Picture Books featuring Disabled Children
These picture books have been on our read aloud rotation this month for Disability Pride Month. It’s important to me that Toddler and Baby see disabled children represented in the stories they read, so that when they meet disabled peers in real life, they will embrace their differences and greet them simply as other children who deserve friendship, belonging, and respect.
Use this reading list to curate inclusive book shelves. Disabled children deserve to see themselves in the stories they read, and just like any other child, they deserve to be valued and celebrated exactly as they are.
Picture Books featuring Disabled Children
Find the Full List on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below:
Outside Amelia’s Window by Caroline Nastro | After an injury leaves her using a wheelchair, shy Amelia escapes into fairy tales filled with brave heroes and magical adventures. When new neighbors move in, she wonders if she can be just as courageous. Guided by her imagination and a little bird outside her window, Amelia ventures beyond her comfort zone, discovering friendship, confidence, and the magic waiting just outside her door.
Mighty Mara by Carina Ho | Mara, a joyful girl who uses a wheelchair, dreams of dancing in her school's talent show. Despite others doubting her because of her disability, Mara refuses to let low expectations define her. With determination and confidence, she inspires her community to embrace differences, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate every child's unique talents.
Sam’s Super Seats by Keah Brown | Follows Sam, a confident girl with cerebral palsy, as she spends the day back-to-school shopping with her best friends. While trying on new clothes and imagining the year ahead, Sam also navigates fatigue and accessibility, discovering the importance of listening to her body and advocating for what she needs.
All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel | Inspiring autobiographical picture book tells the true story of disability rights activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, who helped change history as a child during the Capitol Crawl.
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole | Joe just wants to play pirates, but instead of joining the fun, kids keep asking about his missing leg. After hearing a stream of silly guesses and questions, Joe helps them learn that not every difference needs an explanation.
Char Bear Keeps Dancing by Kate Kostolansky | Written by a parent and two physicians, this book introduces young readers to infantile spasms, a form of pediatric epilepsy, while promoting awareness, understanding, and advocacy.
When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb | When Charley meets Emma, a girl with limb differences who uses a wheelchair, he learns that being different isn’t something to fear, it’s something to celebrate. Through their friendship, Charley discovers the importance of kindness, inclusion, and seeing people for who they are.
Ninja Nate by Markette Sheppard | Ninja Nate uses his ninja alter ego to hide his robotic leg and worries his friends will see him differently after his accident. With support from his family, Nathaniel finds the courage to embrace every part of himself and discover that being different is what makes him strong.
Warrior by Shannon Stocker | Maria is a young warrior on a quest to defeat monsters and reach the bell that will save her kingdom. Inspired by the experiences of children facing cancer and chronic illnesses, this heartfelt allegory celebrates courage, resilience, friendship, and the strength found in every child’s fight.
Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Rowe Schulte | Elsie dreams of attending her first father-daughter dance, carefully choosing her dress and practicing her graceful spins and sways in her wheelchair. Using gestures, smiles, and a picture communication book, she shares her excitement with her family as the big night approaches. When a winter storm puts her plans at risk, Elsie and her loved ones find a way to celebrate.
Together, We Are Family by Emily Hamilton | Featuring a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, the story shows a family that may do some things differently but shares the same moments of laughter, connection, and love as any other.
Song in the City by Daniel Bernstrom | A young blind girl and her grandmother discover the beauty and rhythm woven into the sounds of their bustling city. When the girl shares her unique way of experiencing the world through sound, she helps Grandma see that the city’s everyday noises can be just as meaningful and beautiful as the music they hear in church.
Mara Hears in Style by Terri Clemmons | Mara proudly embraces her hearing aids and colorful earmolds as she navigates the challenges of her first day at a new school. Through moments of frustration, curiosity, and friendship, Mara discovers that her hearing differences are part of what makes her unique. Features American Sign Language depictions.
The Unstoppable Jamie by Joy Givens | Inspired by the author’s son, this uplifting story follows Jamie, a boy with Down syndrome who sees himself as a superhero. During a trip to New York City to celebrate his photo being featured in the NDSS Buddy Walk®, Jamie learns that his greatest strength doesn’t come from his cape or gadgets. It comes from the courage, confidence, and uniqueness he carries inside.
Next Level by Samara Cole Doyon | Told from the perspective of a mother celebrating her autistic child, this heartfelt picture book is a powerful love letter to children who experience and communicate with the world in their own unique ways.
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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders,
Maya
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