Children's Picture Books about Kids with Disabilities

Representation in books matters. But not only that, representation in good books matters! This list of picture books not only present stories of children with disabilities, or "differently abled," if you prefer, in a positive light, but are beautifully illustrated and rise above didacticism.

As you spend time reading these books with your children, make sure to start a conversation about what it is like to live with a disability, and how ableism impacts all children, and not just those with a disability.

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Every collection of diverse picture books must include a wide range of children with different skills and abilities, and you''ll understand I haven't been able to cover every disability on this list.

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López. Sotomayor's book normalizes kids' curiosity about the differences they may see in others and encourages them to be curious and, "Just ask." Each double page spread introduced a child working in a garden who a different disability or illness, like type 1 diabetes (Sotomayor's disability), asthma, ADHD, etc. I also enjoyed her follow-up book, Just Help! How to Build a Better World.

What Happened to You? by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George. With humor, charm, and a huge imagination, a boy answers the question, "What happened to your leg?" Endnotes provide parents and caregivers information on how to handle curious questions with empathy.

MORE: Picture books to teach empathy and compassion

All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali. In this picture book biography, 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan, born with cerebral palsy, fights to secure passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. All her life, Keelan has persevered to join in activities, even when others told her she couldn't do it. When politicians ignore Keelan and her fellow activists, she climbs the steps of the Capitol, even though it means crawling the entire way. Although the ADA is a big step forward for inclusion for people with disabilities, the text acknowledges that more work is needed.

MORE: Picture books about perseverance

Look Up! by Jung Jin-Ho. A girl in a wheelchair gazes over her balcony onto the sidewalk below. She calls to the passersbys to “Look up!,” but they ignore her cries until one young boy looks up, and then lies down in order to look up at her. This is such an unusual and interesting book. Kids will love talking about both the perspective of the girl and the people on the sidewalk, as well as how being aware of our surroundings will help us see how to be generous to others.

MORE: Books About Perspective and Observation

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song. Henry, coded as autistic, looks about his classroom, he notices all the details about the objects and his fellow classmates. He is looking for a friend and wonders how he will fit in. As he tries to find a child to be his friend, there are some misunderstandings and set-backs, and a bit of sensory overload at times. All children will recognize the challenges and rewards that come with learning how to be a friend.

A Sky-Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Peggy Collins. Aria, who lives in Afghanistan, has a prosthetic leg which prohibits her from sitting in the same manner as the rest of her classmates. But she is determined not to let that stop her from joining school lessons. A bench would allow her to sit comfortably, but since there is no money to purchase a bench, Aria must come up with a creative solution. A wonderful book about working within the constraints of hardships, community support and perseverance.

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Zulay, who is blind, enjoys going to school with her diverse group of friends, but what she doesn't like are the special lessons she must have in order to learn how to use her cane. When news of field day arrives, the possibility of participating in a race is just the motivation Zulay needs.

A Boy and His Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz, illustrated by Cátia Chien. Author Rabinowitz, whom Time magazine called "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation", struggled as a boy with a speech impediment. He wanted desperately to overcome his stutter and speak like everyone else so he makes a promise to a jaguar at the zoo. In college he learns how to control his stutter but it isn't until he finds a way to help the jaguars and other wildlife that he feels whole.

Just Because by Rebecca Elliot. A boy describes all the things that his sister, who is strapped into a wheelchair, enjoys or does not enjoy. After each item, he explains, "Just because." He doesn't use her disability as an excuse or a reason, he simply accepts her for who she is. Colorful illustrations show the two siblings engaging in everyday activities and pretend play.

The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin. This is such an interesting and unusual book. There are in fact, no colors – or rather, no colors in the way seeing people think about colors. Each page is black, but the words and textures invite the reader to experience seeing colors as a blind person might experience them.

Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross. When I started reading this book I wondered if I had checked out the right book, which speaks powerfully about its message. Simple text, such as "Susan swings... Susan swims ... Susan reads..." etc. is accompanied by the appropriate picture depicting Susan enjoying everyday life activities. We are given the entire book to learn about Susan and to identify with her, seeing her as "just like us". The image of Susan in a wheelchair at the end reinforces that living with a disability does not ... well... disable someone.

I Am a Masterpiece by Mia Armstrong, illustrated by Alexandra Thompson. Author Mia Armstrong is an actor, artist and Down Syndrome activist. In her book she explains how Down Syndrome has helped her to see the world in unique ways and given her the ability to express herself artistically.

MORE: Picture books to inspire artistic creativity

My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson, illustrated by Bryan Gough. Isabelle has Down Syndrome but even though Charlie does not, the two are friends. Charlie narrates this sweet story and describes how the pair like to do a lot of the same activities, but they are also different kids with their own interests and personalities. The reader does not learn about Isabelle's Down Syndrome until the end of the book; the focus of the book is on the children's friendship.

We'll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, illustrated by Pam Devito. A young girl describes her anticipation surrounding the upcoming birth of her new brother. After spending time listing all the activities she looks forward to, like kicking a ball, going on a Safari, and more, she reveals that her father has told her that her brother might not be able to do everything as soon as she thinks. Her brother will be born with Down Syndrome. But then the father and daughter discuss all the amazing things her brother will be able to do.

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Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. Trisha, a girl with dyslexia, struggles with reading and writing, and desperately wants to learn. Her difficulties are compounded by taunts she endures from other children. She finally connects with a compassionate teacher, Mr. Falker, who sets her on the path to reading and teaches her how to see her gifts.

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Anne Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls. Emmanuel was born in Ghana with only one leg. Most children with disabilities didn’t go to school, but Emanuel was determined and hopped two miles each way to attend school. After his mother died, he decided to honor her last words by proving “that being disabled does not mean being unable.” He completed the astounding feat of bicycling 400 miles in 10 days.

MORE: Picture Books about Social Justice

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril. Ginny loves books, and reading circle. But she has difficulty reading because she sees everything double. After the nurse discovers her condition during the school's vision screening day, the doctor prescribes an eye patch and Ginny embraces her new role as the pirate of kindergarten. While this is a story about a temporary disability it will help kids look at how differences come in all varieties and to embrace the uniqueness of all children.

MORE: Children's Books about Self-Esteem and Embracing Difference

Moses Sees a Play (series) by Isaac Millman. I once had the great pleasure of seeing a performance given by the National Theater of the Deaf, and many theaters also provide interpreters during specific performances so non-hearing people can enjoy the magic of live theater. Moses is a student a a school for deaf children. After seeing a performance by The Little Theater of the Deaf, the class decides to put on a show of their own. Included in the book are wonderful descriptions of the performance action and how the actors use their bodies to convey meaning. In addition, the book is also written in sign language, and includes diagrams of signs, which teachers and parents can use to practice with their children.

MORE: Books about d/Deaf characters 

Back to Front and Upside Down by Claire Alexander. The class is making cards for their principal but Stan has trouble forming letters and his handwriting is all mushy and unreadable. While not identified, Stan shows signs of dysgraphia. He feels discouraged but doesn't know how to ask for help. Many parents children who struggle greatly with handwriting and this sweet book emphasizes the importance of getting help for one's struggles and giving oneself permission to take the time necessary to learn and accomplish one's tasks.

Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. Any child who has faced a challenge in school while watching their classmates perform a skill with ease will relate to Abdul's story. Abdul loves to tell stories but he struggles with writing. His letters never look the way they are supposed to and it takes so much energy out of him, he feels frustrated. During a class visit, an author shows Abdul his own messy notebook and Abdul tries a new way to turn his own writing, imperfect though it may be, into a story.

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Patrice Barton. Zara has a dog named Moose. Moose loves Zara so much he wants to go with her everywhere and follows her to school. Moose is not a service dog, but others see his potential as a good companion, and Moose goes through the training to become a therapy dog who can be welcomed at places like schools. Although Zara is in a wheelchair, the story isn't about her physical challenges, it is about the joy of friendship with a furry friend.

MORE: Picture Books to Welcome Everyone to School

King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan, illustraed by Christiane Krömer. Malik is looking forward to flying his kite during the festival of spring. From his wheelchair on a rooftop, he flies it vigorously, battling the neighborhood bully. After the celebration, his compassion spurs him to help a girl with a kite escape from the same bully.

MORE: Picture books with Muslim characters

Can I Play, Too? by Mo Willems. Do worms, elephants and the porcine count as children? you be the judge. When I started reading books for this list, I didn't realize there was an Elephant and Piggie book about children learning to play with others who are differently abled. What happens when Piggie and Gerald play ball with a snake? As you might guess, a lot of learning and understanding. Great fun.

The Seeing Stick by Jane Yolen. Not all books about disabilities need to be contemporary stories!  In this fairy tale-like story, the only daughter of the emperor in Peking is born blind. Hwei Ming's father feels great sadness at his daughter's blindness and he promises a reward to anyone who can bring her sight. Many men come to try, but they all fail to help Hwei Ming see. One day, an old man with a mystical seeing stick enters the city gates. The old man teaches not just Hwei Ming, but her father, how to "see." The glossy, embossed illustrations become more and more colorful as the story progresses. Lovely.

Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer, illustrated by Bert Dodson. Kami lives with his Sherpa family on the high slopes of the Himalayan mountains. Kami tends to the yaks, and he is deaf. One day he blows his whistle for the yaks, but they do not come. As a storm approaches, he finds the yaks, but one of them is injured. Kami runs back to fetch help. His father, unable to understand because Kami cannot use words, becomes upset that Kami has returned without the yaks. But Kami is not deterred and he communicates with gestures until his brother figures out what is going on and the three of them rush to rescue the yaks. Gorgeous illustrations!

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