Disability and books
Resources, advice and book recommendations on disability in children’s books.
Image: Erika Meza
Representation through reading
We know that representation is vital in helping motivate children to read. Diversity and representation in stories, characters and illustrations in children’s literature affect how young readers see themselves and the world around them.
Diverse, inclusive and representative children’s literature can ensure that children benefit from a richness of perspective, nuance in narrative and good stories from the earliest age.
Here, we recommend titles where disabled children are the protagonists, for all children to enjoy reading.
Disability and booklists
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Books with positive images of disability and neurodiversity
Twelve children’s books that are useful for discussing disability, neurodiversity and inclusive issues with young readers
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Books about family illness
Books can help if you and your family are going through tough times. It is comforting to know that you’re not the only one. This is a selection of stories where a member of the protagonist’s family is ill. It includes mental illness, as well as physical.
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5 thought-provoking books about young carers
The Second-Hand Boy author Jennifer Lane recommends five novels featuring characters who are young carers.
Help delivering our programmes for all
Find out more about our dedicated programmes and resources that support children with disabilities to enjoy reading.
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Find out about ways to add braille, tactile and large print books to your library and find other helpful resources to support your work.
Guidance and tips on working with children
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Author Linda Sargent discusses how crucial it is for children to read stories centred on disabled characters.
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Author of What Happened To You? James Catchpole suggests five things to do when a child asks this of a disabled person.
You might also like
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Resources, advice and book recommendations on neurodiversity and children’s books
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If you are looking for books relevant to any aspect of mental health, wellbeing, illness or emotional literacy, this site offers a wealth of reviews – and this page is a great place to start.