IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities Toronto Public Library, Toronto, Canada YIT, BbY 2023 IBBY SELECTION of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities
Copyright © Toronto Public Library, 2023 IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities North York Central Library, Children's Department 5120 Yonge St. Toronto ON, M2N 5N9 Canada Tel. (+1 416) 395 5630 www.tpl.ca/ibby Email: ibby@tpl.ca Cover Illustrations: Cover: Chispas. Amigos por igual (cat. no. 34) Backcover:  The Disability Experience: Working toward Belonging (cat. no. 24) Design: Marcela Montes No part of this catalogue may be reproduced in any way without the permission of the copyright holder. Project Leaders: Leigh Turina and Denise Scott Annotations and Consultants: Toronto Public Library Staff IBBY Volunteers from Toronto and beyond Printed by: Tanner & Bosshardt, Basel, Switzerland Catalogue distribution and information about exhibitions: IBBY Secretariat Nonnenweg 12, 4055 Basel, Switzerland Tel. (+41 61) 272 29 17 www.ibby.org Email: ibby@ibby.org A Walk in the Words (cat. no. 33)
Mi Lazarilla, Mi Capitán (cat. no. 26)[ – Ecoutez I crie l'ammonite. J'entends quelqu'un gui creuse... Vous entendez? Le paléontologue est. ici! Il dégage les différentes couches de terre avec on piochone —.  Bonjour! dit  Charlie, comment savoir qu’il faut creuser id? — Bonne question ! dit le paléontologue.   * J'ai repéré le terrain avant, sur une carte géologique. Le terrain est celui de lépoque à laquelle, vivalent les ammonites, dans une mer aujourd’hui asséchée. Carelles vivalent dans la mer! Comme votre amie ici. Elle aurait besoin d'un betit coup the brosse d'ailleurs! To a state of couple - Vite, rentrons siécrit l'ammonite M 1 2 C  B 1 2  C 1 ( " ) 100 32  『おおおお』  『 …。 1949年 1949年 1949年B . * 2019/05/2019 Les petits explorateurs tactiles au Muséum (cat. no. 4)
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Welcome to the annotated catalogue of the 2023 IBBY Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities. These outstanding books join the reference collection, located in Toronto, Canada, of 4,000+ titles that are for and about children and teens who are d/Deaf or disabled. Highlights include: ● Accessible formats such as braille, picture communication symbols, sign language, easy-to-read ● Material in over 50 languages ● Unique tactile and textile books Extensive collection of picture books and novels that . uphold the concepts of inclusion, empathy and disability awareness The books in the IBBY Collection (1991-2023) are available for research or reading in the library. You can make an appointment by emailing ahead of time. If you are unable to visit, the Toronto Public Library website includes the outstanding books as well as all other submissions and previous IBBY annotated catalogues. Catalogue annota- tions are in English, but the books are in their original languages. We sincerely wish to thank the members of IBBY National Sections for helping us select some of your country’s best examples and we hope that you will continue to highlight them nationally. This selection would not have been possible without your efforts. We would also like to thank the many publishers who have generously provided copies of these books for the collection. It is encouraging to see the increase of inclusionary books from around the world. Our deepest appreciation goes to Sharon Moynes, Peggy Thomas, Ellen Douglas, Helen Kubiw, along with the staff at the Toronto Public Library and volunteers from across Canada and internationally, who assisted in the creation of this 2023 catalogue. We remain committed to promoting disability awareness and encouraging the publication of books for and about young people who are D/deaf or disabled. Enquiries are always welcome. To get more information, you can: ● View the annotated catalogue: www.ibby.org  or www.tpl.ca/ibby ● Email general enquiries and reference questions: ibby@tpl.ca ● Phone +1 416 395 5630 ●    Visit at North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St., Toronto ON Canada Toronto and Basel, March 2023 Leigh Turina, Lead Librarian, IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities Carolina Ballester, IBBY Executive Director The Disability Experience: Working toward Belonging (cat. no. 24) Up and Down Mum (cat. no. 30)
We are navigating a world shaped by a pandemic and moving towards even more health, economic and climate challenges. What will our 'new normal' be? How will we find the good amongst the darker moments? Can we find common ground and develop solutions together? In December 2021, we issued an invitation to all IBBY National Sections, as well as to the publishers of books included in our previous selection, for submissions suitable for the 2023 IBBY Selection of Outstanding Books. For this new selection, we were pleased to receive 200 submissions from 30 countries in 22 different languages. The 40 outstanding books selected after long assessment and discussion, represent 22 countries in 15 different languages. Why do these statistics matter to us? They indicate an increase in the publication of books worldwide representing children and teens who are d/Deaf or who have a variety of disabilities. Our aim is not only to encourage publication of materials, but also to provide excellent and innovative examples.
Submissions
Our overall goal is to create a useful curated catalogue. Diverse representation was our guiding principle-representation from many countries and many disabilities. For example, from the many picture books depicting blindness and autism that were submitted, we chose to include just a few to give balance to other disabilities. When there was a choice of an emerging author over someone well-known who has been honoured with many accolades, we tended to choose the new one. We want to highlight new ideas and voices. All the titles that were submitted are included in the Toronto Public Library resources, even if they were not selected for this catalogue. However, because these books have been considered outstanding by the National IBBY Section, they can be used for various programmes at the library.
Categories
This year we have changed the number of categories from three to two. Category 1: Accessible Books includes all the formats that wherever possible can help a child or teen to read independently. For those who need to read with a partner, we have chosen formats that allow for as much participation as possible. The easy-to- read books for young people, who are neurodivergent, or have developmental and learning disabilities, have been moved into this category. These readers should have access to simplified books with content appropriate to their age and maturity level. Category 2: Portrayals of Disability is the larger group and provides examples of respectful representations of disabilities. The 2023 selection reflects a movement within society to expand the definition of disability. We have shifted from the medical model of diagnoses to a more Bermain di Taman Kota (cat. no. 9) social model of viewing how people’s lives are affected. For example, two outstanding books this year feature characters with chronic illnesses, specifically alopecia and severe eczema. These characters endure treatment procedures, misunderstanding and ostracization from family and friends, as well as considerable changes to their everyday lives because of their illness. In choosing these books, we hope to encourage a more inclusive understanding of disability that gives people a new language to talk about their experiences and validates the experiences of those who are rarely represented in literature.
Terminology
Do you say, 'disabled person' or 'person with disability'? Yes, vocabulary is also changing. Using a people-centred approach aims to highlight the person first. However, many people argue that their disability does not invalidate their humanity. No one should need a linguistic reminder that a disabled person is still a person. Others feel that their disability defines their identity. As with any identity, individuals deserve to choose the one they will be known by, for example, ‘autistic teen’. Some people who are d/Deaf do not consider themselves disabled in any way. Hearing loss can be seen as just a medical diagnosis, and is not necessarily disabling, much like neurodivergence is just a different way for a brain to function. This catalogue represents a group of disparate people, countries, and books, and you will see that we have varied the terminology to match.
Lived Experience
Usually, people with a specific disability or condition can present their lived experience more easily and authentically than an author who has had to rely on research. This was something we took into consideration when making our selections. However, we also recognize that the universality of the human experience with isolation, bullying, joy. fear, pain, loneliness, families, and friendship lives in all of us. In the end, we chose stories that rang true to us. We were also pleased to receive books that have developed out of collabora- tions with agencies and museums, which provided expertise, research and assistance in putting forward publications all the stronger for the combined focus.
Multiple Access Points
It is exciting to see books enhancing print text with additional access points or information. These include OR codes, CDs or digital audio content, braille, sign language, picture communication symbols and better tactile illustration. Books including multiple access points from inception are 'born accessible'. Like any building, accessibility and universal design are best included from the beginning.
Selection
This new selection of outstanding books is a snapshot of titles published during 2018-2022. We have not attempted to make this a definitive list of books for and about young people with disabilities. There are many excellent books that never reach this project. We encourage you to seek them out and share them with young people, your colleagues, and friends, and submit them to your IBBY National Section for consideration in the 2025 Outstanding Book Selection. IBBY believes that all young people have a right to read in an accessible format and to see themselves represented in stories, whether they are disabled or not. Join us in celebrating these exciting books that do this. The Amazing Edie Eckhart (cat. no. 21)تطعههایگوشدهبعضی،بیشازحدیود.برخیبیشازحدقطعهداشتندوپرشدهیودند.
Books using different systems and designs can make reading accessible for everyone. These may include braille, sign language, large print, non-verbal communication systems or tactile formats. We have also included easy-to-read books with simplified, age-appropriate concepts and shorter texts that are specifically written for young people who are neurodivergent or have intellectual or developmental disabilities. 1 Antinori, Sonia (text) Cronache del bambino anatra (Chronicles of the baby duck) Cervinara, AV, Italy: Edizioni Primavera, 2020 [78pp.] ISBN 978-88-8559-224-7 A lack of understanding and awareness of dyslexia and learning differences can deeply affect a child as well as their family. Eleven-year-old Dario is struggling with his reading and feels judged by his teachers and fellow students. In scene after scene, Dario's mother pushes him to finish his homework, but he still stalls. This tension between frustrated parents and children is a common occurrence around many kitchen tables. Dario's mother tries to help the best she can. She is not his teacher but, using her love and belief in her child, she finds a way to help him. Dario grows up to become a professor and, in a reversal of roles, his mother develops dementia and now needs his care. This play does not attempt to chronicle dyslexia in medical detail, but instead tries to portray the emotional highs and lows that families may experience. Antinori has chosen this theatrical format as a way to depict these poignant scenes. Readers with dyslexia will also benefit from the short sections, increased line spacing and focus on dialogue. The Italian Dyslexia Association and the National Association of Italian Pedagogists have endorsed this play. N Asociación BATA (text) Suárez, Alicia (ill) Nicolás cociña sen lume (Nicolás cooks without fire) Pontevedra, Spain: Kalandraka, 2020 [36pp.] ISBN 978-84-8464-470-5 Nicolás cociña sen lume (cat. no. 2) Cooking is fun and easy with this accessible cookbook for children. Aspiring chefs can join Nicolás as he ties on his apron, tries out some recipes, and then tidies up when he is done. The recipes feature kid-friendly foods, such as sandwiches, fruit salad and ice cream. Each recipe is rated Level 1-3 for difficulty, and none require use of a hot stove or oven. Written using simple Galician text and picture communication symbols (PCS), this cookbook is a great choice for young children and teens who are neurodivergent or have learning and developmental disabilities. Each page includes a list of ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions, accompanied by a humorous illustration of Nicolás making the recipe. Young cooks can develop confidence and self-sufficiency, as well as their literacy and motor skills. The book also includes a sheet of stickers with both text and PCS for labelling common foods and kitchen items. 3 Bachmann, Karin (text) Monster im Dunkeln (Monsters in the dark) Werdenberg, Switzerland: da bux, 2019 [60pp.] ISBN 978-3-906876-08-5 Having been in an accident, Arjen is still adapting to life without vision. He is struggling with panic attacks but, wanting to prove his independence, he decides to stay at home while his parents are away. On his way home from torball practice, a game like the Paralympic sport of goalball, Arjen accidentally picks up the wrong bag on the bus; this bag happens to be full of stolen diamonds. The thief tracks him to his house, but Arjen has a trick up his sleeve: he uses his blindness to his advantage by removing all the lightbulbs from the house. In the dark, he gains the upper hand and stops the thief. This short teen novel will appeal to readers who enjoy action-packed thrillers. The cream-coloured paper, short paragraphs and easy to follow narrative will help those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. The engaging story provides insight into trauma recovery and adapting to a new disability. It also introduces readers to some of the practical realities of being blind, such as navigating public transit or the layout of a meal. It is the story of an extraordinary situation about stopping a thief, but also the story of an ordinary situation about a teen asserting independence. The Amazing Edie Eckhart (cat. no. 21) an, rai trop pe an se réveille et prend. Jérôme erôme is installe entre ses parents. Enfin, il peut dormir! 34 4 Scritch scratch dip clapote ! (cat. no. 5) Baumann, Anne-Sophie and Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Toulouse (text and tactile elements) Les petits explorateurs tactiles au Muséum (The little tactile explorers at the museum) Talant, France: Les Doigts Qui Rêvent, 2020 [58pp.] ISBN 978-2-36593-118-2 Katia and Charlie are visiting the natural history museum and are looking through the exhibits in search of a mysterious object. Along the way, they discover different artefacts, including quartz, fossils, plants and a West African instrument called a kora. With the help of a magical guide, they learn about the history of these objects, their natural environments and the people who discovered them. Readers who prefer non-fiction content will enjoy this fascinating tactile book. Intended for a more advanced reader of either printed or braille text, the book is divided into topics such as palaeontology. botany, and geology. Each section contains 3D tactile representations of museum artefacts, allowing the reader to explore objects they usually cannot touch in a museum. For a truly immersive and multi-sensory experience, the sections also have OR codes that link to recordings of relevant sound effects and ambient noise. This is a marvellous example of a tactile book. It is the result of collaborations between Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Toulouse, a team of educators and tactile design professionals, and children from l'Institut des Jeunes Aveugles de Toulouse. While it is intended primarily for blind readers, the book can also help people who are neurodivergent or have a developmental disability, learn about museums in advance of a visit. Watashi ga shogaisha ja nakunaru hi  (cat. no. 6) 5 Crowther, Kitty (text) and tactile adaptation by LDQR staff Scritch scratch dip clapote ! (Scritch scratch dip splash!) Talant, France: Les Doigts Qui Rêvent, 2021 [42pp.] ISBN 978-2-36593-130-4 As darkness settles over the pond, Jérôme the young frog gets ready for bed. His parents have tucked him in and now he is alone in his room. What’s that sound? Scritch, scratch, dip, splash! Is it a monster? His father tells him everything is fine, but the noise continues. When Jérôme and his father swop beds, his father hears the sounds as well. Together, they venture outside. When they discover that the monster is just the sounds of nature around the pond. Jérôme decides that maybe the dark is not so scary after all. This tactile adaptation of a well-known picture book is beautifully designed. With interactive pieces, such as a locking front door and a detachable toothbrush, the tactile elements will entice both sighted and blind readers. The frogs are represented as circles, each with a distinct size and texture, enabling the reader to identify them quickly and easily by touch. The large print and braille text allows readers with different levels of vision to enjoy the story together. There is also a QR code that links to an audio version read by the author. And, of course, anyone who has ever been startled by a sound in the dark will relate to little Jérôme's experience. G Ebihara, Hiromi (text) Shirai, Ken (ill) Watashi ga shogaisha ja nakunaru hi (The day I’ll no longer be disabled: how to make a society where people paralyzed by disease can lead a normal life) Tokyo, Japan: Junposha, 2019 [152pp.] ISBN 978-4-8451-1589-1 Hiromi Ebihara was a disability activist who advocated for independent living and inclusive education. She had Spinal Muscular Atrophy and used a wheelchair and, later in life, a respirator. Published two years before her death in 2021, this memoir tells the story of her life and her Ándate Cuco (cat. no. 7) advocacy work. Ebihara attended integrated schools and lived most of her adult life independently, rather than in an institutional setting. She recognizes that this is not a reality for many people with disabilities in Japan. Ebihara introduces readers to the social model of disability, explaining that it is often a lack of accessibility that causes barriers and not a person's disability. This easy reader book takes serious topics, such as ableism and the human right to dignity, and makes them accessible to young readers. Using examples from her own life. Ebihara demonstrates that disability is a complex issue connected to politics, economics and social attitudes. Written in large print on cream-coloured paper, the text uses plain language, short sentences and chapters. Readers will also appreciate the variety of speech bubbles, text message formatting and cartoon-like illustrations. Ebihara's book is an example of the capabilities of disabled people when they have access to the right support. 7 García, María Isabel (text) Véliz, Pablo (ill) Ándate Cuco (Go away, monster) Santiago, Chile: Recrea Libros, 2021 [13pp.] ISBN 978-956-9847-98-1 Anxiety can be a stressful experience for anyone, but especially so for young children who may not understand what is happening. For the young boy in this book, his anxiety is a monster that whispers fears and worries into his ear. With the help of a friend, the boy learns to stand up to his monster. However, when the monster refuses to leave, the pair come to an understanding about how much fear the monster is allowed to cause. The large print, braille, and brightly coloured images with tactile overlays make this book an excellent choice for a child who is blind or has low vision. Rather than a simple embossed outline, the entire image is raised with each part, such as shirts and pants, at different heights. This makes it easier to decipher each distinct element. The accurate descriptions of anxiety will help children understand what they are experiencing. Importantly, the book presents a realistic outcome. In this book, the child's anxiety is not cured but with the help of coping strategies, such as those listed in the back of the book, he learns to manage the symptoms. a Kotonone (periodical) Editorial Team (text and ill) Shigoto ni itte kimasu 1: Kukki zukuri no shigoto, Hiromi san no ichi-nichi (I’m off to work 1: A day with Hiromi making cookies) Saitama, Japan: Saitama Fukushikai, 2018 [56pp.] ISBN 978-4-86596-241-3 What is it like to work in a cookie factory? Hiromi is a woman with a developmental disability, and she knows the answer. She lives in a group home, has a job making cookies, and attends a training school. The book depicts a typical day in her happy, busy life. This is a realistic look into the support systems and opportunities available for Japanese people with intellectual or develop- mental disabilities. This book is an excellent example of both accessible formatting and respectful disability representation. The text is designed for beginning readers, with simple sentences and short paragraphs. Each page includes a short phrase translated into picture communication symbols (PCS). The photographs provide an important insight into Hiromi's life. We see that she has her own personal space in the group home, which she has decorated and is responsible for cleaning. We see her travelling to work and school on her own. We see that she is a smart, capable, and independent woman. Many readers who are neurodivergent or have a develop- mental disability will relate to Hiromi’s highly structured routine. Others will gain an understanding of how this type of routine can help some people move successfully throughout their day. In addition, all readers will get a fasci- nating look at how cookies are made! a Lizhardy, Rizka Azaria Usa (text) Jadmiko, Singgih Cahyo (ill) Bermain di Taman Kota (Playing in the city park) Surabaya, Indonesia: Yayasan Semesta Rumah Kita, 2021 [26pp.] ISBN 978-623-7792-34-5 On a bright sunny day, a young girl goes with her father to play in the local park. There, she meets a boy and the two become fast friends. Together they play on the jungle gym, build sandcastles and visit the deer. Although the girl communicates using sign language and the boy does not, this never slows down the new friends; they simply find new ways to express themselves and play together. This picture book is an excellent introduction to Indonesian sign language. Each page contains one or two illustra- tions depicting the sign for a word in the text. These diagrams are clearly separate Shigoto ni itte kimasu 1 (cat. no. 8) from the main illustrations and include directional arrows for gestural signs. There is also a OR code in the back that links to clips demonstrating the signed vocabulary. Young readers will enjoy the repetition and onomatopoeia that make the story fun to read aloud and to sign. Written with the Komunitas Tuli Mendongeng (Deaf Storytelling Community), an organisation made up of hearing and Deaf researchers, psychologists and storytellers, this book is part of the group’s campaign to promote sign language and Deaf culture in Indonesia. 10   Ogawa, Tadahiro (text and photos) Ringo dandan (Apple, bit by bit) Tokyo, Japan: Asunaro Shobo, 2020 [32pp.] ISBN 978-4-7515-2961-4 If you have ever wondered what happens to an apple when you leave it in a cupboard for a year, this book has the answer. Based on a photographer’s art project, this easy reader tracks the stages of a decomposing apple, from beginning to wrinkle, to growing mould, to attracting insects and finally, turning to compost. Each page features a high-quality photograph accompanied by one or two simple, descriptive words and a number indicating how many days it has been decomposing. Unlike most easy reader books, which focus on simple science concepts such as types of animals or the weather, this unusual book introduces the more abstract concept of decomposition. While it does not provide in-depth scientific details, it can be used as a teaching aid for discussing the topic with young people with developmental disabilities. The well-lit, close-up photographs will also be accessible to some readers with low vision. It is a slightly gross but fascinating book that will delight and intrigue young science enthusiasts. 11 Scotto, Thomas (text) Rousseau, Félix (ill) À fond les manettes (Full throttle) Montpellier, France: Benjamins Media, 2021 [33pp.] ISBN 978-2-37515-084-9 A young girl is hard at work building her own racing car as she has an important race coming up against a fierce competitor – her grandmother! When your grandmother is a former champion racer, you must be ready for anything. Finally, race day arrives, and the two competitors line up on the track, the granddaughter in her racing car and grandmother in her wheelchair. The racers are off! They race around grandmother’s retirement home with the other residents cheering them on. It is a tight race but the granddaughter is victorious. With bright, bold illustrations and a relatable story, this lively picture book will have young readers wanting to build their own race cars. They will also see that the grandmother's wheelchair does not hold her back but rather allows her to keep racing. Particularly outstanding is the provision of multiple access points for the reader, including a regular print version of the book, a braille and large print version, along with a CD and digital download code for an audio version. The accessible formats allow a blind caregiver to read to their child or for blind and sighted young readers to enjoy the book together. 12 Silverstein, Shel (text) Azadinamin, Sevda (creator) Majidzade, Sima (trans.) Ashenaei Ghete-ye Gumshodeh ba Daayere-ye Bozourg (The Missing Piece Meets the Big O) Tehran, Iran: Self-published, 2021. [48pp.] No ISBN The ‘missing piece’ is a triangular pie-shaped wedge looking for the circle that it fits into so they can roll along together. It meets many shapes, but the fit is just not right. It travels until it meets a circle that is not missing any pieces. This circle tells the triangle that it is already com- Ringo dandan  (cat. no. 10) plete and needs to roll along on its own. In the end, the missing piece learns that it was not missing anything after all, it just had not finished developing yet. With a simple but poignant message, this adaptation of a Shel Silverstein story is a beautiful example of a handmade tactile book. The text is translated into both print and braille Farsi. The tactile illustrations effectively depict the key moments in the story. such as the triangle growing into a full circle. Readers can also slide the triangle along a path and test whether it fits into the other shapes. The intentionally simple design makes this book suitable for readers with a wide range of access needs, including those who are blind and those who are developing hand-eye coordination. The craftsmanship will inspire others to create their own tactile books.
This section includes fiction and nonfiction books that depict people who are d/Deaf or disabled. These subjects do not include physical health issues, such as common childhood illnesses and injuries, unless they lead to chronic disability. Mental health issues such as OCD or schizophrenia are also included. 13 Asphyxia (text and ill) Future Girl Crows Nest, NSW, Australia: Allen & Unwin, 2020 [384pp.] ISBN 978-1-76029-437-3 Piper McBride is a deaf teen who lives in a futuristic Australia, where food is scarce. Piper's mother wants Piper to be 'normal', so encourages her to use hearing aids and speak aloud instead of learning sign language. Meeting Marley and his mother Robbie, who is d/Deaf, broadens Piper's world. The pair are environmental activists who teach Piper how to build a community garden. They also introduce her to Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Deaf culture. Drawing on her own experiences, the author Asphyxia effectively conveys Piper's experience of what it is like to be deaf in a hearing society. This realistic young adult novel is written as a journal from Piper's perspective and is accompanied by her beautiful artwork. Deaf and hearing teen readers will feel the frustration and isolation that comes from constant lip reading and relying on hearing aids. The format demonstrates the ways that Piper's sense of self develops as she embraces Deaf culture. For example, Piper 'edits' previous journal entries, changing the lowercase 'd' in deaf to be an uppercase 'D', an important distinction for many in the Deaf community. The rich text teaches about art, farming, interpersonal relationships and the importance of a supportive community. 14   Catchpole, James (text) George, Karen (ill) What Happened to You? London, UK: Faber & Faber, Ltd., 2021 [32pp.] ISBN 978-0-571-35831-1 Joe is playing a game of pirates and sharks when a child shouts, "You'ue only got one leg". Indeed, he has a limb difference and uses crutches. Joe ignores the comment but before long, other children start wondering what could have happened to his leg. They chime in with increasingly Future Girl (cat. no. 13) wild suppositions, asking if it fell off or was eaten by a lion or by 1,000 lions. Joe dodges the questions and continues to play his game until everyone joins in with him. Finally, Joe is asked if he ever tires of the question "What happened to you?" He answers with, "What do you think?" The children realize knowing the answer does not matter after all. It is common for a young child who sees a disabled person to wonder aloud what happened. This imaginative picture book with diverse representation is an excellent introduction to handling that situation. Sharing the same limb difference as his character, the author includes a note for parents with practical tips that respect the disabled person's privacy as well as the child's curiosity. As Catchpole says, "Disabled people are just like anyone else, getting on with their busy day. not looking to be a teachable moment." Funny and honest, this will soon become a children's classic. 15   Chadwick, Cathy (text) Frank, Marianela (ill) Mi hermana no es rara (My sister is not weird) Santiago, Chile: Ediciones RB, 2020 [40pp.] ISBN 978-956-8694-72-2 Flor is different, not weird. So explains her sister, who narrates the story to the children in their new neighbourhood. Like the other children, Flor enjoys playing with toys and visiting the park, but she does so in her own way. Flor thrives on routine, prefers her foods to be on separate plates, and uses a visual schedule. She is passionate about birds and enjoys spending time with her loving sister. Using a large print font and simplified vocabulary, this outstanding picture book explains the reality of a child with autism. Though autism presents differently for each person, many common traits are respectfully depicted, including stimming and intense emotions. Young readers will enjoy the brightly coloured, uncluttered illustrations. A teacher or a parent could use this book to build understanding and help children interact successfully with someone with autism. It also includes a brief note from a psychologist. Flor’s story is both a guide and a celebration of how she interacts with the world on her own terms. 16   Delattre, Valérie (text) Bergier, Vincent (ill) Il était une fois la différence : les archéologues racontent le handicap (Once upon a time, there was a difference: archaeologists tell the story of disability) Paris, France: Actes Sud junior and Inrap (Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives) 2020 [72pp.] ISBN 978-2-330-14045-8 This amazing book is packed with lesser-known facts and discoveries about disabled people throughout history. How did Neanderthals practice medicine? Did you know that Tutankhamun had a clubfoot but was a superb archer from a seated position? What Happened to You? (cat. no. 14) The Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (INRAP) uses in-depth research to provide intriguing short chapters about physical and developmental disability in different times and places. It highlights known historical figures but also looks at the lives of everyday people. With respect and honesty, the author documents how the topic has evolved over time, from Caligula's gladiators to the Paralympics. A more advanced young reader will learn how attitudes about disability are shifting towards understanding it as a human difference rather than a deficit. Full-page bold graphics in sophisticated colours accompany each page of facts. A small glossary is included along with a note from the Institute. This is an innovative 'must-read' book. 17 Espanioly, Nabila (text) Qawariq, Abdullah (ill) JarrebBtikdar (Try, you can) Nazareth, Israel: Altufula Center NNI, 2021 [24pp.] ISBN 978-965-528-218-4 Parents bring home their newborn son and are delighted as he reacts to the sound of their voices and feels their touch. It is only when their child starts to crawl that they realize he cannot see. The parents re-organize the house, encouraging him to explore. They tell him, "You can do it, if only you try". Growing in his independence, he learns to travel through the community on his own. One day, he meets a man who rudely questions why his parents are not with him. The boy replies that he must be a stranger otherwise he would Il était une fois la différence : les archéologues racontent le handicap (cat. no. 16) know that the boy is perfectly capable of travelling on his own. Perhaps the man is the one who needs help. The boy gives the stranger directions and then goes on his way. Using simple text and bold images, this picture book explores the importance of independence and confidence for children, especially those with disabilities. Rather than doing everything for the child, it is necessary for the parents to step back and allow the child to develop skills on their own. The emphasis is on building perseverance through trying. The book’s depiction of the boy as a self-sufficient individual also respectfully conveys the capabilities of a blind person. 18   Fondeur, Sarah Sibel and Fondeur, Maria Puig (text) Almodóvar, Taína (ill) Somos buenos amigos (What good friends do) Santiago, Dominican Republic: Book Corner & Club de Peques, 2020 [38pp.] ISBN 978-9945-09-530-2 The first week of school is one of promise, excitement and discovery. This picture book follows one preschool class as they learn about each other and what it means to be a good friend. The diverse classroom welcomes and celebrates children with a wide range of interests, backgrounds, and acces- sibility needs. During music time, Lucas loves to dance and Mateo prefers to sit and clap along. Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, moves her arms with the help of her aide Claudia. The children learn to support and help each other. because 'that's what good friends do'. This is a wonderful example of an integrated classroom that prioritizes the needs and abilities of the students. Rather than depicting inclusion and acceptance as something that needs to be taught and enforced, the book treats it as the default from the beginning. The teacher models this by encouraging teamwork and adapting activities so that all of the children can participate together. The joyful illustrations are packed with lots of details that children will enjoy searching out. With brightly coloured and onomatopoeic text, this delightful story will make an engaging read-aloud. JarrebBtikdar (cat. no. 17) 19   Fung, Rosena (text and ill) Living with Viola Toronto, Canada: Annick, 2021 [272pp.] ISBN 978-1-77321-548-8 As the daughter of low-income immigrants from China, Livy is used to feeling out of place but now her anxiety is getting worse. For Livy, the anxiety is a living thing, a shadow she calls Viola, who belittles her constantly. At first, she can block Viola's cruel words by doing things she loves, like drawing and making dumplings with her mother. Over time, difficulties with friends and family expectations cause Viola's impact to grow beyond Livy’s control. By talking to her parents and seeking professional help, Livy learns to manage her anxiety and panic disorders. In this vivid graphic novel, Fung uses art to show us Livy’s emotional journey. When she is happy, we see cheerful colours, but when Viola shows up, the colour scheme turns dark and grey. The text becomes part of the artwork, with Viola's words dominating the page to show their overwhelming impact. Readers will also see how race and class intersect with mental illness as Livy's mother goes against her cultural Somos buenos amigos  (cat. no. 18) upbringing to get her daughter the help she needs. Written for young teens, this relatable graphic novel cleverly depicts the struggle to move forward when anxiety comes from that voice in your head telling you that you are not good enough. 20  Herrera, Florencia (text) Ojeda, Bernardita (ill) Adela y los calcetines desaparecidos (Adela and the missing socks) Santiago, Chile: Editorial Amanuta, 2018 [64pp.] ISBN 978-956-364-057-1 Things in Adela's life start to go missing. First, it is a pair of socks that are not in her drawer. Then the science lab where she works is not where she expects it to be. When she does not notice her friend standing nearby. Adela realizes that it is actually her vision that is disappearing. Adela's independence does not end as her vision fades. She still goes to work, shops for groceries and visits with friends. She simply learns to move through the world in a new way, identifying objects by touch, listening to audiobooks and using a white cane. Based on the author’s own experiences with retinitis pigmentosa, this engaging picture book presents a realistic depiction of vision loss. Each page of illustrations is covered by a dark blue page with a circular cut-out in the centre. The reader is only able to see a portion of the image until they turn the blue page. As the book progresses the circular cut-outs get smaller and smaller. mirroring Adela's decreasing range of vision. This clever technique gives sighted readers insight into this condition. The book also includes supplementary information about different types of vision loss, as well as practical, respectful tips for interacting with and assisting blind people. 21   Jones, Rosie (text) Smillie, Natalie (ill) The Amazing Edie Eckhart London, UK: Hodder & Stoughton, 2021 [232pp.] ISBN 978-1-444-95834-8 Starting high school is not scary when your best friend is by your side. But what if that friend is put into other classes and develops new interests? Edie has cerebral palsy and wobbles a bit, but that is no big deal. Losing Oscar to football and a girlfriend is enormous. Edie now has to navigate school and independence at the same time. However, our funny feisty hero surges forward into acting and a sweet same-sex romance with some realistic bumps along the way. Written in a diary format with lots of doodles, lists, exclamation marks and slang, the conversational tone will make this a winner with young teens. Edie chronicles the ways that people treat her differently but also the jokes she shares with friends. This upbeat novel is outstanding in the way that it seamlessly incorporates her disability as just another aspect of her personality. It is simply a matter of fact rather than a serious defect that she needs to overcome. As a gay woman with cerebral palsy, comedian Rosie Jones draws on her own experiences to develop an unforgettable character. This multifaceted portrayal of disability and sexuality is seldom seen in children's novels. 22   Kermauner, Aksinja (text) Lubi, Maja (ill) V vrtincu črk (In the vortex of letters) Preserje, Slovenia: Morfemplus, 2022 [32pp.] ISBN 978-961-7067-87-3 Lara has always had trouble reading: the letters swirled around and would not stay still. Though she tried very Living with Viola (cat. no. 19) hard to make sense of the words, she could not do it. The children often laughed at her and the frustrated teacher accused Lara of not trying hard enough. As punishment, the teacher told Lara that she could no longer play Snow White in the school performance. When Lara cried and told her grandmother, the family decided to seek help, and Lara was diagnosed with Irlen Syndrome. The solution of wearing coloured lenses seemed like a miracle to Lara, as it will to readers. This picture book highlights a relatively unknown condition, Irlen Syndrome, which is a genetic perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem but a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information. Difficulties with reading have a root cause, no matter whether the cause is physical, neurological or emotional. This book encourages families and schools to investigate further rather than simply pushing the child to try harder. Adela y los calcetines desaparecidos (cat. no. 20) 23   Kim, Yewon (text) Jeong, Jinhui (ill) Isanghajido apeujido anh-eun ai (A child who is neither strange nor sick) Seoul, Republic of Korea: Woori School Co., 2020 [144pp.] ISBN 979-11-90337-41-0 When grade four student Jo Han joins his school's music class instead of going to his usual classroom for children with developmental disabilities, his new classmates are not welcoming. The children wonder why he is not in the special class. He is sick; he is not one of them. Troubled by this behaviour, the teacher assigns the students a project to help them learn about people with disabilities. The group visits Jo Han’s class, a barrier-free café and an art exhibition by developmentally disabled persons. In this way, human rights and acceptance go from being abstract concepts to everyday practices. The Amazing Edie Eckhart (cat. no. 21) The author, who is disabled and works as a disability rights lawyer, presents a believable situation with realistic dialogue for children to ponder. The full-colour drawings scattered through the pages help make the novel more fun for school age children. Importantly, the disabled child is not expected to teach the other children about disability. Instead, the teacher's empathy-building assignment encourages the students to learn for themselves. Their discussions form the basis for the insights they gradually discover. The book sends a necessary message about the importance of an integrated, inclusive society. 24  Leavitt, Hannalora (text) Wuthrich, Belle (ill) The Disability Experience: Working toward Belonging Victoria, Canada: Orca Book Publishers, 2021 [192pp.] ISBN 978-1-4598-1928-3 This informative book seeks to provide able-bodied older children and young adults with an introduction to the experience of disabled people in North America. What is it like to be unable to get your wheelchair through the door of your doctor’s office? How does it feel to be illegally denied entry to a store because of your service dog? The Disability Experience addresses issues often overlooked in relation to disability. It includes chapters on the culture of independence and disability politics along with topics such as abortion, unem¬ ployment, medically assisted dying and the LGBTQ+ community. Hannalora Leavitt, who is legally blind, uses first-person narrative along with bolded keywords, glossary, sidebars of information and vignettes to make this an easy, less technical read. The full colour contemporary illustrations and high quality photographs depict a wonderfully diverse group of people. While her examples primarily cover physical disabilities rather than cognitive, neurodivergent or mental health disabilities, her intention is to change minds and attitudes overall. This personalized account is not exhaus- tive but is a starting point to expand the reader's point of view and perspective.
25   Mann, J. Albert (text)
The Degenerates New York, US: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020 [278pp.] ISBN 978-1-53441-936-0 The setting is the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded in 1928, where children are housed permanently for physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities. In some cases, 'disability' includes race, sexuality or behaviour deemed aberrant. Four teen girls endure rigid routines, rules and bullying as they plot to escape the institution before they reach their 15th birthdays and are sent into the women's wing. Brutally realistic, this novel is based on medical records and events from an actual institution that was open until 2014. It uses historically accurate terminology and phrases, many of which are considered discriminatory and inappropriate today. An uncomfortable read, the story highlights the atrocities of the eugenics movement but also demonstrates how the characters refuse to feel ashamed of who they are. This outstanding book brings to light how people with disabilities were hidden away as well as the cold, harsh conditions of institutional settings. J. Albert Mann has successfully created a novel not just about the historical setting but also about the strong bonds between the four girls. In an author’s note, Mann observes that she might once have also been confined to such a place due to her spinal disability. Her book brings attention to an important but seldom discussed topic. 26   Moure, Gonzalo (text) Girón, María (ill) Mi Lazarilla, Mi Capitán (My guide, my captain) Pontevedra, Spain: Kalandraka Editora, 2020 [40pp.] ISBN 978-84-1343-031-7 The Disability Experience: Working toward Belonging (cat. no. 24) A young girl with limited vision tells the story of her walk to school with her father, who is blind. Using their other senses, they imagine the world around them to be a wonderland where cars become animals racing by. The beauty of the sea they walk past is conjured by the sounds of the waves and the crosswalk becomes a bridge above a roaring river. Throughout the entire walk, the young girl holds her father’s hand: she, the guide and he, the captain. Although both characters have a visual disability, they navigate their world with precision and active imaginations. The book also shows how those disabilities are simply a part of their everyday lives. Before leaving for school, her dad reminds her to take her lunch, her glasses, her backpack and her eye patch. It is all part of their normal routine. Indeed, it is their joyful relationship, not their visual differences, that is the point of this whimsically illustrated picture book. Of particular importance in a book with blind characters is the wonderfully descriptive text which will engage all readers, including those who cannot see the illustrations. 27  Oh, Seungmin (text and ill) Oneul-eun dongaseu kalelaiseu (Today’s meal is tonkatsu! Curry rice!) Seoul, Republic of Korea: Hanulim Publishing Co.,Ltd., 2021 [40pp.] ISBN 978-89-93143-94-2 Jinwoo has trouble sitting still and concentrating on his work in class. Perhaps monkeys, dinosaurs and monsters attack him and make him act out? Or is there an ‘invisible man’ who destroys the work of his other classmates? All that the teacher and his classmates see is Jinwoo causing trouble and ruining their schoolwork. Nobody seems to understand him. He is trying hard and does not mean to misbehave, but it just keeps happening. Luckily, Jinwoo meets a doctor who knows how difficult it is to learn with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For once, Jinwoo feels understood; he is not a bad child, just different. Mi Lazarilla, Mi Capitán (cat. no. 26) Oneul-eun dongaseu kalelaiseu (cat. no. 27) Do children with ADHD really imagine these situations or is it a way for them to explain the things happening in their mind and body that they do not understand? The images of the mischievous blue imaginary creatures bouncing around the quiet monochromatic class capture a frenetic aspect of this disorder. This picture book is great for classrooms and homes to start a conversation regarding the way some children with ADHD think and behave. 28   Rahman, Bahram (text) Collins, Peggy (ill) A Sky-Blue Bench Toronto, Canada: Pajama Press,  2021 [32pp.] ISBN 978-1-77278-222-6 Aria is self-conscious about returning to school since losing her leg to a landmine. Due to the war, the school has no furniture so the students must sit on the floor. Her prosthetic 'helper leg' makes it hard for her to get down and back up again, but Aria is not deterred. With the help of her mother and a carpenter, she builds a bench from scrap wood. The carpenter gives Aria sky blue paint, telling her that it is the colour of courage and peace. Once the bench is finished. Aria's ingenuity inspires the girls in her class to create things for the school themselves. It is difficult to write an age-appropriate story about war for children. This picture book successfully accomplishes that task. Young readers will find common ground in the characters' experiences with loose teeth, baby brothers and school friends. Through the detailed illustrations, they will also get a glimpse into daily life in Afghanistan. It is a story of the consequences of war but also one of problem solving and moving forward after a life-changing experience. Aria's acquired disability does not make her any less capable of attending school; rather, it is the lack of furniture that is the barrier. À fond les manettes (cat. no. 11) 29   Rendel, Emma (text and ill) and Ringler, Jan (text) Tystheten (Mute) Bollnäs, Sweden: Tala om tystnad, 2021 [36pp.] ISBN 978-91-986509-1-4 Through a series of short scenes, this autobiographical graphic novel explores the creator’s childhood experiences with selective mutism. Rendel's experiences exemplify the way that non-speaking people are frequently treated as invisible. She talks about the frustration of wanting to speak but being unable to depending on the person or setting. As she moves into adolescence and early adulthood, Rendel develops coping strategies that enable her to communicate more comfortably. Rendel uses black and white illustrations in an intentionally cramped style to convey the anxious and overwhelming interactions she faced. This style may not A Sky-Blue Bench (cat. no. 28) be easy for all readers to interpret but contributes very well to the emotional experience of the story. The book includes supplementary information about selective mutism, which affects approximately 1% of children. The emotional honesty of this story will help readers develop empathy for people who communicate differently. 30   Robbins, Maggie (creator) Child's Play (text) Macon, Summer (ill) Up and Down Mum Bridgemead, UK: Child's Play Int. Ltd., 2019 [32pp.] ISBN 978-1-78628-339-9 Life with mum is unpredictable. The narrator’s single parent mum is a great storyteller and loves to cook spaghetti but there are also sad, quiet days when her mum cannot get out of bed. Sometimes, her mum gets so excited and loud in public that the narrator is embarrassed. When her mum needs to go to the hospital, granddad comes to stay. Living with her mum is like a rollercoaster ride, but she is still her mum and they love each other very much. This picture book is an honest description of the uncertainties of living with a parent with bipolar disorder. Most importantly, the book has a strong message that mum's condition is not the child's responsibility to manage. The empowering notes at the end of the book, written in accessible, age-appropriate language, help make clear how to support a parent and take care of oneself. Such a book could be viewed as didactic, but the warm illustrations show a multiracial girl, her mum and grandfather enjoying everyday activities together. Written in consultation with families dealing with parental mental health issues, this sensitively crafted story seeks to reassure children in this situation and educate others about the disorder. 31   Roxborogh, TK (text) Morris, Phoebe (ill) Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea Wellington, Aotearoa-NZ: Huia Publishers, 2020 [224pp.] ISBN 978-1-77550-397-2 What if climate change disasters are caused by dramatic battles between the Māori gods? Were these ancient feuds reignited by the local waterfront development that is polluting the ocean? Does a young teen with limb difference and a prosthetic leg have the power to stop this? This gripping tale starts with 13-year-old Charlie and his younger brother Robbie rescuing a ponaturi (mermaid) washed up on the beach. Their granddad tells them to offer her refuge in their swimming pool. The ponaturi explains that the storms and earthquakes are causing chaos in the human and mythical worlds alike. However, Charlie can stop the destruction because his shortened limb is a tohu, a sign that he is a part of both worlds. A suspenseful fantasy-adventure, this book is filled with environmental emergencies, extreme weather, close escapes and a resourceful character who manages to use spare prosthetic limbs to save the day. The story is a riveting read for young teens that mixes the old wisdom of Māori traditions with current day climate change catastrophes. The Amazing Edie Eckhart (cat. no. 21) l love Wednesday evenings.  It's football night.  I can go even if Mum's not up to it because my friends can take me. Sometimes she comes and watches me play. Up and Down Mum (cat. no. 30) 32   Sellier, Marie (text) Louis, Catherine (ill) L'île de Victor (Victor's island) Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland: Éditions Loisirs et Pédagogie LEP, 2020 [40pp.] ISBN 978-2-6060-1719-4 Victor is alone on his island, an imaginary place where he feels safe from noise, activity and strong lights. Victor's island is his refuge from the stimulation of everyday life and from interacting with his classmates. In many ways, Victor's actions frighten the other children as much as he is frightened of them. Ultimately, though, Victor and the other children take the time to understand each other’s needs and build friendships. The abstract watercolour-washed illustrations and the spare poetic text serve to focus the reader on how it feels to be autistic rather than giving a medical list of symptoms. The greys, yellows, and blacks capture both the sense of isolation and serenity of an autistic child. The reader will feel overwhelmed, as Victor does, by the representations of the worldly intrusions, which overtake the pages. The publisher, in collaboration with the author and illustrator, was eager to develop a book that reflected her autistic brother. As a picture book, it is designed to be an experience rather than a story. 33   Talbott, Hudson (text and ill) A Walk in the Words New York, US: Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2021 [32pp.] ISBN 978-0-399-54871-0 How do you read when words are like walls keeping you out or twisting tree trunks trying to trip you up? This picture book is based on the author’s journey in learning to read. While others in his class develop their reading skills, the narrator finds words overwhelming. However, because he loves stories, he begins to create his own story, first through pictures alone, then slowly adding words. The illustrations are magnificent. Talbott takes his feelings about words and text and translates them graphically. They will resonate with a reader who has difficulty and will convey to other readers what dyslexia can feel like. Decoding and encoding words in order to read is a process that many children find frustrating. Literacy instruction sometimes overlooks the importance of comprehending, evaluating, inferring and enjoying a book. The book describes how he learns to make sense of words and that there is nothing wrong with reading at his own pace. At the end, Talbott adds a note for children. "I hope that my story will help to heal those who bear similar scars to mine, and will empower young readers who are on their own journey to literacy." A Walk in the Words (cat. no. 33) l honored them all in my . . . . 34  Valdizán, Luigi (text) Sejuro, Natalí (ill) Chispas. Amigos por igual (Chispas. Friends alike) Lima, Peru: Polifonia Editora, 2019 [26pp.] ISBN 978-612-4781-98-8 The goofy and irresistible dog, Chispas, makes a great friend for the young narrator. They play in the park and he cheers her on at wheelchair basketball. He is all the more lovable when he tears apart pillows and misbehaves. Designed for preschoolers, the font is large and the colourful background is textured but uncluttered. Children will love the rhyming text and the enclosed music CD. The narrator is an ambulatory wheelchair user who is seen using crutches as well as her chair. There are other background characters with disabilities represented through the illustrations. This picture book demonstrates the power of friendship and belonging in a child's life. It is cheerful and full of joy, rather than serious and earnest – it simply shows a disabled kid getting to be a kid. 35   Viens, Mylène (text) Pourquoi pas ? (Why not?) Ottawa, Canada: Les Éditions David, 2018 [302 pp.] ISBN 978-2-89597-659-2 Dongye Shuoshuren (cat. no. 39) Seventeen-year-old Myriam has led a relatively sheltered life but longs to go out and see the world. She is planning a road trip to Quebec City with three friends, where she will go to festivals and try hang gliding. She is even going to get a tattoo. Myriam has muscular dystrophy, uses a wheelchair, and has significant support needs. Normally, her parents assist with those needs, but who will do it on the trip? As she begins to question her decision to go, she is reminded that life is about thriving, not just surviving. This coming-of-age novel will resonate with anyone who has ever yearned for adventure or to break out of their everyday routine. Readers will appreciate that Myriam's disability is integrated into the story, rather than a plot device intended to teach the reader a lesson. Drawing on her own experience of muscular dystrophy, the author has written this highly relatable novel for teens using a conversational style and common themes found in young adult literature, such as friendship and finding oneself. 36  Volkova, Nataliya (text) Oranovskaya, Maria (ill) #Kirinblog (#Kira’s blog) Moscow, Russia: Detskaya literatura, 2021 [78pp.] ISBN 978-5-08-006793-8 Kira, a 15-year-old who dreams of becoming an actor, is crushed by a diagnosis of alopecia. Ironically, she has been cast as Rapunzel in a play. In poetic blog entries, she details her raw emotions as she loses her hair, navigates medical treatments, and questions her identity. It is not a linear journey and there are moments of hope and despair. At the finale of the play. Kira movingly incorporates her alopecia into her performance to show that Rapunzel's healing power comes from her inner strength, not enchanted hair. The social media formatting of Kira's story will capture the attention of teenage readers. This framing device effectively conveys the complexities of her thoughts and feelings. The creative design of the book uses blank space, hand lettering and printed text, as well as varied layouts to enrich the reading experience. The striking black and orange illustrations become more tangled and hair-like as her own hair begins to fall out. This realistic look at the experience of adapting to a new illness will have readers wondering how they would cope in such a situation. 37   Webster, Allayne L. (text) Sensitive St. Lucia, Queensland: University of Queensland Press, 2019 [229pp.] ISBN 978-0-7022-6048-3 For thirteen-year-old Samantha, moving to a new town is not scary; it is a chance to reinvent herself. No one at the new school is going to know about her skin! At her old school, everyone knew about her severe eczema and allergies, and Samantha hated it. She hates everything about her condition: the way her skin flakes, the changes in diet and, especially, the way other people look at her. Between her many medical appointments and her mother’s fixation with finding a cure, Samantha’s whole life has become about her illness. Written by an author with similar health issues, this teen novel accurately depicts life with a chronic illness. Webster avoids the common teen novel trope that romanticizes illness; rather, she shows the everyday reality of being sick to be mundane and messy. Readers with disabilities will relate to many aspects of this book, including the way doctors ignore Samantha's concerns as well as her struggle to focus on managing instead of curing her illness. Sensitive shows the physical, mental, and emotional toll of living with a chronic condition. 38  Woltz, Anna (text) De tunnel (The tunnel) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Em. Querido's Uitgeverij, 2021 [231pp.] ISBN 978-90-451-2508-4 "There are three of us now. There were four, but one of us dies. It's better if you know. Right now, before I start..." These gripping words immediately pull you into the lives of four teens, sheltering on the subway platforms of London from bombs in 1940. This fast-paced historical novel features nuanced characters in a realistic plot. Amidst poverty, hunger, fear, sexuality, and always war, diverse characters emerge: Quinn, a naive posh girl who wears trousers and wants to work as a nurse; Ella who limps from polio and has spent the past year in an iron lung; her younger brother Robbie who is always getting into trouble; and Jay, who lives without family, hustling to survive. Ella's focus is on forging a new life post polio. She is recovering from her treatment and is frustrated by people fussing over her. However, being in the subway tunnel causes flashbacks from the claustrophobic iron lung. Readers who have experienced war zones will relate to this novel, as will those seeking an exciting adventure. Simply put, this well-written novel will appeal to a wide range of teen readers. 39   Xu Lu (text) Wang Zumin and Wang Ying (ill) Dongye Shuoshuren (The storytellers of winter nights) Jinan, China: Tomorrow Publishing House, 2018 [44pp.] ISBN 978-7-5332-9586-8 In the mountains of China, there is a tradition of storytelling. When the farming season ends, a group of blind farmers, who are also storytellers, would travel from village to village. They walked in single file, holding a rope to guide each other. Always a highlight of winter, the villagers all gathered in one hut to stay warm and listen to the stories and music. Sometimes the visitors told stories from books, other times familiar legends. When their visit was over, the villagers wished them well, already anticipating their return next year. Looking out on the cold winter landscape, the reader is drawn into the warm scenes inside, which are full of homey details of cooking, mending, and babies. Based on recollections from the author’s childhood, these self-reliant farmers carried on the historical tradition of storytelling at a time when books were not easily available. The book respectfully depicts them as honoured visitors to each community rather than objects for pity. This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the joy of stories and sharing them. 40  Yáñez, Antia (text) Teimoy, Xiana (ill) Plan de rescate (Rescue plan) Vigo, Spain: Edicións Xerais de Galicia, 2020 [176pp.] ISBN 978-84-9121-728-2 It started as an ordinary day for our narrator Noela, who uses a wheelchair, and the other students in her school’s support room for disabled children. Plan de rescate (cat. no. 40) Then alarms begin to sound, and the usual calm turns to chaos. When the school goes into lockdown and their teacher disappears. Noela and her four classmates hatch a plan to save the day. Winner of the Agustin Fernández Paz Prize for Equality (2019), this children's novel is a humorous thriller about friendship, teamwork, and embracing your strengths. Young readers will enjoy the well-developed characters and smoothly flowing plot, as well as the illustrations interspersed throughout the text. Many will also relate to Noela's personality and narrative style, like the way she rolls her eyes at silly grown-ups who underestimate the students. In addition to realistic portrayals of different disabilities, this book also cleverly critiques ableist society. It reminds the reader that a lack of accessibility is the barrier that holds back a disabled person, not their disability. The Amazing Edie Eckhart (cat. no. 21)
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Allen & Unwin
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Éditions Loisirs et Pédagogie (LEP) Chemin de Budron B 4A, 1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland 38
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2, 26  Kalandraka Editora
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Watashi ga shogaisha ja nakunaru hi (cat. no. 6)
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