Families with children with disabilities can discover inspiring books that celebrate differences and encourage inclusion. Kids can enjoy these fun, engaging reads while seeing themselves reflected in the characters and stories.
1. ABC Inclusivity: A Simple Disability Inclusion Book for Kids For Ages 3+
By Penguin Books
Help children understand disabilities and inclusion in a simple, positive way with ABC Inclusivity, an A–Z board book designed for kids ages 3+. Each letter introduces a different ability or condition using clear language and friendly illustrations, making complex topics easy for young minds to grasp.
2. Different— A Great Thing to Be!
by Heather Avis and illustrated by Sarah Mensinga
Macy is a girl who’s a lot like you and me, but she’s also quite different, which is a great thing to be. With kindness, grace, and bravery, Macy finds her place in the world, bringing beauty and laughter wherever she goes and leading others to find delight in the unique design of every person.
3. The ABCs of Disabilities
By Sean Gold and illustrators Anna Clark and Daniel Clark
Introducing young learners to topics of disability, accessibility, and inclusion in an easy-to-understand ABC book format from an author who has disabilities.
4. The Secret Superpowers of ADHD
by Jennifer Everly
Through fun, interactive, and engaging content and illustrations, this book will help your child identify their own, unique ADHD-related strengths, while also providing tools to boost their self-confidence and self-esteem.
5. Masterpiece
by Alexandra Hoffman and illustrated by Beatriz Mello
An inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel’s teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece.
6. Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity
by Louise Gooding and illustrated, Ruth Burrows
The book teaches children aged 7-9 all about the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them to advocates who are challenging neurodiversity stereotypes, and most importantly gives them a safe space to feel accepted.
7. The Girl Who Calmed Her Worries
by Fizza Masood
This story follows Eli, a child whose thoughts move quickly and deeply in a world that moves even faster. While others appear ready, Eli is still processing, not because she cannot keep up, but because she experiences everything intensely.
8. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael López
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges — and looks at the special powers those kids have as well.
9. Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day
by Jolene Gutiérrez and illustrator Angel Chang
A rhyming picture book about sensory overload and what you can do when everything is too much. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez’s picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves.
10. Ali and the Sea Stars
by Ali Stroker and illustrator Gillian Reid
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. Ali loves to dance, sing, and act. But she had never thought of putting on her own show until her neighbor asks, “Why wait?” Immediately energized, Ali gets to work.