Books with positive images of disability: See the best of the year
Here are ten children's books that are useful for discussing disability and inclusive issues with young readers, which we highlighted in our Bookmark section in 2021.
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Wanda's Words Got Stuck
Author: Lucy Rowland Illustrator: Paula Bowles
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+Wanda the little witch loves school, but she's a little shy - and very nervous about the school magic contest!
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The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
Author: Helen Rutter
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Billy's starting secondary school, but he's worried that his stammer will make it hard to fit in. He has to get rid of it before he can pursue his dream of being a stand-up comedian - so he comes up with an unusual list of ways to deal with it...
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Everdark
Author: Abi Elphinstone
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+In the kingdom where 11 year old Smudge lives, it's tradition for a phoenix to rise from the ashes to start a new era of magic. But when Smudge spots an ominous creature soaring across the ocean instead of the phoenix, she embarks on a quest to save her home.
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What Happened To You?
Author: James Catchpole Illustrator: Karen George
Publisher: Faber
Interest age: 4-8
Joe just wants to play pirates, but the other children notice that he only has one leg and start asking him a barrage of questions. A stunningly clever book with a clear message that someone who happens to be disabled is not a teaching tool, with practical advice for parents on handling questions about this.
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Loud!
Author: Rose Robbins
Publisher: Scallywag Press
Interest age: 4-8
Abigail is always fidgeting and giggling at school until Miss Butler discovers her love of singing and songwriting. It’s implied that Abigail has ADHD but this beautifully delivered book will resonate with any child who's ever found it tricky to do what is expected of them.
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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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Ways To Be Me
Author: Rebecca Scott and Libby Westcott
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Co-written by an author and a young autistic person, the book introduces us to Tally and her family on the road to a diagnosis. Tally’s story of family, friendship and growing up will resonate with any young person while also busting many an autism myth.
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You Can!
Author: Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Based on real children's own voices and messages (including young disabled people), You Can! is a fabulously inclusive picture book that reminds all children that they are valued individuals with a bright future.
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We're Going to Find the Monster
Author: Malorie Blackman Illustrator: Dapo Adeola
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 3-5
A lovely slightly fairy tale-inspired tale about a family with two younger siblings and a teenager getting ready for breakfast, featuring the wonderful storytelling and word wizardry of Malorie Blackman and the illustrations of prize-winning Dapo Adeola.
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The Amazing Edie Eckhart
Author: Rosie Jones Illustrator: Natalie Smillie
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+Edie Eckhart is a feisty, funny 11-year-old who has cerebral palsy. She has to make some new special relationships when she moves to secondary school and her best friend goes into a different class. An entertaining diary-format book that sensitively explores growing up.
