July is Disability Pride Month! Celebrate by checking out these books that explore disability from the perspective of young people from your local library.
Picture Books
“The Boy Who Found His Voice”
by Tyler Gordon
Tyler has trouble with words. Long words, short words, silly words — they all keep getting stuck! When he has to speak in front of his classmates, can he use his art and his voice to show everyone who he is on the inside? This engaging picture book is written and illustrated by a teen artist and activist, based on his own experience having a speech difference.
“This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation”
by Jessica Slice
This picture book celebrates the many ways children with disabilities play, adapt and participate in everyday activities. It highlights mobility aids, communication differences and creative adaptations as natural and meaningful parts of play rather than limitations. The book emphasizes joy, agency and inclusion, showing that play looks different for everyone but is equally valuable.
Early Readers
“My Life With…” series
by Mari Schuh
This series of nonfiction books shows the day-to-day life of kids with cerebral palsy, diabetes, asthma, Tourette syndrome and more through engaging illustrations and first-person narration, all based on the experiences of real children. The books are great for children with and without disabilities, as they portray kids with disabilities who have positive self-image, advice for interacting with a person with a disability and helpful terms to know.
Middle Grade
“The Strongest Heart”
by Saadia Faruqi
This novel offers a sensitively written, textured portrayal of living with a parent with a mental illness. Thirteen-year-old Mo might seem like a “bad kid,” but it’s a cover for dealing with his father’s anger and his parents’ arguments. This realistic depiction of mental illness and emotional growth is based on the author’s own childhood and includes a powerful author’s note.
“Will on the Inside”
by Andrew Eliopulos
Will is a soccer-loving middle schooler with a close group of friends. When he has to step back from soccer — and his friend group — because of a new Crohn’s disease diagnosis, he is forced to reevaluate his life. Amid worsening symptoms, a surprising new friend and fantasy video game help him learn how to navigate a healthy world as a sick kid. This compelling novel is based on the author’s own experiences developing a chronic illness as a child.
Young Adult
“The Unexpected Consequences of Bleeding on a Tuesday”
by Kelsey Toney
Delia is a high-achieving high schooler dealing with undiagnosed endometriosis, which has been dismissed by adults for years. That’s why she wants to be a doctor — but it seems like her dreams are going to be derailed after she is expelled. This relatable, empowering novel is helpful for teens who would like to practice self-advocacy in the medical system.
“Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen”
by James Robinson
This immersive memoir allows readers to see life through the point of view of the author, who grew up with a visual disability, through a mix of anecdotes and interactive visuals. Robinson describes ableism, disability and discomfort in frank but accessible language. Readers root for the author, who is now a successful filmmaker and disability advocate.
