Books about epilepsy and seizures
This booklist includes books with characters who have epilepsy and books with characters that have seizures. The cause is not always explained or known, nor is it the same in every case. It’s important to note that those books set in historical times do show some ignorance and subsequent ill-treatment, which can be hard to read about. However, these are excellent books that are well worth every child reading.
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Jayben and the Golden Torch
Author: Thomas Leeds
Publisher: Hodder
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+A curious, immersive fantasy with complex world-building, engaging characters and quirky creatures. Ideal for readers who enjoy an exciting adventure with added depth and intensity.
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Talking to Alaska
Author: Anna Woltz Translator: Laura Watkinson
Publisher: OneWorld
Interest age: 10-13
Reading age: 11+It only takes one day at their new school for Parker and Sven to become mortal enemies. Parker’s had a terrible summer and just wants to be invisible, while Sven is desperate to make an impression and be known as anything other than ‘that kid with epilepsy.’
When Parker discovers her beloved dog Alaska – who she had to give away last year – now belongs to Sv…
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Looking at the Stars
Author: Lewis Hine
Publisher: Lagom
Interest age: 12-18
Reading age: 12+Lewis Hine is the inspirational teen behind life-changing charity Friend Finder Official, and winner of the Radio 1 Teen Hero Award. He’s achieved amazing things, but Lewis’s everyday life is far from simple. This is his story.
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See What I Can Do!
Author: Jon Roberts Illustrator: Hannah Rounding
Publisher: Graffeg Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+See What I Can Do! introduces a range of characters (based on real-life children) who each share an insight about disability and point out the challenges but also positive aspects of their lives. A beautiful book that celebrates individuality, empathy and understanding.
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The Night Sky in my Head
Author: Sarah Hammond
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 10+Mikey’s life changed following an injury to his head when he was very young. Now aged fourteen, he lives in a confusion of half-remembered events from a dark and shadowy past.
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The Ghosts and Jamal
Author: Bridget Blankley
Publisher: Hope Road Publishing
Interest age: 12-18
Reading age: 12+Jamal wakes to find that everyone in his West African village have been killed. He alone has survived because of how others perceive his epilepsy. This is a powerful, moving and mesmerising story, set in a violent world and seen through a 13-year-old's eyes.
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Just Like Me
Author: Louise Gooding Illustrator: Caterina delli Carri and Angel Chang and Cathy Hookey and Melissa Iwai
Publisher: Studio Press
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+The author (who has ADHD) sets out to prove to neurodivergent (and all) children that you can overcome any potential limitations of a label. This glorious anthology encourages us to celebrate uniqueness and recognise our potential to achieve.
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The Tiger Who Sleeps Under My Chair
Author: Hannah Foley
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9-12In 1884, Emma Linden dreams of being a fossil hunter like her hero Mary Anning - but her world comes crashing down when her brother James becomes mysteriously ill. Meanwhile, in 2023, football-mad Jude finds a friend in Rosie Linden, who is plagued by visions of tigers and the need to protect the ones she loves.
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I Am Not A Label
Author: Cerrie Burnell
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9+In this powerful and stylishly attractive non-fiction book, Cerrie Burnell introduces the reader to 34 disabled role models.
