Literature Recommendations
The books introduced into students' lives shape their perceptions of the world, community, and themselves. This list offers educators book recommendations that advocate justice and dignity for disabled individuals. These recommendations undergo thorough review to ensure they align with a Disability Studies in Education (DSE) framework.
Ages:
8-12
Nelson Beats the Odds
"This is a story about an individual that persists through various forms of educational classification and discrimination and achieves his goal of graduating college. I recommend the graphic story because it does not specify any particular disability, avoids ableism, and instead exposes a myriad of ways black students are perceived in school. The story provides statistics alongside Nelson’s experience to show that these occurrences are commonplace and that the reader may persist like Nelson did".
-Adan Escobedo
Ages:
5-8
Thank You, Mr. Falker
"I recommend this book because it demonstrates the impact an educator can have in someone’s life when they use asset-based pedagogy to support their students. Based on the author’s own experience, Thank you, Mr. Falker illustrates that not all students meet the same educational goals at the same time, even if they want to, and that if educators meet students' needs, students can persevere".
-Adan Escobedo
Ages:
4-8
All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything
"I would recommend this book for those learning about the ADA. It is written about Jennifer Keelan who was born with cerebral palsy and fights for her rights by participating in a demonstration called “the Capitol Crawl.” The message is that although you might be small, your voice is mighty"!
-Sarah Baker
Ages:
4-7
A Boy and a Jaguar
"In this memoir, a renowned cat conservationist who stutters shares his journey of becoming a fluent stutterer. He explains how his teachers viewed him as “broken” so he had to learn to adapt in the classrooms and focus on what he can do without stuttering. He is passionate about animals and finds it easiest to speak fluently when he is speaking with them. He learns to find his voice by speaking up for animals that are being hunted. This book also has an audio reader on the inside of the book which is great for children who are beginning to read words, have visual impairments, or have learning disabilities".
-Sarah Baker
Ages:
4-8
Emmanuel's dream: the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah.
"This book encourages inclusion and acceptance of those different from yourself. Emmanuel was born with one strong leg and one weak leg. His mother insists on him attending school even though no other disabled children attend the school. He builds strength by hopping to school on one leg and decides to ride a bike across Ghana. He spreads his powerful message: disability is not inability".
-Sarah Baker
Ages:
4-8
Where's Chimpy?
"I love how this book does not use labels in the text. The book uses photographs to show Misty’s daily adventures with her dad to find her stuffed chimpanzee. It is noticeable through the photographs that Misty has Downs Syndrome. Published in 1988, some of the language is dated in the “About Down syndrome” page".
-Claire O’Dell
Ages:
4-7
Completely Me
"I recommend this book because of the messages of acceptance, that you are perfect the way you are. The main character tires of everyone telling her how she can fix her missing ear. When she says that she is perfect the way she is, everyone else around stops seeing her as someone with a missing ear, but someone who is perfect".
- Allison Riley
Ages:
4-8
Hello, My Name is Octicorn
"I would recommend Octicorn for every classroom K-3. Easy and fun to read, there are elements such as cupcakes, friends, and activities. It teaches that being different is okay and is A GOOD THING because you can offer so many good things! It is specifically written in a first person narrative, addresses being different, feeling like an outsider and experiencing loneliness in a way that younger kids can understand!!"
-Sarah Baker
Ages:
6-9
King for a Day
"King for a Day, by Rukhsana Khan, is about a boy who uses a wheelchair as he celebrates and participates in the Pakistani and Indian festival of Basant. It would be a great book to read in a lesson about various cultures and their traditions. Unlike many stories that include disability, this book does not portray disability as something one must overcome, but rather something that is a normal part of life".
-Sam Belkowitz
Ages:
8-12
El Deafo
"I would definitely recommend this book because it allows children to understand what it is like to go through friend problems and what it is like to be Deaf. El Deafo allows the reader to understand different types of discrimination that happens to children and helps them avoid this behavior and stand up for others who experience bullying / degrading comments".
-Maggie Niesen