas in New Hope, streaming now! Mia likes many of the things other people like--going to the beach, the...
Amy Looks Before She Leaps
Barkley, Callie
Paper Book
In the twenty-ninth book of the Critter Club series, Amy meets a blind stray cat! When Amy finds a stray cat who's blind, she throws all her time and effort into caring for her. She even wants to skip sleepovers with the Critter Club! But eventually, Amy discovers that the cat...
Aniana del Mar jumps in
Maendez, Jasminne
Paper Book
Pura Belpre Author Honor Award ** Four starred reviews!** A powerful and expertly told novel in verse, by an award-winning poet, about a twelve-year-old Dominican American swimmer who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. Aniana del Mar belongs in the water...
Aven Green music machine
Bowling, Dusti
Paper Book
Aven Green, the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling's Life of a Cactus series, marches to her own beat in this hilarious, upbeat, and unforgettable chapter book.    "Realistic, affirming, and uplifting. "--Kirkus Reviews   
Bat and the business of ferrets
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
The bestselling Bat returns! Bat and the Business of Ferrets is the fourth title in National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold's heartfelt and widely acclaimed series featuring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed "Bat") is...
Bethany Hamilton
Cocca-Leffler, Maryann
Paper Book
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Bethany Hamilton! Bethany Hamilton learned to surf when she was three years old...
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...
Bo and the merbaby
Elliott, Rebecca
Paper Book
Bo helps a mermaid in this magical early chapter book from the USA Today bestselling author of Owl Diaries! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high...
Brave like that
Stoddard, Lindsey
Paper Book
Find yourself. Find your place. Find your brave. This uplifting coming of age story, which award-winning author Leslie Connor dubbed "a perfectly paced journey of the heart" is perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  Cyrus Olson's dad is a hero-...
Buster Undercover
Huett, Caleb
Paper Book
Humor and heart come unleashed in this adventure about a boy living with anxiety who must join with his therapy dog to save dogkind from a dog-hating secret agent. Tonio is not allowed to let anyone know that he can communicate fluently with his therapy dog, Buster. But when dogkind...
Cesaria feels the beat
Adusei, Denise R.
Paper Book
In this powerful and inspiring picture book, a deaf girl stands up for herself and takes off her shoes while dancing at her Carnival performance so she can feel the music through her bare feet. Cesaria is going to perform for the seaside Carnival. She skips past the beach...
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,...
Chris Makes a Friend
Gino, Alex
Paper Book
From the award-winning author of MELISSA, a sweet and tart story about unexpected friendship and family reconciliation. THIS IS NOT THE SUMMER CHRIS HAD PLANNED... Chris does not want to be spending the summer with her grandparents and her little sister. Her...
Dancing with daddy
Schulte, Anitra Rowe
Paper Book
Winner of the Christopher Award Elsie can't wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie's heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and...
Different kinds of minds : a guide to your brain
Grandin, Temple
Paper Book
Albert Einstein. Steve Jobs. Elon Musk. Katharine Johnson. These geniuses are all visual thinkers. Are you? Do you like puzzles, coding, and taking things apart? Do you write stories, act in plays, slay at Wordle? The things you are good at are clues to how your brain works. Are...
Each tiny spark
Cartaya, Pablo
Paper Book
From award-winning author Pablo Cartaya comes a deeply moving middle grade novel about a daughter and father finding their way back to each other in the face of their changing family and community. A SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD HONOR FOR MIDDLE GRADE Emilia...
El deafo
Bell, Cece
Paper Book
Cece Bell's #1 New York Times Bestseller graphic novel El Deafo is the origin story of a student with hearing loss and a hearing aid becoming a superhero. A John Newbery Medal Winner Now an Apple+ Animated TV Series! ...
Farther than the moon
Lackey, Lindsay
Paper Book
From award-winning author Lindsay Lackey comes Farther Than the Moon, a heartfelt story about a boy who wants to become an astronaut, but wonders if his dreams can include his brother with disabilities, perfect for fans of We Dream of Space and Song for a Whale. ...
Fighting for yes! : the story of disability rights activist Judith Heumann
Cocca-Leffler, Maryann
Paper Book
A picture book biography celebrating the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements--leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977From a very young age, Judy Heumann heard the word NO. When she wanted to attend public school, the...
Figure it out, Henri Weldon
Davis, Tanita S.
Paper Book
Tanita S. Davis, author of Partly Cloudy and Serena Says, has written another funny, warm story featuring middle school and family life--all about the complex calculations it takes for everyone to balance the equations of their lives and what it takes to be part of a team while handling a...
The fire, the water, and Maudie McGinn
Pla, Sally J.
Paper Book
Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad? This contemporary novel is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. A Schneider Family Book Award winner! ...
A Fish Like Me
Sumner, Jamie
"A gorgeous celebration of swimming, disability, and imagination." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) In the spirit of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and I Talk Like a River, this lyrical picture book from acclaimed author Jamie Sumner...
Goalkeeper
Bloor, Edward
Paper Book
In this page-turning follow-up to the modern-day classic Tangerine, an underdog kid from a troubled home navigates a tumultuous summer while finding friendship and confidence on the soccer field. Paul Fisher is eager to leave his rich-kid private school and get back to...
Good different
Kuyatt, Meg Eden
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book An extraordinary novel-in-verse for fans of Starfish and A Kind of Spark about a neurodivergent girl who comes to understand and celebrate her difference. Selah knows her rules for being normal. She always, always...
Hazel's Best Day: A Story of Community, Accessibility, and Pride in Being Yourself
Nelson, Adiba
From the author of Oshún and Me and the artist of Homegrown comes a joyful picture book that celebrates community and individuality, inspired by real people with disabilities everywhere. Today is the best day of the year: PARADE DAY! It's the day that Hazel's...
I Hear the Snow, I Smell 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...
Henry, like always
Bailey, Jenn
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Winner  A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book  A NPR 2023 Books We Love Pick A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023  A 2023 Chicago Public Library Best of the...
Honestly Elliott
McDunn, Gillian
Paper Book
Schneider Family Book Award: Best Middle Grade Honor Book! Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self. ...
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...
It was supposed to be sunny
Cotterill, Samantha
Paper Book
A perfectly planned birthday party goes awry in this gentle story about adapting to the unexpected, written for kids on the autism spectrum and called "brilliant" and "engaging" by autism specialist Tony Attwood Laila feels like her sparkly sunshine birthday celebration is on the...
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 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...
Logan's Greenhouse
Brown-Wood, JaNay
Paper Book
Logan searches for carrots in his wheelchair-accessible greenhouse in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? picture book series. Logan is organizing a pet playdate at his greenhouse for all of his friends, and his treats...
The lost language of everything
Harrington, C. C.
Paper Book
When the fates of a snow leopard, a child, and an ancient forest collide, the unimaginable can happen. Perfect for fans of Pax and The One and Only Ivan. A great gift for nature and animal lovers. **Winner of the 2023 Schneider Family Book Award!** *...
Mama Car
Catchpole, Lucy/ George, Karen (ILT)
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.   ...
The Man in Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities
Schultz Nicholson, Lorna
The inspiring story of Canadian hero Rick Hansen, who wheeled around the world to raise money and awareness for people with disabilities In 1973, at the age of 15, Rick Hansen was in a life-changing car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Twelve years later, motivated by...
Mighty Mara
Ho, Carina
Paper Book
A young girl aspires to dance despite her disability. Welcome to Sametown where everyone and everything is...well...the same. Except Mara! She's a little different. She' bright. She's sunny. And, unlike her classmates who are all planning on performing a similar magic show act...
Mixed-Up
Garcia, Kami
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia has returned with a middle grade graphic novel about the struggles of a game-loving girl who gets diagnosed with dyslexia and her loving support network that help her along in the journey. Stella knows fifth grade will be...
Monster Hands
Kane, Karen
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Two best friends use rhyming ASL to help vanquish their fear of the monster under the bed in this fun, interactive bedtime readaloud. When nighttime comes, Milo has a problem--he's convinced there's a monster under his bed! Luckily...
My ocean is blue
Lebeuf, Darren
Paper Book
'This is my ocean,' the young girl begins as she heads over the dunes with her mother. Then, as they pass the whole day at the seaside, she lyrically describes her ocean in simple, sensory detail. Nothing the girl experiences escapes her careful observation and appreciation. And at day's end, she...
Out of my dreams
Draper, Sharon M.
Paper Book
Melody flies to London to speak at a convention about differently abled kids in this "warm and beautifully told" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling middle grade novels Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart.
Paws: Hazel Has Her Hands Full: A Graphic Novel
Fairbairn, Nathan
Paper Book
More heartwarming and humorous adventures await in the fourth book of this graphic novel series that is the Baby-Sitters Club for pets!     Summer break is just around the corner, and the PAWS team is gearing up for a busy season full of dog-walking,...
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...
Poojo's got wheels
Charrow (Illustrator)
Paper Book
Look at Poojo go! This adorable dog was born without back legs, but that's OK--because Poojo's got wheels. What a good dog Poojo is! He's a great friend to everyone and everything (pigeons and scooters included). He's creative and clever (how many other dogs can pop a wheelie?)....
Popcorn
Harrell, Rob
Paper Book
Winner of The Schneider Family Book Award The beloved author of Wink is back with a hilarious and moving story about coping with anxiety on a day when everything is going wrong Andrew's just trying to make it through Picture Day, which is easier said...
Red Bird danced
Quigley, Dawn
Paper Book
An American Indian Youth Literature Award Honoree With lyrical verse and powerful emotion, Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) tells the story of urban Native kids who find strength in connection with those who came before and in the hope that lets them take flight. Ariel and Tomah have lived in...
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...
Rose Wolves (Book 2): Out of the Blue
Warner, Natalie
Paper Book
Kids and families who love the beauty of the woods will adore this minimalist graphic novel sequel, which spins a new enthralling fable about family, disability, transformation, and the passage of time. In the first volume of Rose Wolves, a young girl made a wondrous...
Sail me away home
LeZotte, Ann Clare
Paper Book
This gripping story, set in the world of the award-winning Show Me a Sign and Set Me Free, completes an unforgettable centering the d/Deaf experience. "Thrilling, important, and profoundly moving. A true gift." -- Brian Selznick, creator of the New York Times...
Show me a sign
LeZotte, Ann Clare
Paper Book
Don't miss the companion book, Set Me Free CRITICS ARE RAVING ABOUT SHOW ME A SIGN Winner of the 2021 Schneider Family Book Award * NPR Best Books of 2020 * Kirkus Reviews Best Books of 2020 * School Library Journal Best Books of 2020 *...
Simon sort of says
Bow, Erin
Paper Book
A Newbery Honor Book written by Erin Bow, winner of the Governor General's and TD Children's Literature Awards. Ask Simon O'Keeffe why his family moved to tiny Grin And Bear It, Nebraska, and he'll tell you they were driven out of Omaha by alpacas. In Simon's version of the story, a...
A sky-blue bench
Rahman, Bahram
Paper Book
It's Afghan schoolgirl Aria's first day back at school since her accident. She's excited, but she's also worried about sitting on the hard floor all day with her new prosthetic "helper-leg." Just as Aria feared, sitting on the floor is so uncomfortable that she can't think about learning...
This beach is loud!
Cotterill, Samantha
Paper Book
Patience, understanding, and a soothing exercise saves the beach day when excitement turns to sensory overload. Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky...and it gets everywhere! In This Beach Is Loud...
This Is How We Play : A Celebration of Disability & Adaptation
Slice, Jessica/ Cupp, Caroline/ Harren, Kayla (ILT)
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...
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe
Hansen, Amy S
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...
When stars are scattered
Jamieson, Victoria
Paper Book
A National Book Award Finalist, this remarkable graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl. Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in Dadaab,...
The Windeby puzzle : history and story
Lowry, Lois
Paper Book
Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author Lois Lowry transports readers to an Iron Age world through the suspenseful dual narrative of a boy and girl both battling to survive. In an utterly one-of-a-kind blend of fiction and history, a master storyteller explores the mystery and life...
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...

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