As an academic librarian who also has a disability , I ’ m happy to recommend the following five children ’ s books that treat disability as a part of life and living .
( 1 ). Maria Gianferrari ( author ), Patrice Barton ( illustrator ), “ Hello Goodbye Dog ” ( 2017 )
Moose loves her girl Zara – and she hates saying goodbye . When Zara goes to school , Moose wants to go too and keeps showing up , even though dogs aren ’ t allowed . What will Zara , her parents , the principal , her teacher and the other kids in Zara ’ s class do ?
This fun picture book is perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners . While Zara uses a wheelchair , her disability isn ’ t the focus of the story . Readers will have fun seeing what Moose is up to this time and learn that sometimes dogs can go to school .
( 2 ). Kelly Fritsch , Anne McGuire , Eduardo Trejos , “ We Move Together ” ( 2021 )
All bodies are different – whether disabled or nondisabled – and everyone matters . These are the themes of this easy reader . With its vibrant illustrations , simple text and portrayals of a wide variety of people , “ We Move Together ” is a great introduction to the concepts of community , disability and accessibility for readers in kindergarten through second grade , while older readers can learn more about accessibility and disability rights in the glossary .
( 3 ). Darren Lebeuf , Ashley Barron , “ My City Speaks ” ( 2021 )
A girl who is blind and her dad explore the city and its sounds . They wait at a crosswalk , play in the park , take a bus , avoid a rainstorm and eat ice cream . Words and pictures help the reader feel the rhythms of the city . Readers in preschool through second grade will enjoy this story because of its colorful illustrations and rhythmic text .
( 4 ). Ali Stroker , Stacy Davidowitz , “ The Chance to Fly ” ( 2021 )
Nat Beacon is the new girl in school with a talent for wheelchair racing , but when the 13-year-old gets the chance to audition for a summer production of the musical “ Wicked ,” she knows the theater is where she belongs . How does she tell her parents ?
This novel for readers in fifth , sixth and seventh grades explores themes of independence , friendship and first love .
( 5 ). Melissa See , “ You , Me , and Our Heartstrings ” ( 2022 )
Daisy and Noah are two of the best musicians in their high school orchestra and dream of attending Juilliard , the prestigious performing arts school in New York City . When their performance of an original piece goes viral , they have to deal with the world ’ s interpretation of them and their relationship .
This rom-com of a novel combines disability representation with themes of friendship and romance . Great for readers in grades nine to 12 .
For more books featuring characters with disabilities , check out the American Library Association ’ s Schneider Family Book Award . For a wide variety of diverse titles , see We Need Diverse Books .
This article was originally published in The Conversation . Read the original article
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