Books with positive images of disability and neurodiversity: See the best of the year

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks

Author: Emily Kenny
Publisher: Rock the Boat
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

11-year-old Alice is quite nervous when she starts at Pebblewood, the formidable coastal boarding school that her late mum and her beloved gran both went to as girls.

War of the Wind

Author: Victoria Williamson
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

Max is sure that the new wind turbines on his island are sinister, but will anyone listen to a frustrated deaf schoolboy? Gripping, eerie and thought-provoking, this has a brilliant cast of characters.

Like a Curse

Author: Elle McNicoll
Publisher: Knights of Media
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 10+

Ramya must save her Hidden Folk friends in Edinburgh from the deadly Sirens – but she’s been cruelly betrayed. A thrilling fantasy that celebrates difference.

This Is Me!

Author: George Webster and Claire Taylor Illustrator: Tim Budgen
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 2-6

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 …

Gold Medal Mysteries: Thief on the Track

Author: Ellie Robinson Illustrator: James Lancett
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

Can Hannah and her new friends find the missing gold medals at the Olympic Games? A satisfying mystery, celebrating sport and friendship across the borders. 

Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star

Author: Laura Noakes Illustrator: Flavia Sorrentino
Publisher: HarperCollins
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 9-11

Cosima and her fellow ‘Unfortunates’ forge a plan to expose a villain through a jewellery heist. Funny but also thought-provoking, it’s a mystery adventure with a difference.

You’re SO Amazing!

Author: James & Lucy Catchpole Illustrator: Karen George
Publisher: Faber Books
Interest age: 4-5

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.

Mae Joe wrth ei fodd yn cael hwyl yn y maes chwarae gyda'i ffrindiau. Fodd bynnag, mae'r rhai sy'n eu gwylio…

Lilly & Myles: The Torch

Author: Jon Roberts and Hannah Rounding
Publisher: Graffeg Books
Interest age: 3-8
Reading age: 6+

Lilly is holidaying at Grandma’s seaside house in Wales.  She always enjoys her gran’s tall stories about sea monsters living in a cave nearby. When it finally stops raining, Lilly can’t wait to get outside and explore - especially as she’s found an old torch to play with. 

I Am You Are

Author: Ashley Harris Whaley Illustrator: Ananya Rao-Middleton
Publisher: Ladybird Books
Interest age: 4-7

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. 

And I Climbed and I Climbed

Author: Stephen Lightbown Illustrator: Shih-Yu Lin
Publisher: Troika Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

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.

All Bodies Are Wonderful

Author: Beth Cox Illustrator: Samantha Meredith
Publisher: b small
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

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

Listening to the Quiet

Author: Cassie Silva Illustrator: Frances Ives
Publisher: Lantana
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 4-5

A beautiful and thought-provoking picture book about a mum losing her hearing.