Characters with Down's Syndrome

Around 750 babies in the UK every year are born with Down’s Syndrome. This equates to one in every thousand. These books range from picture books to books for teenagers, and will be enjoyed by all children.

  • Wind

    by Carol Thompson 

    2014 0 to 7 years 

    • Board books
    • Non-fiction
    • Deafness
    • Disability

    Sumptuous illustrations celebrate children’s responses to the weather, in this series of board books. This title features a child with a hearing aid and a child with Down Syndrome.

  • This Is Me

    by George Webster and Claire Taylor, illustrated by Tim Budgen 

    2023 2 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Disability
    • Down’s Syndrome

    CBeebies presenter George Webster invites us to have fun exploring the world, working out what makes us glow’ and giving everything a go in this delightful, inclusive picture book. 

    Mae gan bob un ohonon ni ein hoff bethau a’n cas bethau, a’r gallu i serennu yn ein ffyrdd arbennig ein hunain. Mae gan bawb gasgliad o gynhwysion unigryw sy’n ein gwneud ni yn ni.

  • One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List

    by Tricia Seabolt, illustrated by Lucy Rogers 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Disability
    • Down’s Syndrome

    A light-hearted middle-grade story about family and friendship with a protagonist who has Down syndrome.

  • George and the Mini Dragon

    by George Webster and Helen Harvey, illustrated by Tim Budgen 

    2025 5 to 9 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Disability
    • Down’s Syndrome

    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. 

  • I Am Not A Label

    by Cerrie Burnell 

    2020 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Autistic spectrum conditions
    • Behavioural/​emotional/​social
    • Disability
    • Learning disability
    • Mobility/​wheelchair
    • Visual impairment

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

  • Sky Song

    by Abi Elphinstone 

    2018 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Myths and legends
    • Disability
    • Down’s Syndrome

    Abi Elphinstone’s magical adventure is full of close calls, fantastical creatures and deliciously evil villains to savour in a tale that already feels like a children’s classic.

  • How to be Disabled and Proud

    by Cathy Reay, illustrated by Jaleel Hudson 

    2025 9 to 14 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Disability

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

  • The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet

    by Claire Hatcher-Smith 

    9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Mystery
    • Disability
    • Neurodiversity
    • Down’s Syndrome

    A perfect middle-grade introduction to murder mysteries with a captivating neurodivergent hero.

  • Dead Ends

    by Erin Lange 

    2014 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Disability
    • Down’s Syndrome

    Dane Washington is the quick-tempered local bully, Billy D his new neighbour who has Down Syndrome.

  • The Good Hawk

    by Joseph Elliott 

    2020 11 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Historical
    • Myths and legends

    When Agatha and Jaime’s clan is attacked, the two teenagers have no choice but to leave their remote Scottish island and venture into the unknown. A gripping historical fantasy full of suspense and adventure.

  • Rosie Loves Jack

    by Mel Darbon 

    2018 11 to 14 years 

    • Love and romance
    • Behavioural/​emotional/​social
    • Disability
    • Down’s Syndrome

    Sixteen-year-old Rosie (who has Down’s syndrome) is devastated when circumstances separate her from boyfriend Jack (who has some brain injury-related anger management issues). An absorbing read with a powerful and convincing affection at its centre.