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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I love my body because
Anand, Shelly
Paper Book
All Are Welcome meets Bodies Are Cool in this picture book that shows us what makes every body special. Everybody has a body and every body is good. Your body takes you where you want to go. Your body is your first home. And your body is different from everyone else...
Aaron Slater, illustrator
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Aaron Slater, Illustrator is an uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you're out of step with your peers, from Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada...
Harley the hero
Collins, Peggy 1975-
Paper Book
An exciting picture book inspired by a real-life classroom service dog with themes of friendship, neurodivergence, and courage Harley the service dog is on the job! He goes to school every day with Ms. Prichard to make sure she feels safe. Their students are a lot of fun, but Harley...
Meeting Mimi : a story about different abilities
Dolan, Francie
Paper Book
Introduce your child to the magic of reading, friendship, and inclusion with the children's book Meeting Mimi: A Story About Different Abilities. Mimi is new at school, and everyone is excited to get to know her! Join Mimi's classmates as they learn about her different...
Wild for Winnie
Fitzgerald, Laura Marx
Paper Book
New student Winnie has sensory processing challenges, but her wonderful teacher knows just how to make sure she's a welcome part of the class. Winnie is the new kid at school, and sometimes she acts kind of wild. Her teacher says to her classmates, "Maybe Winnie feels the world...
Hello goodbye dog
Gianferrari, Maria
Paper Book
For Zara's dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with his favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school in her wheelchair, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side. Hello, Moose! Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed at school and Moose has to go...
This little wonder : a no limits primer
Holub, Joan
Paper Book
Learn all about important leaders with disabilities in this engaging board book in the bestselling This Little series! Now even the youngest readers can learn all about important people whose wonderful talents shine bright from the disability community. Highlighting ten memorable...
Dachy's deaf
Hughes, Jack (Children's book illustrator)
Paper Book
Dachy isn't embarrassed by his hearing aid, but sometimes his friends are so loud he has to turn it off. One day, he does just that to get some peace and quiet, but that's the last thing he ends up getting. The adventure that follows drives home the importance of listening to and caring for your...
Rescue & Jessica : a life-changing friendship
Kensky, Jessica
Paper Book
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 Seeing Eye dog -- it's the family business,...
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...
A sky-blue bench
Rahman, Bahram 1984-
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...
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...
Best day ever!
Singer, Marilyn
Paper Book
A sweet dog-loves-kid/kid-loves-dog story, in which the kid uses a wheelchair, from an award-winning children's poet and talented debut illustrator. This playful puppy thinks she's having the best day ever! She's so happy to be out with her friend, she doesn...
Ali and the sea stars
Stroker, Ali 1987-
Paper Book
Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker captures the magic and community of theater in her debut picture book, about a spirited girl in a wheelchair who stages a show for her hometown. Based on the pivotal summer Ali performed in her first musical by the Jersey Shore! Ali...
A walk in the words
Talbott, Hudson
Paper Book
Winner of a Schneider Family Honor! "A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly-myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant."-Jacqueline Woodson Hudson Talbott's...

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