Differences are what make us each a unique individual! Check out one of these books where the characters have disabilities or illnesses that make them special.
- We Can Do It! By Laura Dwight
Children with disabilities show all the different things they can do despite their disabilities. Ages birth to 5. Available in Braille BRW00661.
- Russ and the Firehouse by Janet Elizabeth Rickert
Russ, who has down syndrome, spends the day with his uncle who is a firefighter. Ages birth to 5. Available in Braille BRC00283.
- Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
Leo is a tiger cub who can’t do all the things that the other kids can do. Will he ever catch up? Ages birth to 5. Available in Braille BR013068.
- I’m Deaf and It’s OK by Lorraine Aseltine
A young deaf boy deals with his disability through mentorship with a deaf teen. Ages 3-7. Available in downloadable book IP006799.
- A Picture Book of Helen Keller by David A. Adler
A short biography of Helen Keller who despite being blind and deaf, learned to speak with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Ages 5-10. Available in downloadable book IP007159 and Braille BRW00450.
- Rolling Along: The Story of Taylor and his Wheelchair by Jamie Riggio Heelan
Taylor uses a wheelchair because of his cerebral palsy. He talks about using his wheelchair makes him feel more independent. Age 5-10. Available in audio RC051513 and large print LP017414.
- Knots on a Counting Rope by Bill Martin, Jr.
A young Indian boy who is blind listens to his grandfather tell the story of his birth and life. Ages 5-10. Available in audio RC027709, downloadable book IP006740, and Braille BRW00389.
- My Brother Matthew by Mary Thompson
David and his brother Matthew, who is mentally disabled, share a special bond even though they are different. Ages 7-12. Available in large print LP009759.
- T.J.’s Story by Arlene Schulman
A boy who has been blind since birth talks about his day to day life. Ages 7-12. Available in audio CBA06947, downloadable book IP007262, and Braille BRW00820.
- Silent Dancer by Bruce Hlibok
A deaf girl dreams of becoming a dancer and learns to dance through the help of a dance teacher, interpreter, and feeling the beat of the music through the floor. Ages 8-12. Available in audio RC019990.
- The World at her Fingertips: The Story of Helen Keller by Joan Dash
Tells the story of Helen Keller, a woman who was both blind and deaf, but who overcame her disabilities to have a successful life and career. Ages 10-14. Available in audio RC052383 and Braille BR013552.
- Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Jason loves to write fiction and chat with his friends on the internet. But when Jason gets the chance to meet one of his online pen pals at a writing conference, he is scared that she won’t understand his autism. Ages 9 and up. Available in audio RC068936 and downloadable book DB068936.
- Do You Remember the Color Blue? by Sally Hobart Alexander
Sally Alexander went blind at age 26. She shares her experiences and the answers to questions she is frequently asked. Ages 9-14. Available in audio RC050319 and downloadable book IP007322.
- Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell
When she is held back a grade, Sahara forms a special relationship with a new teacher who believes in her. Ages 9-14. Available in audio RC056774.
- A Deaf Child Listened: Thomas Gallaudet, Pioneer in American Education by Anne E. Neimark
The story of the man who founded the first deaf schools in America. Ages 11-14. Available downloadable book IP006752, audio RC024633, and Braille BR006228.
- Things Not Seen by Andrew Clements
When Bobby wakes up invisible, he and his blind friend, Alicia, try to figure out what happened. First in a series. Ages 11 and up. Available in audio RC054713 and Braille BR017135.
- Owning It: Stories about Teens with Disabilities edited by Donald R. Gallo
Ten stories about teens trying to live everyday lives with different disabilities. Ages 13 and up. Available in audio RC066659, downloadable book DB066659, and Braille BR017816.
- A Time For Dancing by Davida Wills Hurwin
Two girls who have been best friends forever whose friendship is tested when one of them is diagnosed with cancer. Ages 13 and up. Available in Braille BR010714.
- Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
Marcelo’s father gets him a job in a law firm to help Marcelo, who has autism, transition to the “real world.” Ages 14 and up. Available in audio RC070277, downloadable book DB070277, and Braille BR01857.
- Blind Sighted by Peter Moore
Kirk is a troubled teen who learns to deal with the problems in his life through his relationship with a blind woman who he reads to. Ages 16 and up. Available in audio RC055570 and Braille BR014522.