I’ve been gearing up to share some awesome book lists with you as part of my new book series! I LOVE using picture books in the classroom, and now that I’m home with Quinn… I love finding new titles to share with you!
Everything I share with you on the blog I buy first. I am never recommending items I haven’t bought myself, reviewed, and used frequently- including books! Because of that- This post will contain affiliate links. You don’t pay any more, but if you purchase from my link I get a small commission. This allows me to try everything out that I recommend to you and keep my blog running smoothly (and getting more book lists to you!)
I will be going through a list of books for you today that focus on Children with Different Abilities as a Character! These books are fantastic for special education classrooms, but also for general education and inclusion classrooms to talk about accepting differences. We need more diverse libraries in our schools- and here is a great place to start!
Understanding Sam talks about Asperger’s Syndrome. I love how this books highlights the positives and challenges while also focusing on accepting and embracing those challenges instead of trying to change Sam. It’s a great read for all!
A great story about feeling like you don’t fit in, and finding out that being who you are is all that matters! Focuses on teaching children that everyone is one of a kind and that you don’t need to try to be anyone but you!
This is an awesome interactive book with 9 stories in all! All storylines teach the power of choice throughout your day. The perfect book for teaching the outcome of your choices with visuals to explore that. Perfect for students with difficulty making choices or with impulse control. A must read!
If you loved the novel and movie, you’ll love this picture book! Teaching kids to “choose kind” should be apart of every curriculum, and this book nails that concept. This is perfect for building schema on visual disabilities and the power within being different.
Tom’s Special Talent discusses the triumphs and struggles associated with Dyslexia. This book focuses on finding what you are good at and being proud of you! It also highlights mindfullness about each others differences and that sometimes they should be highlighted, not ignored.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures gives a real life look at one persons journey through Autism. The author discusses this directly and inclusively and Temple Grandin is an inspiring scientist to learn about!
Based on a true story, Rescue and Jessica, discusses the story of both a dog and girl who thought their lives would be a bit different. The perspective of this story is like no other and the story inspires me to be all I can be. This is a fantastic introduction to service animals!
My Mouth is a Volcano is a perspective book perfect for discussing children who speak out or yell out! This is great for inclusion classes to build understanding, or for students who like Louis, are still learning to be patient with their thoughts.
This list would not be complete without a book focusing on Cerebral Palsy. My Friend Suhana is a story of a heartwarming friendship! This book encourages all to be open to all levels of ability and that friendship goes beyond mobility and words. A must read!
My Friend Has Autism is a fantastic read for inclusion classrooms! Complete with facts while also displaying it in a positive light, this book would be great for inclusive libraries!
Another great Cerebral Palsy story! My Brother is Special is a great view from a sibling perspective. This book explains the challenges of being a special needs sibling but also shines light on their importance!
Another book from a sibling perspective. Charlie’s sister shares, for everything he can’t do well, there are plenty more things he is good at. An inspiring story with gorgeous illustrations!
A great book empowering children with ADHD. The main character finds his own solution to having “the wiggles” and is proud of his solution! A must read!
This book comes with a “Tiny Talker”. Which I’m pretty sure is the world’s most affordable communication device! This is the perfect introduction to communication systems and how to use them!
Janine is one of a kind- and she rocks it! The perfect book to promote tolerance, respect, and kindness towards those that are different. We should change for no one- and Janine displays that perfectly!
A quick read with an awesome mantra- “I Can Handle It!”. Kids have emotional challenges too- and this book empowers those challenges in a positive light!
A true story with an inspiring message! I am Helen Keller discusses the challenges of being both deaf and blind, overcoming those challenges, and becoming a social advocate.
Emmanuel’s Dream is a true story of limb difference and overcoming the challenges that brings. Beautiful story with a triumphant ending!
Don’t Call me Special is a great book that directly talks about disabilities and equipment to help while encouraging children to ask questions!
Ben’s Adventures highlights noticable differences when we look at others, while showing that all kids can play and learn. This book highlights inclusion, siblings, and empathy.
This book discusses Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome, and how two people uniquely different can become the best of friends! Be Quiet, Marina is a must have.
A beautiful book describing Autism in a way kids can understand!
This book gives the perfect description of how things that make you stand out, are also the things that make you uniquely special! Zane learns to love his stripes in this story.
A beautiful book discussing Down Syndrome in a simple, easy to understand way. Perfect for inclusion classrooms or families with young children.
You can find all of these books by clicking the picture or visiting this link for the book list on amazon!
These books would be perfect for an acceptance library! I have all the materials to host an acceptance library available for free here.