Raising Awareness of Disabilities Through Books
- Monarch
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
To continue our celebration of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the diverse abilities and challenges individuals with disabilities face, we have organized a list of books that have main characters with disabilities. This month is a great opportunity to reflect on how we can foster inclusion, empathy, and understanding in our communities, especially for children. One powerful way to build empathy and acceptance is through books—stories that introduce children to differently-abled characters, highlight their experiences, and show the value of diversity.
For children, reading books with characters who have disabilities provides important representation, helping them relate to those who are different from themselves. Some children may know people who are similar to these characters or may find similarities between the character and themself.
When children with disabilities see characters who share their experiences, they feel validated, valued, and less alone. For children without disabilities, these stories provide a window into lives that might seem unfamiliar, helping them to develop compassion, empathy, and acceptance. Seeing differently-abled individuals within stories also helps support inclusivity and embrace differences.
Books for Children of All Ages Featuring Individuals With Disabilities
Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school, there are wonderful books that provide a range of perspectives and insights about individuals with disabilities. Here are some excellent book recommendations across age groups:
For Elementary School Children:
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca
This biography of Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal scientist with autism, is a wonderful introduction to neurodiversity. It encourages children to appreciate different ways of thinking and highlights Dr. Grandin’s incredible contributions to the world.
My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris
This book describes different brains: how some are like race cars and like to drive fast. The story describes how driving cars and not slowing down for service can lead to overheating (or burnout).
Hank Zipzer Series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
This series is based on Henry Winkler’s real-life experiences with dyslexia. In the book, Hank also has dyslexia which affects everything he does: cooking, class trips, sports, and summer school.
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
The series features a main character with ADHD and dyslexia. In this adventure series, these differences are a sign of his extraordinary powers.
For Middle School Children:
Joey Pigza Series by Jack Gantos
This series follows a student, Joey Pigza, who can’t sit still or pay attention, especially when his meds aren’t working. The books provide insight into the impact ADHD can have on learning in a humorous way.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Auggie The main character, Catherine, has a brother with autism. The novel touches on empathy, understanding, and the broader view of neurodiversity.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
This book tells the story of Ally, a young girl with dyslexia who struggles to fit in and excel in school. With the help of a compassionate teacher, she learns to embrace her differences and realize her own potential.
For High School Children:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
This novel is narrated by Christopher, a 15-year-old boy on the autism spectrum, as he investigates the mystery of a neighbor’s dog’s death. Through his eyes, readers get a glimpse of how someone with autism experiences the world, and the book’s success lies in portraying both the strengths and struggles of its protagonist.
Speed of Life by Carol Weston
The book explores Tessa, who struggles with learning, a her journey through the challenges of adolescence: including differences related to dyslexia and how it affects her ability to fit in at school.
5 to 1 by Holly Bodger
This dystopian novel features a society where girls are highly valued, and boys are less so. One of the main characters, Keralie, has a disability that affects her ability to communicate. The novel touches on issues of inequality and explores themes of agency, empowerment, and social justice.
Raising Awareness of Disabilities: Beyond Books
While books are a powerful tool, they are just one aspect of encouraging disability awareness. As a parent, here are a few other ways to promote disability inclusion and understanding:
Engage in Conversations: Talk openly with your children about disabilities. Encourage them to ask questions and seek understanding in a safe, supportive space.
Model Inclusivity: Set an example by being inclusive in your everyday actions. Be mindful of language, and model acceptance and respect for individuals with disabilities.
Attend Disability Events: Participate in local events, programs, or conferences that focus on disability awareness and inclusion. This can provide your family with firsthand experiences and insights.
Disability Awareness Month is an important reminder that celebrating differences matters—and it’s especially critical in children's literature. Whether your child has a disability or not, books featuring differently-abled characters can help foster empathy, self-confidence, and a sense of community. By providing your child with diverse stories, you’re helping them develop into compassionate, understanding individuals who value the beauty of diversity.
Let’s continue to make room for all voices in literature, ensuring that every child can see themselves in the stories they read, while also learning to appreciate the differences in others. After all, it's our differences that make the world a richer and more vibrant place.
ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders
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