Disability Pride Month Book Recommendations
July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the American Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This is a good opportunity to empower those with disabilities and celebrate the unique experiences and societal contributions of people with differing abilities. Use the books on our list to open a discussion of disabilities and allow children with disabilities to see themselves in a positive light. All of these books are available for purchase at UnionAveBooks.com
Picture Books
Ben and Emma's Big Hit by Gavin Newsom, Ruby Shamir, Alexandra Thompson (Illustrator): An empowering picture book about a young boy with dyslexia who discovers a new way to look at reading.
Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus, Polly Dunbar (Illustrator): A discovery opens new doors in a tale that will delight kids with deafness and all children learning to navigate their world.
I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood, Julianna Swaney (Illustrator): This poetic and uplifting picture book follows a young girl born with cerebral palsy as she pursues her dream of becoming a dancer.
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, Mika Song (Illustrator): A heartwarming picture book that explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship.
Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, Leah Nixon (Illustrator): A sweet dog-loves-kid/kid-loves-dog story, in which the kid uses a wheelchair.
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (Illustrator): When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice.
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator): This story about friendship is a great choice for young, blind/visually impaired readers and their sighted classmates.
Lucas at the Paralympics by Igor Plohl, Urska Stropnik Sonc (Illustrator): An introduction to the Paralympics.
Upper Elementary/ Middle Grade
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator): The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
Roll with It by Jamie Sumner: This big-hearted middle grade debut tells the story of an irrepressible girl with cerebral palsy whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to a new town.
Aven Green Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, Gina Perry (Illustrator): This hilarious chapter book follows Aven Green, a spunky girl born without arms.
El Deafo by Cece Bell: What does it take for a student with hearing loss and a hearing aid to become a superhero?!
Air: A Novel by Monica Roe: An action-packed, empowering middle grade novel about a girl who has to speak up when her wheelchair motocross dreams get turned upside down.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly: This middle grade book follows a young deaf girl whose curiosity is piqued by the story of a whale that is unable to communicate with other whales
Aniana del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez: A powerful novel-in-verse about a 12-year-old Dominican American swimmer who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis.
The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes: Zane is thrust into an adventure full of dangerous secrets and an all-out war between the gods. To survive, he will have to become the Storm Runner, but how can he run when he can't even walk well without a cane?
