Hiya Friends!
This list has been in the making for the past year as I've come across numerous disability-inclusive children's books since releasing Hiya Moriah into the world. From book readings, speaking engagements, Instagram connections to joining an authors and illustrators Group on Facebook, I've found so many great new books to read with my own children. With that said, I went ahead and did all the hard work for you and compiled an extensive and diverse list-with links to purchase each one
(just click on their titles)!
These books
- raise awareness for various disabilities and medical/adaptive devices
- encourage children to feel empowered and represented
- create spaces to have conversations about differences
- teach kindness, empathy, respect, and acceptance
- several books listed are written by people who have disabilities
I am listing the books in no particular order, but I first wanted to share my new book
"I Am Me from A-Z," created under my new series, Moriah & Friends!
I hope you appreciate these recommendations, and that you are able to add many of these books to your library to help educate and empower children everywhere to spread kindness and inclusion, and to be respectful and accepting of everyone - no matter what our differences may be.
#1 I Am Me from A-Z by Victoria Nelson Celebrate the value in every child and the power in every word! Join Moriah and Friends on an empowering journey through the alphabet. Through a series of positive affirmations, children will learn to recognize their own amazing qualities and appreciate the things that make everyone wonderfully unique! Following Victoria Nelson’s Hiya Moriah, this book provides a bonus picture glossary of medical and adaptive devices that promotes awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for children with disabilities.
#2 Hiya Moriah by Victoria Nelson A beautifully illustrated, rhythmic story about a young girl's life with special needs. Through her brave attitude, and silly humor, Moriah is an inspiration for us all. This is a book that families can enjoy together with a timeless message about love and acceptance, and just saying "hiya" when making a new friend with different abilities. The bonus picture glossary and "What's This? What's That?" page in Hiya Moriah creates a space for children to celebrate how special and unique each of them were made to be.
Hola Moriah by Victoria Nelson, Translated by Ines Velasquez McBryde Una bella historia ilustrada y rítmica sobre la vida de una niña con necesidades especiales. Por medio de su valentía y su divertido humor, Moriah es una inspiración para todos nosotros y nosotras. Este es un libro que las familias pueden disfrutar juntos con un mensaje inolvidable sobre amor y aceptación, al decir "hola" cuando nos encontramos con un nuevo amigo o amiga con habilidades diferentes. El glosario extra con imágenes y la página con "¿Qué es esto ¿Qué es aquello?" en Hola Moriah crea un espacio para que los niños y niñas celebren lo especial y únicos que cada uno de ellos y ellas son, pues así fueron creados.
#3 Same, But Different by Priscilla Greene A book from the perspective of a child, and the journey of having a sibling with Autism. Follow the story of Chloe, and her take on having an older sister with Autism. As parents of a child with Autism, we felt there needed to be a book about a siblings perspective; what it's like for a younger child to assume the role of the “older sibling”, and how beautiful that relationship really is.
#4 When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb When Charley goes to the playground and sees Emma, a girl with limb differences who gets around in a wheelchair, he doesn't know how to react at first. But after he and Emma start talking, he learns that different isn't bad, sad, or strange--different is just different, and different is great! This delightful book will help kids think about disability, kindness, and how to behave when they meet someone who is different from them. I also wanted to share Amy's new release Awesomely Emma by Amy Webb Emma has limb differences, but different isn't bad, sad, or strange. It's just different! But when some accessibility problems get in the way at the local art museum, it ruins the fun of a class trip...and then Emma's friend Charley makes things even worse! In the middle of a really bad day, Emma has to call upon her sense of inner awesome to stand up for herself and teach everyone a lesson about the transformative power of feeling awesome in your own skin. Amy Webb's follow-up to When Charley Met Emma, Awesomely Emma will have all kids cheering as they learn to see the inner awesome in themselves and those around them.
#5 Finn-Tastic: A Story of Finn the Fighter by Brendy Frampton and Karen Boel This book was written to inspire children and parents to approach those with different needs with both curiosity and kindness. We hope that this glimpse into the life of Finn the Fighter encourages others to take a few moments to look deeper into the lives of those who may have physical challenges or different abilities. A smile, a high five or even a fist bump can brighten the day of a child who may be fighting big battles daily. We know it does for our entire family.
#6 #7 #8 #9 Super Captain Braveman Series by Jennifer and Paul Norman Kyle is a boy like any other boy his age, only he has a rare condiition that makes him different from other kids. Each day brings unexpected events for Kyle, yet there are also precious moments of pure joy. Maybe that's why Kyle has extraordinary dreams...dreams of showing kids how to be kinder to each other...dreams of helping kids through tough times so they, too, can feel that everything will be okay. SuperCaptainBraveMan will be every kid's favorite superhero!
#10 Hey Jasmine! Let's Go to the Park by Amber Nichole Jasmine is a fun loving girl who has cerebral palsy and wears leg braces. Follow her adventures as she explores a day at the park.
#11 "Why Is He Doing That?" by Rachel Cuellar With a few words on each page, "Why Is He Doing That?" explains the many questions typical students may have about students with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are mainstreamed into general education classrooms. "Why Is He Doing That?" is presented in a way to encourage acceptance, kindness, and inclusion of students with Autism with simplicity and love, because we are all different, just like everyone else!
#12 Perfect As You Are by Amanda Soria Looking for the perfect book to add to your library? Perfect As You Are is a heartwarming story about two boys who go on an adventure and meet six new friends along the way. Each new friend has a different disability. This book introduces kids to the world of disabilities, which opens up the door to talk to your children about how we are all made different but perfect in God’s image. It teaches kids about acceptance, empathy, inclusion, and compassion for children with Blindness, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Deafness, Muscular Dystrophy, and Autism.
#13 Gary's Gigantic Dream by Dr. Nicole Julia An upbeat, rhythmic tale of a young giraffe who gets evaluated for his very first wheelchair. Upon receiving his chair, Gary discovers newfound independence, zest for life, and a gigantic dream of his own. The Able Fables™ collection proudly represents characters with diverse abilities, empowering children, and their guardians to embrace inclusion and see first, ability. Also. Nicole has another book releasing soon Lia's Kind Mind by Dr. Nicole Julia A positive, growth mindset story empowering children to be kind to themselves and kind to their minds, too.
#14 No Such Thing as Normal by Megan DeJarnett No Such Thing as Normal speaks to the curiosities and difficult questions that arise in a world full of diversity. Equipped with discussion questions, this story provides a creative, honest and interactive way to instill dignity and respect for all people.
#15 Super Noah by Khayri Johnson This children's book was inspired by Noah, a special boy born with down syndrome and other medical conditions. He is known to everyone as SUPERNOAH because he never lets his condition define him and he overcomes every challenge with love. He also shares his special love with people all around the world through social media.
#16 #17 Ben's Adventures: A Day at the Beach & Under the Big Top by Elizabeth Gerlach
Strong messages of acceptance and inclusion, friendship and family make the Ben’s Adventures series perfect for introducing the concept of disabilities, and for teaching young kids that people are more similar than they are different. Come along as young Ben takes you on a fun adventure using only his imagination. He is a happy, smart boy who loves sounds, movement, being outside and playing with his friends & family. And he uses a wheelchair. But that doesn’t define him.
Strong messages of acceptance and inclusion, friendship and family make the Ben’s Adventures series perfect for introducing the concept of disabilities, and for teaching young kids that people are more similar than they are different. Come along as young Ben takes you on a fun adventure using only his imagination. He is a happy, smart boy who loves sounds, movement, being outside and playing with his friends & family. And he uses a wheelchair. But that doesn’t define him.
#18 #19 #20 Nathan's Autism Spectrum Superpowers, Hannah's Down Syndrome Superpowers & Xander's Cerebral Palsy Superpowers by Lori Leigh Yarborough
An encouraging book series for kids who respond to the world differently than others. The 139 INSPIRED book series is written to help kids, their friends, family, teachers, and others understand their diagnosis, what life is like, how their friends can help out, and how they have the same hopes, dreams and desires, just like other kids.
Not So Different offers a humorous, relatable, and refreshingly honest glimpse into Shane Burcaw’s life. Shane tackles many of the mundane and quirky questions that he’s often asked about living with a disability, and shows readers that he’s just as approachable, friendly, and funny as anyone else.
#22 Let's Go Play by Shelby McCarthy Get ready to play as you learn from children about their adaptive equipment or "tools" that help them to navigate their days. Playful rhyme and vibrant colors come together as you dive into their imaginations. From the depths of the ocean to the reaches of outer space, all children are capable of learning, inclusion, and play!
#23 Eli, Included by Michelle Sullivan ELI, INCLUDED is a children's picture book about a boy named Eli who has Down syndrome. This book is perfect for any classroom, whether there is a child with Down syndrome in the class or not. This book is to help the next generation see that everyone has value and something to offer.
#24 My Brother Otto - An Autism Awareness Book by Meg Raby This engaging picture book shows everyday life with little crow siblings when one of them is on the autism spectrum. My Brother Otto is a child-friendly, endearing, and fun picture book for children about the love, acceptance, and understanding a sister, Piper, has for her little brother Otto, who is on the autism spectrum. The book provides explanations for Otto’s differences and quirkiness in an easy-to-understand language, and highlights Otto’s desires for adventure and love―just like his peers. To be more specific, My Brother Otto is a sweet story about a sister and a brother who engage in common, everyday experiences in their own unique way with the idea that kindness and understanding always win!
#25 Inclusion Alphabet: ABC's for Everyone by Kathryn Jenkins Follow a boy who struggles to make friends, a girl who feels different from those around her, and a man who meets a stranger that changes his life. Each letter of the alphabet accompanies a word that helps to demonstrate what inclusion is all about. As you read through the alphabet, you can begin to see these people, stories and ideas come together to build understanding and inspire action.
#26 My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.
#27 Ivy the Very Determined Dog by Maureen and Chris Harrington Ivy the Very Determined Dog is an inspiring true story about overcoming life's challenges and finding your inner strength. Who is Ivy? The bravest (and cutest) French Bulldog you will ever meet! On her third birthday (of all days), Ivy became suddenly paralyzed in her back legs due to a rare genetic spinal disease. That has not stopped Ivy from living life to her absolute fullest. Ivy inspires us all to never give up. Embrace your individuality. And most importantly, to always keep on rolling whatever you do, and never let anything get the better of you.
#28 Now Hear This: Harper Soars with her Magic Ears by Valli & Harper Gideons. When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it is overwhelming. The future can feel uncertain and parents might worry whether or not their child will thrive. Harper's real life story allows readers to follow her journey, providing both parents and children who are facing any kind of diagnosis a much-needed dose of encouragement. Through Harper's navigation of hearing loss, kids can imagine what is possible. Understanding and awareness are key to feeling included, and the community around a child with hearing loss is critical. This story shares ways people in a deaf or hard of hearing child's life can better support them. Harper's witty approach to storytelling resonates with young readers and will surely inspire the people who love and support them.
#29 Just Figure Out A Way...by Coralyn Weeks & Todd Civin Coralyn Weeks is 8 years old and lives in Tucson, AZ . Coralyn has a younger brother named Rikson, and although she is still young she has always noticed the way the world views her brother and others with differences. She was inspired to share with the world that you can always figure out a way. We all have gifts to share and just because someone is different doesn’t mean they don’t have value.
#30 I Am Lucy by Chuck Neighbors Lucy wants us to understand that while her "special needs" make her different, she is still just like the rest of us in so many ways. Through clever rhyme and delightful illustrations, Lucy tells us:
Some needs are special, they’re not like the rest.
They may leave a scar upon your chest.
You may look different, have a tube, a scar.
But all these things are not who you are.
#31 Meeting Mimi: A Story About Different Abilities by Francie Dolan There is lots to learn about the new girl at school. She does not like beans. She does like to tell jokes. And, she has a physical disability. Join Mimi’s classmates as they ask questions about different abilities and make a new friend.
#32 The Courage to Be Kind by Jenny Levin and Rena Rosen Have you been at the grocery store and your child points at someone who looks different and asks loudly, “What’s wrong with that person?” or “Why does he need a wheelchair?” Your first reaction is usually to hush your child and apologize to the person or hope he or she didn’t notice. Telling a child to be quiet and not look can be shameful for both the child and the person with the difference. Instead of silencing our children and ignoring their curiosity, we should embrace uniqueness in a positive way. In The Courage to Be Kind, authors Jenny Levin and Rena Rosen teach children and parents how to act and respond when they see someone who looks different. Learn with Sam and Ellie as they encounter and interact with several kids in different ways. Ellie is blunt and often offensive. Sam tries to find common ground with each person and provides an example of how to behave.
#33 Helix Gets His Wheel by Randall Betz Jr. Helix is a new student at The Tortington School, who has a physical challenge. "I was born without being able to use my back legs," he so bravely explains to his class. Helix's new friends ask him to play games, like tag, hopscotch, hide-and-seek, kickball and football, but due to his physical challenge, he is not able to play. Then Herman comes up with a creative idea and it saves the day. With a lot of thoughtful kindness, Herman helps Helix play all the games. The last few pages of the book are character pages. Each student in Helix's class is a different species of tortoise; the character pages include some basic information about each species, along with a fun fact. There is even a page that documents the true story of Helix. When Children read this book they will learn about being brave, acceptance, kindness, problem solving, physical challenges, perseverance and they will get a little education on tortoises.
#34 Be You Tiful Love, Sofia by Margaret O'Hair "Poof! Then magic happened, from light inside my heart. They loved me and I learned, I am capable, kind and smart!" How do we inspire our children to know all the ways they can shine in this world, simply by being who they are? BE YOU TIFUL LOVE, SOFIA is the true story of Sofia Sanchez, a little girl with Down syndrome. Talking to you heart to heart, Sofia takes you on her personal journey of dreaming big and never giving up. Gorgeous full color pictures illustrate her path from Eastern European Orphan to All American Girl. Sofia shows us every emotion, from sadness to happiness, loneliness to belonging, feeling fear to being brave. Most of all, she proves that being yourself is the best magic power of all. The perfect book for birthdays, celebrations and any day for inspiration. Because YOU are beautiful! Love, Sofia
#35 Supreemie: Kylo's Journey Through the NICU by Nico Avery and Shanel This book takes readers on a journey with a micro premature baby named Kylo. Born weighing just 1 pound 3 ounces, Kylo may be small but that doesn’t stop him from being strong. He’ll have to stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), which is way different from mommy’s belly until he’s big and strong enough to go home. But adventure and growth await him during his hospital stay. This story follows Kylo on his journey to grow stronger and bigger. It comes with a NICU Glossary that can help little ones or even relatives and family friends learn a little more about the NICU experience.
#36 Willie's Wheelchair by Harry E. Pacheco The story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to thrive. This book has a simple message ,individuals should be valued by their work and effort ,not by their physical disabilities. Lets not under estimate people with disabilities but appreciate their abilities.
#37 Something to Say About my Communication Device by Edin Molineux Kate is friendly and loves to laugh. She's also a little competitive. Kate explains how she uses a communication device to help her express herself. The Something to Say Collection promotes self-advocacy, understanding of speech and language differences, and conversation about embracing diversity. Written by a speech-language pathologist, each book features a character with a communication difference. Characters' strengths and interests are highlighted, while the reader gains an increased understanding of how to support communication. Readers can feel a connection to the characters as they reflect on their own experiences and enjoy the sweet and colorful illustrations.
#38 Rosalee the Seeker: A Sensory Processing Disorder Story by Nikki Fillipone Rosalee's a little sensory seeker with a BIG heart...except she sometimes does things she doesn't mean to do. This children's picture book, written and illustrated by Nicole Filippone, with a Foreword by Carol Stock Kranowitz (author of The Out-of-Sync Child), introduces sensory seeking SPD in a way that has never been done before.
#39 Rad Girl Revolution by Sharita Manickam RAD Girl Revolution features girls representing over 30 ethnic backgrounds, and includes girls with special needs such as Down syndrome, hearing impairment, and Type 1 Diabetes. Photos of real girls drive home the inspirational message of the book, because seeing really is believing!Teach your daughter that her future possibilities are endless!
#40 Ricky, the Rock that Couldn't Roll by Jay Miletsky When the rocks get together to play and roll around their favorite hill, they find that one of their friends, Ricky, can't roll with them. Unlike all of the others, who are all round, Ricky can't roll because he's flat on one side.
"Come Roll!" they would chant.
So Ricky tried, but replied,
"I'm sorry, I can't."
His friends didn't get it,
Determined not to leave their friend behind, the rock friend set out to help Ricky roll around - one way or another.
#41 Just Ask by Sonir Sotomayor Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful. In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges--and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.
#42 The Million Dollar Baby by Zheanti Jackson We live in a diverse world and it is important to educate our little ones about the differences they may encounter. Using colorful pictures and details this book explains cerebral palsy to small kids in an age appropriate manner. This type of information helps children accept and better understand the diverse world they live in.
#43 Who Do You See When You Look At Me? by Angela Ray Rodgers This is Grace Anna. Although she might seem different, she is a happy girl with much to share. Are you more like her than you thought you would be? Though she lives with the daily challenges of disability, Grace Anna is a typical kid with big dreams. With imaginative text and charming illustrations, this inspirational kid’s book teaches children to let go of first impressions and see themselves and others for who they really are.
#44 Leah's Voice by Lori DeMonia Leah's Voice is a story that touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with autism or special needs. Siblings may find it hard to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when others aren't understanding. This book tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.
#45 It's OK to be Different by Sharon Purtill Every Child is Unique! Whether they are big or small, short or tall, like to swim, dance, sing or bike. Perhaps they have a special need or are from a different ethnic background. Maybe they wear glasses or talk differently. The truth is that all children are different and their individuality should be celebrated, not shunned. And this inspiring and brightly illustrated rhyming picture book does just that.
#46 Gracie's Ears by Debbie Blackington This is the story of Gracie, your everyday fun-loving kid who does everything that you do, but has trouble hearing. It's as if her ears are sleeping! Can anyone or anything wake up Gracie's ears? Based on a true story. Told in rhyme, this uplifting story with gentle illustrations is based on a real little girl who doesn't realize her ears aren't working like most people's do. When her family searches for answers, she discovers the wonder of hearing aids and the sounds of the world. Gracie's Ears introduces what hearing aids are to young children needing help to hear and to their friends who wonder - what are those things in their friend's ears and what do they do?
#47 Just Like You Except A Little Bit Different: A Story About Me by JD Henry This is a book about Laura she is just like her mother with so many things including Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder and Anxiety. Laura also has Tourette's. As Laura has gotten older her peers and herself have started noticing the 'differences'. This was upsetting and Laura was feeling very alone. That is how this came to life.
#49 My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy by Shaila & Aanyah Abdullah A True Story of Friendship and Winner of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award. Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend, Suhana.
#50 Gerald McBoing Boing by Dr. Seuss (a personal favorite!)
They say it all started
when Gerald was two—That’s the age kids start talking—least, most of them do.
Well, when he started talking,
you know what he said?
He didn’t talk words—
he went boing boing instead!
So goes the hilarious tale of a boy who was a little bit different—a tale that only Dr. Seuss could create. Based on the Academy Award-winning motion picture!
