My Favorite Books About Disabilities
This week I am sharing one tip each day to help you speak to your children about disabilities. Yesterday, I shared about the word “different” and how you can define it with your children. Before we can talk to children about differences, we have to ensure they have the correct understanding of what “different” means. You can watch this video or visit my Instagram to hear more!
Today I am sharing my favorite books that portray characters with disabilities! Reading stories about children with disabilities is a great way to reinforce inclusion in your home. The more a child is exposed to people that are different from them, the more likely they are to celebrate those differences.
The first book, Eli, Included, is about a boy named Eli, who was born with Down syndrome. The author, Michelle Sullivan, wrote this book inspired by her son and it reminds readers the everyone has something to offer and inclusion happens when “everyone is allowed to share those gifts.”
Another favorite of mine is When Charley Met Emma, written by Amy Webb and based on her experiences with her daughter, who was born with a limb difference and uses a wheelchair. In the book, Emma is approached by a boy named Charley, who is curious about her differences. Emma and Charley get to talking and learn that they really are #morealikethandifferent.
Just Ask! written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes a unique twist on incorporating disabilities into literature. Based on her own struggles growing up with diabetes, Sotomayor portrays each child as having a different “super power.” She is witty and helpful and children of all ages would benefit from her writing.
My favorite part about the book Boy, by Phil Cummings, is that it isn’t actually about disabilities. The main character, Boy, helps end the fighting between the king and the dragon, which was upsetting all the townspeople. I love that this book portrays a character who is brave, thoughtful, and just happens to be deaf!
I hope these books help you incorporate discussions of inclusion and disabilities in your home at a level your child is able to understand. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing my favorite chapter books that depict characters with disabilities for older children to enjoy! You can purchase each of these books my clicking the links below!
