Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They have so many questions. Parents get to share their knowledge but that isn't always easy. A great teaching helper is a good book.
In 1990, July became Disability Pride Month with the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Here are 10 books to read with your child to teach them about people with disabilities. These individuals have inherent value by simply existing and make meaningful contributions to society.
'The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin' by Julia Finley Mosca and Daniel Rieley
$5.49
from
Temple Grandin is an incredible autistic scientist. She thinks differently than most people, which has helped her improve farming around the world. Her brain processes the world in pictures. This book tells her powerful story and reminds readers it is OK to be true to yourself.
'Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You!' by Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael Lopez
US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor uses the metaphor of a garden to explain the different abilities of kids and adults alike. She was inspired by her experiences growing up with diabetes. She encourages curiosity when encountering someone different than us. She believes when all can work together to make the world a better place.
More from CafeMom: This Is What Being a Mom With a Disability – Who Still 'Does it All' – Actually Looks Like
'Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille' by Jen Bryant and Boris Kulikov
Price may vary
$9
from
When he was five years old Louis Braille lost his vision. He refused to let that stop him. At school he desperately wanted to read but there were no books for the blind. This inspired Louis to create his own system for reading and writing. We still use it today.
'Frida Kahlo: Little People, Big Dreams' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Gee Fan Eng
Frida Kahlo overcame so much in her life. She was born with spina bifida and contracted polio at age 6. As a teenager, she was involved in a horrible car accident that left her bedridden for months. It was then she began painting and creating art expressing the many emotions that were brewing inside her. This book tells her remarkable story.
'Moses Goes to a Concert' by Isaac Millman
Starting at
$7.19
from
This book is a wonderful way to introduce your child to American Sign Language because it is told both through the written word and pictures of ASL. The plot centers on Moses, a deaf boy, who is going to a concert. His teacher has a special surprise for him and his friends so they can enjoy the experience.
'Gemina: The Crooked-Neck Giraffe' by Karen B. Winnick
Once upon a time, there was a very special giraffe at the Santa Barbara Zoo. She was born with a crooked neck. It didn't seem to bother her, but she looked different than all the others. She never let this stop her. This is a good real life story about being yourself no matter what. As a bonus, the author donates all the proceeds from this book to help the animals at the zoo.
'Wendy on Wheels Takes a Stand' by Angela Ruzicka and Elizabeth Gearhart
Author Angela Ruzicka was inspired to write the Wendy on Wheels books by her sister Amanda, who used a wheelchair because of spina bifida. Angela wanted to create positive representation. She never discloses why Wendy uses a wheelchair, so many people can relate to her. Angela hopes people take away the message of "live life regardless of circumstances."
In this book, Wendy takes on a school bully. If you like it there is a whole series. The books are aimed at children 5 to 11 years old.
'This Beach is Loud!' by Samantha Cotterill
Author Samantha Cotterill is on the spectrum and chose to write about common experiences autistic children go through. In this book, a boy experiences sensory overload at the beach but his dad knows just what to do to save the day. If you like this picture book, there are more in the Little Senses series.
'Can Bears Ski?' by Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar
In this heartwarming picture book, Little Bear discovers he is deaf. Readers get to learn what that feels like. Little Bear soon gets a pair of hearing aids and adjusts to all the new sounds of the world. He used to think people were asking him "Can bears ski?" They were really asking “Can you hear me?”
'I Talk Like a River' by Jordan Scott
Author Jordan Scott wrote this book based on his own experiences. It centers on a boy with a stutter who feels alone because words are trapped in his mouth and can't get out. Thankfully, his dad takes him on a walk by the river and gives him some sage understanding and advice.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
