Here are 35 of the best children’s books about disabilities to embrace differences through encouragement and inspiration.
This list includes an array of children’s books that demonstrate the interactions and outcomes of disabled characters.
Other stories portray a disability from different perspectives.
Either way, this list gives you the opportunity to relate, learn, or become aware that each one of us is special in our own unique way.
Let’s dive in!
A Little Spot of Anger: A Story About Managing BIG Emotions
For Ages: 2 to 6 years
For Grades: Pre-K to Kindergarten
Anger is a difficult emotion to handle sometimes.
Your child may experience this because of a hurtful word another peer says to them or maybe their toy is taken away.
No matter what, frustrating situations happen.
This book will help them redirect their anger by showing them there are FUN ways to stay calm.
Final Verdict: A wonderful tool to utilize on how to manage anger in a positive light.
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All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
A Gold Medal Mom’s Choice Awards this popular read is about a zebra named, Zane, who feels different from the rest of his zebra classmates.
He fears all his classmates notice his ‘autism stripe’ but his mother comes in to change his mindset to think positively.
His mother helps him appreciate his stripes and unique strengths that make him his wonderful self.
Stan Lee (Chairman emeritus of Marvel Comics) shares, “It teaches us to embrace not only who we are, but also to embrace the surrounding people who are brilliantly different thanks to their own amazing, colorful stripes.”
Final Verdict: A wonderful story for kids with Autism to relate to.
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All The Way To The Top
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 4th
A story of a little girl who was determined to make a change, even when others told her no.
Jennifer Keelan was just a kid who never let her wheelchair slow her down.
But the world around her was built differently, making it difficult to do simple things like going to school or eating lunch in the cafeteria.
Soon The Americans with Disabilities Act (a law to make public spaces more accessible to people with disabilities) was being considered by Congress. To make sure this law was passed, Jennifer courageously went to the Capitol of Washington, DC to fight for this right.
Final Verdict: A brave story to educate our youth about The Americans with Disabilities Act and advocating for your rights.
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Anxious Ninja: A Children’s Book About Managing Anxiety and Difficult Emotions
For Ages: 3 to 11 years
For Grades: Pre-K to 5th
This book about anxiety offers a fun comedic spin on learning how to cope with experiencing difficult emotions.
The anxious Ninja’s friend teaches him different coping methods for his anxiety as well as tips on how to handle his emotions too.
Final Verdict: A great read that teaches valuable life skills and how to navigate our emotions.
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Ben’s Adventures: Day at the Beach
For Ages: 5 to 8 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 3rd
A 2019 Gold Medal Winner children’s fiction book was voted a kid’s favorite read!
The story follows a boy and the power of his imagination on his fun adventure to the beach.
He uses his wheelchair and shows he is just like any other kid.
The book portrays important life elements of inclusion, empathy, and friendship.
Final Verdict: To teach how to embrace either other’s differences while accepting them for who they are.
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Can Bears Ski?
Can Bears Ski?For Ages: 3 to 7 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
Little Bear feels what’s going on around him but is confused when others talk to him.
One day, Dad Bear takes Little Bear to see an Audiologist.
The Audiologist determines Little Bear has been experiencing deafness so he will need to wear a hearing aid.
Little Bear’s world becomes a lot nosier but he soon learns to find his way.
Final Verdict: A tale that relates to kids learning to navigate the world including those with deafness.
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Daniel’s New Friend (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)
For Ages: 3 to 7 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
Daniel, the tiger, is visiting a castle for a playdate.
When he arrives, Daniel meets a new friend named, Chrissie who notices wears leg braces to help her walk.
Daniel and Chrissie soon learn they have a lot in common, from the color red to playing pretend.
More importantly, they have so much fun together!
Final Verdict: Despite our differences, anyone can become a new friend!
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Different: A Great Thing To Be!
For Ages: 3 to 7 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
Macy is a girl who is a lot like you and me but also different, which is a great thing to be!
She finds beauty in every person she meets.
Final Verdict: A story to teach kids how to appreciate the differences they see in school.
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Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability
For Ages: 4 to 7 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
Explore the questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a very simple and reassuring way.
Discover individual disabilities and special equipment that is used to help those disabled.
Plus, learn how people of all ages learn to deal with disabilities while living a fulfilling and happy life.
The book was written by a psychotherapist and counselor, Pat Thomas. His writing aims to promote positive interaction among kids, parents, and teachers while encouraging kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present challenges.
Final Verdict: An engaging story to encourage conversation about physical disabilities.
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El Deafo
For Ages: 8 to 12 years
For Grades: 3rd to 7th
A New York Times Bestseller.
This courageous story is about Cece who wears a hearing aid to hear.
The hearing device is powerful and slightly awkward as it’s strapped to her chest.
Cece appears ‘different’ wearing her hearing aid so it isolates her from her classmates.
All she truly wants is a best friend and someone to appreciate her for who she is.
Cece learns to harness the power of her Phonic Ear to overcome her fears.
Final Verdict: An empowering story about finding your true self.
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Finding Nemo Read-Along Storybook and CD
For Ages: Baby to 3 years
For Grades: Preschool
Finding Nemo becomes an act of rescue, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others.
The main character, Nemo, has a ‘lucky fin’ which is smaller than his other fin and it challenges him when trying to do what his friends do in the ocean.
Marlin, Nemo’s father, learns to trust Nemo and his self-defined abilities. Even though Nemo has a visible impairment which sometimes gives him difficulties, he shows the world that he is no different from everyone else.
Final Verdict: A book for toddlers to teach about acceptance.
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I Am Human: A Book of Empathy
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
A #1 New York Times Best Seller.
Being human means we are full of possibilities to learn, dream, and wonder about what goes on in the world around us. But we also aren’t perfect and make mistakes.
When we feel anger, fear, or sadness, we need to learn to find common ground.
When we do this, we feel an empathetic connection to the great world around us and learn to grow into self-awareness of how to be the best version of ourselves.
Final Verdict: This story teaches us how to be empathetic by making good choices while having compassion for ourselves and others.
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I Will Dance
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
Final Verdict: A story teaching you to always follow your dreams.
This fascinating picture book was illustrated by the famous designer of the hit show Fixer Upper on HGTV, Joanna Gaines.
The story follows a young girl, Eva, who was born with cerebral palsy as she pursues her lifelong dream to become a dancer in her wheelchair.
Her dance instructor and fellow students are very encouraging allowing Eva to gain more confidence as her dream of dance begins to come true.
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Insignificant Events In The Life Of A Cactus
For Ages: 8 to 12 years
For Grades: 3rd to 7th
This cheerful story is about a humorous girl, Aven Green.
She tells the people she meets that she lost her arms in an alligator wrestling match or from a wildfire in Tanzania, but the truth is she was born without them.
When Aven moves across the country with her family she knows she’ll have to answer the question about her disability over and over again.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets another companion who feels isolated because of his own disability.
Final Verdict: A humorous story teaching about friendship and how to face your fears.
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Ivy The Very Determined Dog
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 3rd
Ivy is a spunky and fearful French Bulldog who suddenly becomes paralyzed in her back legs due to a rare genetic spinal disease.
However, this does not stop Ivy from living her best life possible.
Ivy sends a powerful message to never give up on life and to embrace our individuality.
Final Verdict: An incredible story about overcoming challenges and finding your inner strengths.
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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
A #1 New York Times Best Seller.
This story fills you with feelings of caring and kindness as it talks about the differences that make each of us unique.
Feeling different, especially as a kid, is not easy sometimes.
But different people can help make our world more vibrant and wonderful.
Author, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, was diagnosed as a child with diabetes. She took her life experience and poured it into her work with this book by celebrating the different abilities kids and adults have. She writes about children with all types of challenges.
Final Verdict: The story encourages us to Just Ask if we come across someone who is different from us but we aren’t sure why.
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Katie Can: A Story About Special Needs
For Ages: 5 to 7 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 2nd
Meet Katie who has Down Syndrome. Her disability does not bring her down, in fact, it brings her up!
Her resiliency to work hard with a positive attitude will bring a smile to your face.
Final Verdict: A wonderful story to introduce younger kids to special needs.
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Meet Maya Cat: A Story About Acceptance
For Ages: 5 to 8 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 3rd
This precious story stars Instagram influencer @meetmayacat who teaches young children about accepting those who are different.
The book illustrates an eye-opening lesson that everyone deserves acceptance and love while encouraging inclusion through the heartwarming character, Maya the cat.
Final Verdict: An uplifting story about how to accept others for who they are and treat them with love and kindness.
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Meeting Mimi: A Story About Different Abilities
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
Meet Mimi, a sweet child who is the new girl at school.
She likes to tell jokes, she doesn’t like beans, and has a disability.
Her classmates at school are interested to learn more about Mimi.
So they ask her questions about her abilities.
Final Verdict: This book gives you a starting point to talk about your child’s social and emotional development. It highlights a positive message to encourage you to navigate life experiences through discussion and questions.
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My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy (Growing with Love)
For Ages: 5 to 8 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 3rd
This heartwarming story is about two girls who become very close friends.
One girl has cerebral palsy and the other girl is very artistic.
The artistic friend finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana.
Final Verdict: An inspiring read that focuses on respect, friendship, and advocacy.
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My Magical Choices
For Ages: 3 to 6 years
For Grades: Pre-K to Kindergarten
One of life’s best gifts is our ability to make choices to determine how our day pans out.
This story shows kids just that, how to make ‘magical choices’ to create happiness.
Final Verdict: A great read that teaches an important life lesson, positive action creates positive results.
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Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability
For Ages: 6 to 9 years
For Grades: 1st to 3rd
Author, Shane Burcaw, was born with a rare disease called spinal muscular atrophy, which hinders his muscles’ growth.
He can do the things he loves like eating pizza and playing sports but routinely relies on his family and friends to help him with everything from brushing his teeth to rolling over in bed.
Shane offers his readers a raw, honest, funny, and relatable glimpse into his life.
As quoted, “Shane tackles many of the mundane and quirky questions that he’s often asked about living with a disability, and shows readers that he’s just as approachable, friendly, and funny as anyone else.”
Final Verdict: Learn through the eyes of Shane Burcaw what life is like having a disability.
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Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
For Ages: 5 to 9 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 4th
This inspiring story is based on a real-life partnership about a girl and her service dog working together as a team.
Rescue begins to help Jessica live her life in ways she never imagined.
The authors do an incredible job portraying the training and amazing abilities of service dogs, focusing on the real-life best friend and black lab rescue pup.
Final Verdict: A heartwarming story about love and teamwork.
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Roxy the Raccoon
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Pre-K to 3rd
The story sends an important message about the power of inclusion.
Roxy the raccoon lives in the forest with three friends who enjoy doing everything together which means they also have to make change happen together too.
By working with one another, the friends make the forest an inclusive place for everyone, including those with a disability.
Final Verdict: A story to help you learn about disability and inclusion.
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Some Kids Use Wheelchairs: Revised Edition (Understanding Differences)
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
A book of colorful photos and fun activities showing kids with disabilities and their peers.
This book spread awareness to the younger generation about understanding and having compassion towards other children who have health differences.
Final Verdict: A way to teach diversity and tolerance to our youth.
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Special People Special Ways
For Ages: 4 to 7 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 3rd
This book is a winner of the iParenting Media Award and 2009 Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine.
The story knows how to immediately captivate you with the colorful illustrations and fun rhymes throughout.
Each page features children with various disabilities.
Final Verdict: The message portrayed illustrates that beyond our physical limitations is a world of unique gifts for each of us to share.
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Super Special Magic Shoes
For Ages: 5 to 8 years
For Grades: Kindergarten to 3rd
A beautiful story told in sing-song text introduces the wearing of leg braces in a happy light.
“My legs need a little help to walk, run, jump and climb, My super special magic shoes help me stand tall and proud!”
The bright illustrations and precious characters make this story a charming read.
Final Verdict: A magical journey that takes you on an adventure of what it is like to wear leg braces.
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What Should Danny Do?
For Ages: 3 years and up
For Grades: Pre-K to Kindergarten
This interactive and empowering book helps kids understand how their choices shape their days and over time their lives.
Danny is a superhero who encounters choices kids face on a daily basis.
As you follow Danny’s story, you get to interact and choose how Danny’s day ends up.
Even though Danny doesn’t have a disability, this book hits a deeper level about an important life lesson regarding the choices we make.
Final Verdict: A great story to condition kids to think about their choices on how they can positively or negatively impact moments in life.
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We’re Different, We’re the Same (Sesame Street)
For Ages: 3 to 7 years
For Grades: Preschool to 2nd
We are taught by the fun and cute sesame street characters that we may all look different on the outside but it’s important to remember we are all very much alike on the inside.
We have the same feelings, needs, wants, fears, and desires.
Our differences are what make this world so wonderful to live in!
Final Verdict: An easy way to learn about differences.
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What Happened To You?
For Ages: Baby to 5 years
For Grades: Pre-K to Kindergarten
Imagine if you were asked the same question over and over again about your condition?
Over time that may cause hurt and anger.
This is the exact experience of one-legged Joe who wants to play on the playground.
The children keep asking Joe “What happened to you?”
The children soon come to realize that the game they are playing is one that Joe is rather good at.
Final Verdict: The story allows us to reflect from two perspectives; the eyes of a disabled child and the eyes of an able-bodied child.
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When Charlie Met Emma
For Ages: 3 to 5 years
For Grades: Preschool to Kindergarten
When Charlie meets Emma on the playground he soon discovers she is in a wheelchair.
Charlie and Emma start to chat.
After talking to Emma, Charlie realizes being different is not bad or sad, but it is great!
Final Verdict: A story that teaches you how to react with kindness when meeting someone with a disability.
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Who Do You See When You Look At Me?
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
The story follows a sweet girl, Grace Anna, who may appear different.
She is a happy girl that has so much to give and big dreams she wants to live out.
This is a wonderful book showing each of us may be different but we all have dreams of our own.
Final Verdict: A story to inspire us to let go of first impressions and see ourselves and others for who they really are.
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Who Was Helen Keller?
For Ages: 8 to 12 years
For Grades: 3rd to 7th
Hellen Keller is a true inspiration and one of the most memorable women in history.
She became blind and deaf at the age of two and struggled in a world of silence and darkness for many years.
It was her teacher, Ann Sullivan, who changed her world.
She learned to read, write, and do many incredible things because of Ann.
The inspiring black and white illustrations are the perfect read for young middle-aged readers.
Final Verdict: The teaching of Helen is a great life lesson to inspire you to accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible through faith and determination.
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Yes I can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
Meet Carolyn, a young energetic outgoing girl who focuses on what she can do rather than what she can’t do!
She wants to be social with others and participate.
This story talks about the inclusive options for children with disabilities where they can participate and adapt.
Final Verdict: A wonderful story to teach about inclusion.
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You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion
For Ages: 4 to 8 years
For Grades: Preschool to 3rd
It’s hard to be different, but at the same time, it is what makes you your amazing self.
Inspired by an 11-year-old model and actress with down syndrome, Sofia Sanchezan, teaches us to embrace our differences.
The universal message is loud and clear…we all belong and you are enough.
Final Verdict: An empowering read about inclusion.
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Final Thoughts
Final ThoughtsDisabled representation in books about kids whom your child can become aware of or relate to is gaining traction.
My hope is that a story spoke to you today.
The authors who have taken the time to spread their beautiful messages throughout the world are incredible thought leaders.
Together, let’s spread these authors’ powerful messages.
More importantly, positively expand our minds in knowing that we are all special in our own unique way.
These stories are an excellent resource if you’re a parent, counselor, or teacher connected to the special needs community.
Thank You!
I want to wrap up by extending my gratitude to thank you for stopping by today!
Do you recommend any other children’s books about disabilities?
Let us know in the comments below. ♥
Was this information helpful? If so, you’d make our day by sharing it! 🙂
About the Author
Lindsey is the co-founder of The LENN Foundation and content creator of the Intensive Therapy for Kids blog.
When she isn’t busy playing Godzilla with her son or chasing around her mischievous Rottweiler pup, she loves creating experiences and memories with her loved ones (traveling, watching a good flick, trying new n’ yummy restaurants). Speaking of restaurants, one of her favs is Taco Bell!
Most of all, she is grateful for her supportive circle of family, friends, and to live out her passion for helping kids with Cerebral Palsy (like her sweet nephew Lenny).
If you’re curious about The LENN Foundation, you may see the kids’ helped and feel-good content here. ♥
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The contents of the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Intensive Therapy for Kids Site (“Content”) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Hi,
I hope you are well.
I was just reading your article about books about different disabilities.
I was wondering if you would like to add my book to your list. The book is called See What I Can Do! it is about children who have different disabilities. Each story is from an actual child who was kind enough to share their story with me.
https://graffeg.com/products/see-what-i-can-do
I am donating 80% of the royalties to charity.
I can send you a copy if you would like.
Many thanks
Jon
Hi Jon – Thank you for reaching out. That’s incredible! I just looked at your book and would love a copy. Do you sell this on Amazon? I run a foundation called The LENN Foundation (https://www.thelennfoundation.org) where we help children with Cerebral Palsy receive pediatric intensive therapies (hence, the reason I was inspired to write this post about the ‘Best Kids Books About Disabilities’). We have an Instagram feed (https://www.instagram.com/thelennfoundation) with a nice following and we would love to promote your book and possibly do a giveaway to a family? Feel free to email me directly at team@thelennfoundation.org. Our mailing address is The LENN Foundation 102 W Main St #523, New Albany, Ohio, 43054.
It is so good of you to share this books that you have shared here on your website and I know that it will help a lot of children it parents whose children have disabilities or those kids who need more love care and attention. Reading the reviews, I think they are all good books and they are worth it.
Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Wow! I had no idea that there were so many children’s books about disabilities. I think it is amazing that parents can use these resources to help children understand the struggles they may be facing. I wish I knew about some of these when I had the conversation with my own son about his diagnosis of high functioning autism. I am curious, are there books that relate to teens/preteens as well?
Hey Brandi, thanks for the kind words and sharing your thoughts! To answer your question, yes there are definitely books tailored to teens/preteens about disabilities. Here is one I’d recommend called ‘Owning It: Stories About Teens with Disabilities‘. Also, there is this great go-to guide for autistic teens and preteens you may want to look into as well. 🙂
This is good information to know that I will share with friends in the field. Although I have previously worked with children with disabilities and/or mental health issues, I currently work with adults with those challenges. I love this collection of books that you shared. My colleagues who work with children will benefit from this. I am drawn to “I Am Human: A Book of Empathy” but at that the same time I am fascinated by “I Will Dance”. Helen Keller would be proud of this list. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kinds words! I appreciate you sharing your story and feedback Joseph. 🙂
I think your article provides the best sources for kids to be kids. Just because a child has a disability, doesn’t mean we should treat them any different. A child with disability needs to feel accepted and treated with respect. Understanding the needs of a child with disability is the key to help the child grow as normal as he/she can. Your article will provide help for parents and their children. The different books you listed are awesome tools to start. Thanks for the article.
Thanks so much John! Your feedback is appreciated. 🙂
I love that all these books enlighten the readers, especially the special needs parents and kids that being special with disabilities does not limit their capacity to meet friends and be productive.
Any of these books can touch the normal people’s/kids’ hearts to be accepting of the condition of any special kid. They may look different or act unlike others, but they also have capabilities and feelings.
Marita
I couldn’t agree more Marita. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing a lovely, informative article with us. The chief item of this article is 25 Children’s Books About Disabilities. It is truly amazing that you covered this subject so well in your post. I’ve learned a lot from reading your post and gained a lot of knowledge about it. I like Special People Special Ways book of the points in your article. I read this book a few times and let my kid do it so he can learn a lot from here. That’s why I tell you to give your child the kind of book through which he can gain knowledge.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I appreciate you sharing.
Hi, what a great article here. I thought a couple of times how there is a huge movement regarding people with disabilities in the US, and in Serbia (my country) you won’t hear much about anything. And I always thought we don’t have any “issues”, but then found out that my country actually didn’t get to the point where (probably) the rest of the world if not only the US did.
We don’t have public transportation accomodating for the wheelchairs and scooters. Working on cruise ships I learned how much actually the US takes care of the ordinary people with not so ordinary habits, and I always felt like wanting to add some more flavor to make everyone’s life easier.
Thanks for sharing the article which educates kids about other kids so they grow up knowing that there is nothing so “special” about kids that maybe look or behave a bit differently. Oh, to add my flavor. Just yesterday signed up for the ASL course so one day I go back to work after all this Covid story, I can communicate with guests who can’t speak either hear.
Sunny
Sunny, you’re awesome! My hats off to you for signing up for the ASL course! What a compassionate act of service you will be providing. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and share your thoughts.
Good luck with your course! 🙂