It\u2019s important for children to understand that everyone is different, and that our differences make us wonderful and unique. But sometimes, this message isn\u2019t so easy to convey. These books that celebrate differences and disabilities highlight characters who are different from (and in some cases similar to) the reader. From the real life story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, who had a deformed leg and eventually became a cyclist, to John Green\u2019s novel about a girl coping with anxiety, these kids’ books embrace the things that make us who we are.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593532294 Monster Hands<\/i> by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illustrated by Dion MBD <\/p>\n
Bedtime jitters turn into an exercise in bravery for two best friends. When Milo shares his worries about the monster under his bed, Mel helps him use shadow puppets to scare it away. This sweet, slightly creepy picture book features two main characters communicating through American Sign Language.
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9780525514121 Just Ask!<\/i> by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael Lopez <\/p>\n
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor uses her own childhood experience with diabetes to craft this beautiful and inspiring children\u2019s picture book. Being different can be tough, especially when you\u2019re a kid. But just like a garden, where different flowers and plants make it beautiful, different types of people make our world a more wonderful place. <\/p>\n
Sotomayor\u2019s story of children working to build a community garden encourages kids to ask questions and learn how we\u2019re all different.
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RELATED: Picture Books To Help Kids Understand Physical Disabilities and Differences<\/a><\/p>\n 9780593529904 This Is How We Play <\/i> by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren <\/p>\n This cheerful picture book from disability rights activists Jessica Slice and Caroline shows how families use play to build strong connections. The illustrations feature a diverse cast of characters playing with family and friends, some with disabilities and some without. The bouncy, rhyming text and vibrant colors will make this book a favorite with young readers. 9780593323892 Sam\u2019s Super Seats <\/i> by Keah Brown, illustrated by Sharee Miller <\/p>\n Sam is a young girl with cerebral palsy who can\u2019t wait to go back to school shopping with her friends. As they pick out clothes and try on outfits, Sam gets tired and must find somewhere to sit. This upbeat story is a beautiful reminder that listening to your body and prioritizing rest is essential. 9780449813379 Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille<\/i> by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Boris Kulikov <\/p>\n When Louis Braille lost his sight at the age of five, he was determined to learn how to read. But even at his school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him. Louis didn\u2019t give up on his dream, and instead created his own alphabet that could be read by touch. This story, which highlights sound, smell, and touch, is sure to inspire little readers. 9780449817445 Emmanuel\u2019s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah<\/i> by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls <\/p>\n Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born with a deformed leg in Ghana, West Africa. Though no one thought he could amount to much, his mother taught him to reach for his dreams \u2014 and he did. Eventually, he became a cyclist and in 2001 rode across Ghana to share his inspiring story and the message that disability is not inability. 9780375867125 A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin<\/i> by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet <\/p>\n Growing up, Horace Pippin loved to draw. Even during World War I, he drew from the trenches\u2026 until he was shot. Upon returning home after the war, Horace couldn\u2019t lift his arm to draw. But he didn\u2019t give up, and slowly but surely he regained the use of his arm and went on to become a famous artist. Another inspiring story from Jen Bryant, children will be empowered to never give up. 9781984815149 Wink<\/i> by Rob Harrell <\/p>\n Based on author Rob Harrell\u2019s real life experience, this middle grade novel follows Ross Maloy \u2014 a seventh grader with eye cancer. He just wants to be a normal kid, but it\u2019s hard to be normal when your friends don\u2019t know how to act around you. Funny and poignant, this book is packed with comics that your tween is sure to relate to. RELATED: Books That Embrace What Makes Kids Unique<\/a><\/p>\n 9780593619469 Dancing in the Storm <\/i> by Amie Darnell Specht and Shannon Hitchcock <\/p>\n Twelve-year-old Kate\u2019s life turns upside down when she gets diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that causes her bones to grow abnormally. The disorder affects every aspect of her life, and she quickly starts to feel overwhelmed by it. However, with the help of a new pen pal and the support of her friends and family, Kate learns how to manage her disability and enjoy the beautiful moments of life. 9780525554189 Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!<\/i> by Sarah Kapit <\/p>\n Vivy Cohen just wants to play baseball, but her mom is worried about her being the only girl on the team \u2014 and the only autistic kid. When an assignment tasks her with writing a letter to someone, Vivy chooses her hero: Major League pitcher VJ Capello. Her luck turns when a coach sees Vivy playing ball and invites her to join the team, and VJ starts writing her back! But when an accident lands her back on the bench, Vivy will have to do all she can to stay in the game.
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