Books with disabled characters

A delightful story about a little boy and his amazing pet dragon. It’s a rare and perfect example of completely incidental inclusion when it comes to disability – and the themes of friendship and being yourself will appeal to every child.

A joyous and empowering celebration of disability. This gorgeous book also explores tricky concepts and words in a simple and upbeat way. Powerful and important. 

Joe loves having fun at the playground with his friends. However, on-lookers insist on viewing one-legged Joe as a source of inspiration. A joyous read and an important reminder that we should all be able to get on with everyday life without comment.

A hugely appealing picture book offering a child’s perspective on family life with wheelchair-using mum.

Ade gets mysterious messages from the Night Spider – is he really in danger, and is he a superhero? Ade is a bright, active, positive, exciting character who drives a thrilling plot. The book also shows that there’s no reason why a superhero can’t use a wheelchair.

This is the fourth in the Ellie’s Magical Bakery series. Ellie tries to win a trip to London by magically helping her relatives to succeed in a baking competition in order to swim in the Olympic Park Pool.

When random items are being stolen from around the neighbourhood, nine year-old Callie and her best friend Grace set out to catch the thief. The arrival of a stray bird on the scene adds an extra tier of mystery and magic, acquiring Callie’s family a new pet and her detective team a rather unusual sidekick.

How can George keep his mini dragon pet a secret when she flies about, causing chaos? A gentle chapter book about a magical pet that happens to star a character with Down syndrome. 

Ava and her friends concoct a plan to welcome the new girl to their class. A charming chapter book featuring a protagonist with a disability. 

A pacy dystopian page-turner.

Eight-year-old Cosmo fell from a tree and is now disabled. He talks to the tree in free-verse poems that are punchy and accessible, honest and thought-provoking. An important and beautifully affecting book.

When Tosh meets Louis, they bond over their shared imagining of a magical island. A moving graphic novel about friendship, imagination and chronic illness.  

Author Stewart Foster – who also experienced hearing loss as a teenager – explores the challenges around disability and deafness, the ups and downs of changing friendships, and rediscovering your confidence when things take an expected turn. Sophie is highly relatable and this is a sensitively told and emotionally engaging character-driven story.

A non-fiction resource for discussing the amazing and unique human body. 

In this powerful and stylishly attractive non-fiction book, Cerrie Burnell introduces the reader to 34 disabled role models. 

A middle-grade novel packed with magical realism and messages of freedom, independence and the power of friendship.

Will’s got hardly any friends, and school bullies call him ​‘Turtle Boy’ because of a facial difference. But when Will meets RJ, a very sick 16 year old, he realises there’s more to life than retreating into your shell.

An enthralling story of two witches learning that magic is within us all.

A practical and empowering guide to navigating the world as a disabled person. Inclusive and warm, this is a read for everyone.