Picture Books To Help Kids Understand Physical Disabilities and Differences
by Melissa Taylor
Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Board for the Special Olympics, told me (years ago in an interview) that when parents don’t talk about physical and intellectual differences, it becomes the elephant in the room, which gets translated for children as a taboo topic. That’s not what any of us wants. Let’s prioritize discussing and educating children about all kinds of physical differences. One way to do this is to read children’s books that show respectful and accurate representation.
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Just Ask!
Available from:A group of children works together to plant a garden. Each of the children has a difference that, like the plants, make them special and unique. For example, learn about kids with ADHD, allergies, diabetes, blindness, and other physical and neurological differences. The author asks readers questions such as “How do you use your senses?” to help encourage empathy and understanding.
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I Talk Like a River
Available from:This is an absolutely beautiful book that sheds light on the insecurities and struggles of those with speech issues. As a young boy with a stutter moves through his day, we see him in his classroom, hoping he doesn't have to talk. When the teacher asks him a question and his peers turn to look at him, the picture captures his sense of panic and the pressure he feels. Thankfully, a quiet walk in nature with his father helps give him a new way to think about his speech.
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Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Available from:Unable to walk as a child, Fauja Singh strengthens his legs with farm work, eventually becoming a runner. At age one-hundred, he sets a record as the oldest man to run a marathon.
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Dark Was the Night
Available from:Willie, a blind boy with a knack for music, loses his mother and sister at a young age. But music helps Willie survive his life’s difficulties. As an adult, he sings and plays guitar around Texas, eventually making a record. His most famous song, “Dark Was the Night,” becomes one of the selections that travels with Voyager 1 on its mission to space.
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Sam’s Super Seats
Available from:This exuberant picture book about a little girl with cerebral palsy teaches readers about the importance of rest. When Sam goes back-to-school shopping with her friends, she gets tired and needs to sit down. But finding the right seat proves challenging, until Sam comes up with a brilliant idea. Warmhearted and charming, this book is a great affirmation of self-love. The story also includes narrative descriptions of the colorful artwork for readers with low and limited vision.
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I am Helen Keller
Available from:After a childhood illness, Helen Keller becomes deaf and blind. Scared and frustrated, she misbehaves frequently. A skilled teacher helps Helen learn to speak in sign language and read braille, giving Helen hope and a future that includes higher education and work as an activist.
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She Persisted in Sports
Available from:The inspiring women in this collection of biographies face discrimination and physical challenges, yet they all persist to become successful athletes, overcoming difficulties and fighting their way to success.
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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
Available from:Compelling storytelling narrates the life of Louis Braille, who was blind from the age of five. He is determined to find a way to read more books, but his options are limited. Through trial and error, he creates the Braille raised-dot reading system that people still use today.
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We’re All Wonders
Available from:Auggie is a boy with facial differences. His feelings get hurt when people stop and stare, or point or laugh. When he feels bad, he puts on his helmet and pretends to blast off into space. Doing this helps him remember that he is a wonder, as are all the people in the world.
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Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
Available from:Emmanuel hops two miles to school with only one leg, learns to ride a bike, plays soccer, and works to support his family. As an adult, he rides 400 miles across Ghana to show others that disability is not inability. His life exemplifies perseverance and grit.
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Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember
Available from:In this story by sports legend Tim Tebow, all the animals get a puzzle piece to bring to a party. Unfortunately, nearsighted Bronco can’t find his puzzle piece. As he searches for it, he meets other animals who worry about going to the party because of their physical difficulties. Even still, they all go to the party and have a wonderful time.
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Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
Available from:This book is a heartwarming story about the special bond between Jessica and her service dog, Rescue. Rescue feels excited and nervous to help Jessica, who had her legs amputated after the Boston Marathon bombing. Working with her, Rescue finds his purpose by helping Jessica with her everyday tasks.
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