22 Books about Disability to Read with Your Family
Take a break from the screen!
Between online meetings, classes, and Zoom calls, looking at a screen can be exhausting.
Instead, check out this list of family-friendly books about disability for all ages. These books provide a unique insight into the lives of people with disabilities and are perfect to read as a family!
1. Miracle Wheels
by Don Schoendorfer (with RC George)
Dr. Don Schoendorfer shares his story of how one trip to Africa and the heartbreaking sights he witnessed there, changed his life forever. He recounts his journey in founding Free Wheelchair Mission, a nonprofit that has served millions around the world.
Order your copy on Amazon.com or at MiracleWheels.org. Proceeds go towards wheelchairs.
2. Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
Reading Level: Grades 5-7
August Pullman (Auggie) is a fifth-grader who was born with a physical disability. This novel tells his story from Auggie’s perspective as well as from various family members.
*”Wonder” is available as a movie to watch after reading the novel!
3. Thank You, Mr. Falker
by Patricia Polacco
Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Trisha is a young girl with dyslexia. Her teacher Mr. Falker encourages Trisha to overcome her disability. This book is based on author Patricia Polacco’s own experience in school.
4. Out of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper
Reading Level: Grades 4-6
This two-time, #1 New York Times best seller follows the story of 11-year-old Melody, who has cerebral palsy. Although she cannot walk, talk, or write, Melody has a photographic memory and wants to communicate with those around her.
5. The Story of My Life
by Helen Keller
Reading Level: Grades 5-6
Helen Keller shares her journey as an individual who was both blind and deaf. It is a real-life story of how she works with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, to later make friends and learn to speak.
6. Can I Play Too?
by Mo Willems
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
Gerald and Piggie meet a new snake friend who wants to play catch with them but doesn’t have any arms. This picture book is a good lesson on inclusion and disability awareness for young children.
7. Rules
by Cynthia Lord
Reading Level: Grades 4-7
In order to have a more “normal” life, Catherine sets multiple rules for her brother David, who has autism. As Catherine meets other people, she begins to discover what is really “normal.”
8. So B. It
by Sarah Weeks
Reading Level: Grades 5-6
Being raised by a mother with a mental disability, Heidi has many questions about the past, including who her father is and when her birthday is. She sets out on a cross-country journey to discover the truth for herself.
9. Mockingbird
by Kathryn Erskine
Reading Level: Grades 6-7
Caitlin is a girl with Asperger’s who navigates confusing events in her life such as her brother’s death and father’s stress.
*Caution for younger readers: this book discusses a school shooting.
10. El Deafo
by Cece Bell
Reading Level: Grades 5-7
Cece wears a hearing aid as she transitions from a school for persons who are deaf to one where the other kids can hear. This award-winning graphic novel is a memoir of the author’s own personal journey.
11. Rescue & Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship
by Jessica Kensky
Reading Level: Grades 1-3
Jessica gets a new service dog, Rescue, who helps her through everyday tasks. This picture book is based on a real-life partnership of a girl and her service dog.
12. Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board
by Bethany Hamilton
Reading Level: Grades 5-6
Internationally ranked surfer Bethany Hamilton shares a personal account of how she survived a shark attack that cost the loss of her arm. This book shares her journey of faith and fortitude.
*"Soul Surfer" is available as a movie to watch after reading the novel!
13. Fish in a Tree
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Reading Level: Grades 6-8
Ally hides her dyslexia from others with her clever and disruptive distractions. But, Mr. Daniels, her newest teacher comes beside Ally and helps her learn to be confident and unashamed of her dyslexia.
14. Because of the Rabbit
by Cynthia Lord
Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Emma starts public school for the first time and is paired with a boy named Jack who doesn't stay on topic, talks out of turn, and is obsessed with animals. Emma and Jack bond over her rescued pet rabbit.
15. Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Reading Level: Grades 1-3
This book is based upon the true story of Emmanuel who was born in Ghana with a leg deformity. He was dismissed by everyone around him except for his mother who helped him to reach for his dreams. Emmanuel walked to school, learned to play soccer, provided for his family, and eventually became a cyclist.
16. The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia
by Diane Burton Robb
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
Adam is a boy with dyslexia. Starting in kindergarten, he struggles to learn his letters as his classmates learn to read. Adam receives help in third grade and begins to excel and is able to eventually read a book on his own!
17. Playground Lessons-Friendship and Forgiveness: Harley and His Wheelchair
by Brent Poppen
Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Harley is a young boy who uses a wheelchair. This book explores the author's own experiences and emotions as a quadriplegic. This story serves as a great conversation starter for classrooms and families.
18. A Wheelchair for Francis
by Adrienne Mugwanya
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
This is the true story of Francis, a boy in Uganda who was left unable to walk after being sick. The touching story shares his journey in finding his identity and joy amidst the opinions of the people in his local village. *Fun Fact: Francis grew up and founded Father's Heart Mobility Ministry, one of Free Wheelchair Mission's distribution partners in Uganda!
19. When Charley Met Emma
by Amy Webb
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
Charley meets a girl named Emma on the playground who is in a wheelchair and learns about their differences. This book teaches kids about disabilities and how to engage with others who are different than them.
20. Her Own Two Feet: A Rwandan Girl's Brave Fight to Walk
by Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze
Reading Level: Grades 3-7
Through her eyes, the moving story of a young Rwandan girl born with clubfeet and the risk she takes for the chance to walk on the bottoms of her feet for the first time.
21. What Happened to You? by James Catchpole
Reading Level: Grades 1-2
A boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg. Bombarded with questions and silly suggestions, Joe becomes more and more fed up...until the kids finally understand they don't need to know what happened. And that they’re wasting valuable playtime!
22. Katie Can: A Story About Special Needs―Children's Book About Down Syndrome and Different Abilities by Palmer
Reading Level: Grades K-2
Katie has Down Syndrome, but that's not what makes her so special. Find out what makes Katie so unique!
