by Mary Westbrook, Children’s Librarian, Free Library of Philadelphia
Everyone has different abilities — a great reminder that all people are worthy and all people contribute to our communities! Thes books about different abilities and disability rights are available at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Don’t see it on the shelf? Ask a librarian for help!
Picture Books
“This Is How We Talk: A Celebration of Disability and Connection” and “This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation”
by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp and Kayla Harren
These two picture books, written by disability activists Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, are full of heart and respect. We see how children and their families communicate and how children play! Both books contain a kid-friendly guide to learning more about disabilities. Colorful, fun illustrations throughout each book bring fun and life to these stories!
“All of Us: A First Conversation About Disability”
by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Jonathan Eden
This picture book introduces disability using clear and concise language and colorful illustrations. This is a great book for younger children. Throughout the book, words are defined is easy-to-understand ways — like access, and how we can help others enjoy the things we do with the access they need!
“Listening to the Quiet”
by Cassie Silva and Frances Ives
Some people are born with disabilities and others’ bodies change later in life. In this sweet picture book based on the author’s own childhood, a young child’s mother is slowly losing her hearing. They begin to learn Sign Language together.
Easy Reader and Easy Chapter Books
Aven Green series
by Dusti Bowling and Gina Perry
Aven Green is a spunky third grader who is ready to take on the world! We were introduced to Aven in Dusti Bowling’s middle grade series Life of a Cactus. The best part about this series is that the focus isn’t on the fact Aven has no arms but on her life and adventures! We see Aven sleuthing, baking and playing music and soccer. This illustration-filled chapter book series is so fun and engaging.
Wednesday & Woof series
by Sherri Winston and Gladys Jose
Wednesday and her service dog, Woof, are detectives solving neighborhood cases. Follow along as they solve the mystery of a missing cat, a missing drone and a missing hamster! This full-color early chapter book series is full of laughs and fun, and a great pick for beginning readers ready for short chapters.
Middle Grade Books
“A Kids Book About Disability”
by Kristine Napper
This very clear, very concise nonfiction book explains what disabilities are and how to have conversations about them. With a lot of white space, the emphasis is on the words and the information. Kristine Napper, a lifelong wheelchair user, talks very bluntly about what it’s like to have a disability. A refreshingly honest book for children of all ages!
“Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination”
by Melissa Hart and María Perera
This illustrated collective biography features 20+ people with Down syndrome and all that they’ve accomplished in their lives. In this biography, you’ll meet an Ironman triathlete and a fashion designer, and learn about the Special Olympics, Best Buddies and more. This fantastic collective biography is sure to inspire.
“Gut Reaction”
by Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt
Not all disabilities are easy to see, like different chronic illnesses. In this middle grade novel, we meet Tess, inspired by Quinn Wyatt’s own life, who starts baking to feel closer to the father she lost. However, Tess can’t easily ignore the pains in her stomach that just keep getting worse. Tess must finally face that something isn’t quite right. This is a moving, funny and well-written debut novel by Wyatt and her mom, Kirby Larson.
