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...
Coffee, rabbit, snowdrop, lost
Birkj?r, Betina
Paper Book
A beautiful, candid picture book for children to understand what happens when a loved one begins suffering from dementia, and how best to care for them. A 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book A Finalist for the 2022 Kirkus Prize in Young Readers' Literature
If you're so smart, how come you can't spell Mississippi?
Esham, Barbara.
Paper Book
Katie is keen observer and a curious third grader. So when her dad explains why he finds spelling difficult, Katie wants to investigate. She learns that her very intelligent dad, a lawyer, has dyslexia probably like a couple of Katie's classmates. Expressive line and wash illustrations enhance the...
Mrs. Gorski, I think I have the wiggle fidgets /
Esham, Barbara.
Paper Book
David's teacher asks for a parent conference when David's behavior distracts the rest of the class. David, however, comes up with his own wiggle fidget cures that he shares at the meeting, combining creativity and practicality that just may help others with the wiggle fidgets. Part of The Adventures...
I don't like birthday parties
Gaspari, Maureen
Paper Book
"An empathetic picture book about being a little bit different."--Kirkus Reviews More than anything, Lucas wants to enjoy birthday parties like his friends... but he is overwhelmed by all of the sights, sounds and sensations that come with celebrations. When he gets invited...
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...
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...
Brave every day
Ludwig, Trudy
Paper Book
From social-emotional learning expert Trudy Ludwig and award-winning picture book illustrator Patrice Barton (co-creators of The Invisible Boy) comes a story about managing anxiety and finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others. Most kids love hide-and-seek,...
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...
Ricky, the rock that couldn't roll
Miletsky, Jason I.
Paper Book
Unlike the other rocks that he plays with, Ricky can't roll because he isn't round. His friends help him to overcome his challenge and find a way for him to play like everyone else.
Moses goes to a concert /
Millman, Isaac.
Paper Book
Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. They communicate in American Sigh Language, using visual signs and facial expressions. This is called signing. And even though they can't hear, they can enjoy many activities through their other senses. Today,...
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...
My brother Charlie
Peete, Holly Robinson 1964-
Paper Book
From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism."Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his...
Lucas makes a comeback
Plohl, Igor
Paper Book
Lucas fell, and now he lives with a disability. A story of grit and resilience. When Lucas falls off a ladder, he damages his spine and can't use his legs anymore. He can't stand on them and he can't walk on them. Read about how, with self-determination as well as...
You are a story
Raczka, Bob
Paper Book
An empowering reflection on the many things we are and the ways we relate to the world. Poet Bob Raczka's You are a Story highlights all of the nuance and potential of a growing person's identity, delighting in the things that make us special and connect us to others. Text...
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...
The alphabet war : a story about dyslexia
Robb, Diane Burton.
Paper Book
Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College Why was reading so hard? When Adam started kindergarten, the teacher wanted him to learn about letters. But "p" looked like "q," and "b" looked like "d." Adam would rather color or mold clay. In first grade, his teacher wanted...
Sarah's sleepover
Rodriguez, Bobbie.
Paper Book
Sarah and her cousins are all set for a sleepover weekend complete with hot chocolate, pillow fights, and ghost stories--until the power goes out in a storm and plunges them into total darkness. Sarah isn't worried. Because she is blind, she is able to guide the rest of the girls safely through the...
The little king and his marshmallow kingdom
Rotella, Louis.
Paper Book
King Louie the IV rules over Marshmallow Kingdom where the sun always shines and every meal is a picnic -- with yummy marshmallows for dessert. Follow King Louie as he helps his friends understand that even though he is unique and different, he still loves to do kid-like things!
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...
My must-have mom
Smith, Maudie
Paper Book
When Jake's mom upcycles every last thing in the apartment, Jake begins to worry that the only thing left to change is . . . him! Jake's mom is not like most moms. Say there's a dumpster in the street, most moms will pass right by without a second glance. Not Jake's mom...
Don't worry, Murray
Stein, David Ezra
Paper Book
The perfect gift for dog lovers! Bark, George meets Wemberly Worried in this new classic picture book from David Ezra Stein, Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Interrupting Chicken and Leaves. The ideal read for back-to-school anxiety and soothing nerves all year long. ...
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...
Susan laughs
Willis, Jeanne.
Paper Book
Susan laughs, she sings. she rides, she swings. She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad... Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends -- and...
My friend Isabelle
Woloson, Eliza.
Paper Book
Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They both like to draw, dance, read, and play at the park. They both like to eat Cheerios. They both cry if their feelings are hurt. And like most friends, they are also different from each other. Isabelle has Down syndrome. Charlie doesn't. Written by...
Up and Adam
Zapata, Debbie
Paper Book
A boy with Down syndrome lifts spirits all over town! It's the day after the big storm. Adam and his dog, Up, are finishing breakfast when the mayor appears on TV asking everyone to help with the cleanup. She says, 'Now, it's time to get to work. Up and at 'em!' When Adam hears the mayor tell him...

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