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## Introduction

*Disability Awareness for Children Pre-K through Sixth Grade* is a descriptive listing of books, games, and activities that educate children with and without disabilities on disability awareness, people-first language, sign language, and braille. The juvenile fiction and nonfiction chosen for this guide provides positive representations of adults and children with disabilities. Characters with disabilities are portrayed as part of a diverse group of disabled and non-disabled peers who participate in daily activities and overcome barriers. Nonfiction texts focus on an array of disabilities including learning impairment, autism and Asperger syndrome, cerebral palsy and motor impairment, and sight and hearing impairment.

The first section highlights pre-K through sixth grade literature available in digital audio, braille, and print/braille formats from The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. The second section targets juvenile literature in audio, braille, and print available through commercial publishers. Print books can include text in print and braille, as well as introductions to the braille alphabet and American Sign Language. The third section includes mobile apps created for children with disabilities and activities and games for groups of children. Finally, the fourth section presents an expanded bibliography of studies on the effect of disability awareness activities on children from pre-K through sixth grade.

## Table of Contents

        - Part 1: Literature Available through The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
        - Part 2: Children’s Educational Fiction Available through Commercial Publishers
        - Part 3: Mobile Apps, Games, and Activities for Disabled Children and Their Peers            - Apps              - From the Apple App Store
            - From Google Play 
          - Activities and Games 
        - Part 4: Bibliography on Pre-K through Sixth Grade Disability Awareness

## Part 1: Literature Available through The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

This section focuses on braille, digital audio, electronic braille, and print/braille books for children pre-K through sixth grade available to patrons of The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Many of the books on this list won the Schneider Family Book Award, given by the American Library Association’s Media Youth Awards, which honors authors and illustrators of children’s books that embody “an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.”

### Able to Play: Overcoming Physical Challengesby Glenn Stout

Download DB74747 2 hours, 7 minutes, read by Bruce HunteyProfiles four professional baseball players: pitcher Mordecai Brown, who lost a finger in a farming accident; third baseman Ron Santo, who dealt with diabetes throughout his career; pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born without his right hand; and outfielder Curtis Pride, who was born deaf. Grades 3-6. 2012.

### Adam Zigzagby Barbara Barrie

Download DB48215 3 hours, 20 minutes, read by Gary TiptonA little boy calls himself “Adam Zigzag” because of the way words on paper look to him. Adam has dyslexia and learning disorders that lead to emotional problems. After years of ineffectual schools and tutors, Adam agrees to try a boarding school, where he finally finds the help he needs. Grades 5-8. 1994.

### After Hamelinby Bill Richardson

Download BR17908 2 volumesDownload DB67326 6 hours, 42 minutes, read by Jill FoxNow aged 101, Penelope recalls her eleventh birthday, when she awoke and could no longer hear. That saved her from following the Pied Piper’s music with the other children of Hamelin. Thus it befell her to set out to rescue the lost boys and girls. Grades 4-7. 2000.

### Alchemy and Meggy Swannby Karen Cushman

Download DB71843 5 hours, 11 minutes, read by Kimberly SchrafLondon, 1573. Summoned by her previously unknown father, thirteen-year-old Meggy arrives at his house only to be scorned for being a girl—and a weak-legged one at that. As Meggy tries to prevent a crime involving her alchemist father, she finds new talents, friends, and an apprenticeship. Grades 5-8. 2010.

### Alexander Graham Bellby Andrew Dunn

Download BR09595 1 volumeDownload DB39192 59 minutes, read by Patricia McDermottAlexander Graham Bell is best known for his invention of the telephone. Bell, whose speech-scientist father produced an alphabet he called “visible speech,” taught deaf children to talk using his father’s system. The author traces Bell’s life from his birth in Scotland in 1847 through his work with sound and the human voice that led to his development of the telephone. Grades 4-7 and older readers. 1990.

### The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexiaby Diane Burton Robb

Download DB58858 16 minutes, read by Erik SynnestvedtAdam likes school but cannot learn to read. In third grade he is diagnosed with dyslexia. With hard work and his teacher’s expert help, Adam gains self-confidence and masters the task of deciphering words. Grades 2-4. 2004.

### Also Known as Harperby Ann Haywood Leal

Download DBC06566 5 hours, 50 minutes, read by Janice RomeiserWriting poetry helps fifth-grader Harper Lee Morgan cope with her father’s absence, being evicted, and having to skip school to care for her brother while their mother works. Things look even brighter after she befriends a mute girl and a kindly disabled woman. Grades 3-6. 2009.

### American Sign Languageby Deborah Kent

Download DB60798 1 hour, 2 minutes, read by Carol DinesExplores the history of American Sign Language and deaf culture. Discusses ongoing controversies within the modern deaf community, such as the manual communication versus speech debate. Grades 3-6. 2003.

### Anything but Typicalby Nora Raleigh Baskin

Download BR18768 1 volumeDownload DB68936 4 hours, 14 minutes, read by Andy PyleSixth-grader Jason Blake is autistic—a silent boy who has trouble fitting in with neurotypicals. He prefers to communicate on the Storyboard website, where he meets PhoenixBird, a girl who likes his writings. What will happen when they attend the Storyboard convention and meet in person? Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 4-7. 2009.

### Back to Front and Upside Down!by Claire Alexander

BR20026 1 volumeStan is excited about making a birthday card for his school principal—until he tries to write a message. For Stan, letters come out back to front and upside down. But a friend convinces him to be brave and ask for help. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades Pre-K-2. 2012.

### Becoming Naomi Leónby Pam Muñoz Ryan

Download BR16277 2 volumesDownload DB60266 4 hours, 26 minutes, read by MaryBeth WiseFor seven years Naomi and brother Owen lived happily with Gram in her trailer. Gram arranged Owen’s surgeries for his physical disabilities and helped Naomi begin to speak again. When their mother reappears, Gram takes the children to Mexico to find their father and their heritage. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 4-7. 2004.

### Beethoven Lives Upstairsby Barbara Nichol

Download DB39533 29 minutes, read by Robert BlumenfeldIn 1822 ten-year-old Christoph writes his uncle an alarming letter that a madman named Ludwig van Beethoven has become a boarder in his house. His widowed mother has rented the upstairs office that was his father’s to the eccentric, deaf composer. Over the next several years the letters between Christoph and his uncle show how the boy’s feelings change from anger and embarrassment to compassion and admiration. Grades K-3 and older readers. 1994.

### Ben, King of the Riverby David Gifaldi

Download DB53630 16 minutes, read by Larry ShapiroChad describes his family’s first camping trip with his five-year-old brother Ben, who has a developmental disability and many allergies. Chad tells about the hard time he has dealing with Ben’s needs and how much he cares about his sibling. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 2001.

### A Blind Guide to Normalby Beth Vrabel

Download DB90816 7 hours, 54 minutes, read by Gary TellesAfter spending the last year at Addison School for the Blind, Ryder relies on his sense of humor when nothing seems to be going right for him at his new school, Papuaville Middle School. Sequel to A Blind Guide to Stinkville (DB83027). Grades 4-7 and older readers. 2016.

### A Blind Guide to Stinkvilleby Beth Vrabel

Download DB83027 5 hours, 51 minutes, read by Pilar WitherspoonLeaving her best friend and the familiarity of Seattle for the paper mill town of "Stinkville," South Carolina, twelve-year-old Alice, who lives with albinism and blindness, decides to enter the town's essay contest. Grades 4-7 and older readers. 2015.

### Blindsidedby Priscilla Cummings

Download BR18999 2 volumesDownload DB71417 6 hours 2 minutes, read by Annie WautersFourteen-year-old Natalie attends a boarding school for the blind to learn braille, cane use, and self-protection skills. After she and her roommate are attacked by drunks, Natalie must decide whether to retreat to her parents’ home or actively claim an independent life. Some violence. Grades 6-9. 2010.

### A Boy and a Jaguarby Alan Rabinowitz

Download BR21015 1 volumeDownload DB82083 12 minutes, read by Nick DePintoAutobiography of a wildcat conservationist. Author discusses his lifelong struggle with stuttering and how his love of animals helped him learn to communicate better, propelling him into a career in wildlife advocacy. Schneider Family Book Award. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades 2-4. 2014.

### The Boys of San Joaquinby D. James Smith

Download DB63488 5 hours, 2 minutes, read by Geoffrey CentlivreCalifornia, 1951. Twelve-year-old Paolo, his little brother Georgie, and their deaf cousin Billy join the search for money missing from the church collection. The boys are surprised by what they learn about their small town before they finally discover the culprit. Edgar Award. Grades 5-8. 2005.

### Brian’s Birdby Patricia Anne Davis

Download DB53740 12 minutes, read by Saidah Arrika EkulonaBrian, who is blind, enjoys learning to care for the parakeet he receives on his eighth birthday. He comes to realize that his older brother, Kevin, while sometimes careless, is not so bad after all. For grades K-3. 2000.

### The Bus Peopleby Rachel Anderson

Download BR10318 1 volumeDownload DB43529 3 hours, 32 minutes, read by M.E. DePalmaBertram wouldn’t swap places with any of the other school bus drivers even though they call his route the “fruitcake run.” First we meet a girl who has Down syndrome as she learns a heartbreaking lesson at her sister’s wedding. Then there are more portraits of Bertram’s special passengers: a child who uses a wheelchair, another who doesn’t speak, and a boy who falls off his big sister’s bike and injures his brain. Grades 5-8. 1989.

### Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Taleby Barbara Diamond Goldin

BR20008 1 volumeHershel, the only blind boy in his village, wants to help his widowed mother in the kitchen. She does not believe that he can shape the dough into cookies. But Hershel surprises his mother on Purim morning. Includes notes on the origins of the holiday. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2010.

### The Cannibalsby Iain Lawrence

Download DB66950 7 hours, 9 minutes, read by Erik SandvoldContinuing the tale begun in The Convicts (DB66724), Tom Tin; his friend Midgely, who is blind; and other juvenile convicts escape the ship that is carrying them to Australia. Ignoring Tom’s father’s warnings about headhunters and cannibals, they head for a small Pacific island. Grades 5-8. 2005.

### Can You Feel the Thunder?by Lynn E. McElfresh

Download BR12527 1 volumeDownload DB49128 3 hours, 29 minutes, read by Gary TiptonSeventh-grader Mic Parsons has mixed feelings about his fifteen-year-old, deaf-blind sister Stephanie. And if he doesn’t pass mathematics, his parents won’t let him try out for baseball. After Stephanie helps Mic learn fractions, he comes to appreciate her in a new way. Grades 5-8. 1999.

### Changes for Julie: An American Girl, 1974; Book 6by Megan McDonald

Download BR17631 1 volumeDownload DB66614 1 hour, 43 minutes, read by Kerry Dukin1976. Fifth-grader Julie lands in detention for writing a note to help her friend Joy, who is deaf. Vowing to change the detention system, Julie runs for student-body president. With Joy as her running mate, Julie faces unexpected opposition. Grades 3-6. 2007.

### Child of the Silent Nightby Edith F. Hunter

Download BR13357 1 volumeDownload DB25699 1 hour, 40 minutes, read by Suzanne TorenThis moving story, set at the Perkins Institute during the nineteenth century, describes Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe’s success in teaching Laura Bridgman, a deaf-blind child. Grades 4-7. 1963.

### Chuck Close, Up Closeby Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan

Download DB46414 48 minutes, read by Rick RohanThis biography of the portrait artist tells about his undiagnosed childhood problems with dyslexia and learning disabilities, when art was the only subject he enjoyed. He was a famous painter in the 1960s, but was paralyzed from the neck down in 1988. The doctors said his career was over, but Close is painting again. Grades 4-7. 1998.

### Close to Famousby Joan Bauer

Download BR19473 2 volumesDownload DB73023 4 hours, 16 minutes, read by Mare TrevathanAfter escaping her mother’s abusive boyfriend, twelve-year-old Foster McFee and her mother make a new start in Culpepper, West Virginia. Her mom wants to be a lead singer, while Foster dreams of becoming a famous TV chef—and of mastering reading, despite her learning disability. Grades 5-6. 2011.

### Close Your Eyesby Michelle Friedman

Download DBC03902 15 minutes, read by Eleanor CrawfordIn cheerful rhymes, a young blind girl invites readers to join her as she plays, learns, explores, and dreams about her bright future. Grades K-3. 2013.

### A Corner of the Universeby Ann M. Martin

Download BR16894 1 volumeDownload DB55807 4 hours, 15 minutes read by Simone SiekalyTwelve-year-old Hattie experiences a tragic summer in 1960 when her young, mentally ill uncle Adam comes to stay with her grandparents. Hattie befriends him, but no one knows how to handle his moods, least of all Adam himself. Newbery Honor. Grades 6-9. 2002.

### Dad, Jackie, and Meby Myron Uhlberg

BR16354 1 volumeBrooklyn, New York; 1947. A boy learns about discrimination and tolerance as he and his deaf father share their enthusiasm over baseball and the Dodgers’ firstAfrican American player, Jackie Robinson. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 2-4. 2005.

### Dead End Bluffby Elizabeth Witheridge

Download DB73569 3 hours, 46 minutes, read by Gregory GortonFor eighth-grader Quig, who is blind, the steep bluff at Dead End that he is forbidden to climb symbolizes all the dead ends in his life. Then one night Quig hears his seven-year-old brother Tommy fall into the river at the bottom of the cliff. Grades 4-7. 1966.

### The Deaf Musiciansby Pete Seeger and Paul DuBois Jacobs

Download BR17245, 1 volumeDownload DB64140 10 minutes, read by Michael RussottoJazz pianist Lee is asked to leave his band when he loses his hearing. At sign language class, Lee meets Max who plays the sax. Riding the subway together, they form a new band with a big audience. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades K-3 and older readers. 2006.

### Dear Santa, Please Come to the 19th Floorby Chris Soentpiet Yin

BR15015 1 volumeWilly wants to make this Christmas special for his best friend now that Carlos is in a wheelchair. So he emails Santa asking him to bring a gift to Carlos in his apartment on the nineteenth floor. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2002.

### The Disability Rights Movementby Deborah Kent

Download BR12750 1 volumeDownload DB49998 32 minutes, read by Rick FoucheuxA chronicle of milestones in the ongoing fight for disability rights in the United States. Includes the 1940 establishment of the National Federation of the Blind, the passing of both the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Grades 4-7. 1996.

### Djangoby Bonnie Christensen

BR19012 1 volumeFree-verse portrait of world-acclaimed jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt (1910–1953), from his birth in a poor gypsy camp to his stardom on the stages of Paris. Describes Django learning to play the guitar again after badly burning his left hand. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 2-4. 2009.

### A Dog Called Homelessby Sarah Lean

Download BR19594 2 volumesDownload DB75450 3 hours, 15 minutes, read by Erin JonesFifth-grader Cally, who stopped talking for a day as part of a contest at school, continues her silence. But visions of her deceased mother; a new friendship with Sam, a deaf-blind boy; and the appearance of a huge dog keep her communicating. Grades 3-6. 2012.

### Dovey Coeby Frances O’Roark Dowell

Download BR13204 1 volumeIn North Carolina in 1928, twelve-year-old Dovey Coe is on trial for the murder of Parnell Caraway, who wanted to marry Dovey’s older sister. Recounting whatled to this crisis, Dovey tells about her family and her special bond with Amos, her thirteen-year-old deaf brother. Grades 5-8. 2000.

### Do You Remember the Color Blue?: And Other Questions Kids Ask about Blindnessby Sally Hobart Alexander

Download DB50319 1 hour, 50 minutes, read by Barbara PinoliniA writer who went blind at age twenty-six answers questions that children have frequently asked during her visits to schools. She discusses reading, working with her guide dog, meeting her husband, and parenting her two children, as well as her reactions to being blind. Grades 4-7. 2000.

### Eddie’s Blue Winged Dragonby C.S. Adler

Download BR08463 1 volumeDownload DB32596 3 hours, 7 minutes, read by Ilona DulaskiEleven-year-old Eddie, a tough, gutsy kid with cerebral palsy, has a burning desire to get even just once, with Darrin, the bully who makes his life so miserable at school, and with Miss Clark, an unfair teacher who claims she can’t understand his sometimes garbled speech. When Eddie buys a glass dragon as a birthday gift for his sister Mina, reality and fantasy blend as the dragon turns into a living weapon of revenge. Grades 5-8. 1988.

### Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboahby Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls

BR21066 1 volumeBorn in Ghana with one deformed leg, Emmanuel was raised to reach for his dreams. He hopped to and from school more than two miles each way, provided for his family, and eventually became a cyclist and activist for people with disabilities. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades K-3 and older readers. 2015.

### Everything You Need to Know about Cerebral Palsyby Dion Pincus

Download DB51258 1 hour, 19 minutes, read by Graci Ragsdale MillerPresents facts concerning cerebral palsy (CP)—the most common lifelong physical disability in the U.S.—and refutes some myths. Discusses different forms of the disorder, its causes, and treatments. Uses case studies to portray how young people deal with this condition. Grades 4-7. 2000.

### Family Remindersby Julie Danneberg

Download DB69927 1 hour, 13 minutes, read by Gabriella CavalleroCripple Creek, Colorado; 1890s. When Mary’s father loses his leg in a mining accident, he stops playing the piano and carving reminders of family happenings in wood. Ten-year-old Mary finds a job for her father that uses his talent and brings back the laughter in their home. Grades 3-6. 2009.

### Featherless/Desplumadoby/por Juan Felipe Herrera

BR16017 1 volume/volumenSpina bifida keeps Tomasito in a wheelchair, where he often feels like his featherless pet bird, Desplumado, who cannot fly. But with the bird’s help, he finds freedom on the soccer field. Bilingual English/Spanish book. Grades K-3. (Tomasito sufre de la espina bífida y anda en una silla de ruedas. Muchas veces se siente igual a Desplumado, su pájaro que no tiene plumas y que no puede volar. Pero con la ayuda de Desplumado, Tomasito va a buscar éxito en el campo de fútbol. Edición bilingüe en inglés y español. Para grados K a 3.) PRINT/BRAILLE. 2004.

### Fish in a Treeby Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Download BR21151 1 volumeDownload DB80497 5 hours, 46 minutes, read by Kathleen McInernyBullied and moved from different schools, sixth grader Ally creatively distracts anyone from discovering that she has problems reading. But one teacher, Mr. Daniels, helps her understand that she has dyslexia and encourages Ally to understand her feelings in a new way. Commercial audiobook. Grades 4-7 and older readers. 2015.

### Franklin D. Rooseveltby Don Nardo

Download DB46895 2 hours, 53 minutes, read by Randy DavidsonBiography of the only U.S. president who was elected to four terms in office. Describes how Roosevelt contracted poliomyelitis years before his presidency. Although his rivals in the New York governor’s race tried to use his physical disability to discredit him, Roosevelt proved to be an effective campaigner and a respected leader. Grades 5-8 and older readers. 1996.

### From Bat Sonar to Canes for the Blindby Toney Allman

Download BR17431 1 volumeExplains the echolocation skills used by bats that became the basis for designing a cane to permit people who are blind to have more freedom of movement. Discusses the UltraCane--a white cane fitted with transmitters to bounce signals off objects within ten feet. Grades 3-6 and older readers. 2006.

### From Charlie’s Point of Viewby Richard Scrimger

Download DB61308 7 hours, 21 minutes, read by Michael RussottoFourteen-year-old Charlie was born blind, but that does not deter him from proving his father’s innocence in the Stocking Bandit bank robber case. Charlie enlists the help of two friends and a guardian angel to find the real criminal, following leads to a family crypt. Grades 6-9. 2005.

### Gentle’s Holler: A Novelby Kerry Madden

Download DB61144 4 hours, 42 minutes, read by Kristin AllisonGreat Smoky Mountains, North Carolina; 1960s. Livy Two worries that love and music cannot feed a family of ten, especially since her father has no steady job, her sister Gentle is probably blind, and her mother keeps having babies. Then her bossy grandmother pays a visit. Grades 5-8. 2005.

### Granny Torrelli Makes Soupby Sharon Creech

Download BR15241 1 volumeDownload DB57472 1 hour, 55 minutes, read by Laura GiannarelliRosie’s grandmother knows that the kitchen is a wonderful place for trading confidences and advice in the form of stories. When Rosie and her best friend, Bailey, who is vision impaired, have a falling out, Granny Torrelli reunites them through cooking. Grades 5-8. 2003.

### Handbook for Dragon Slayersby Merrie Haskell

Download BR20379 3 volumesDownload DB77878 7 hours, 23 minutes, read by Jill FoxWhile visiting a neighboring noble to assist him with his tax records, reluctant Princess Matilda is kidnapped by her cousin in a plot to steal her lands. Matilda's crush Parz and handmaiden Judith rescue her, and the trio go on the run—and learn dragon slaying. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 5-8. 2013.

### A Handful of Starsby Cynthia Lord

Download DB82133 4 hours, 14 minutes, read by Margaret StormWhen her blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar, twelve-year-old Lily meets Salma Santiago, a young Hispanic girl whose migrant family is in Maine for the blueberry-picking season. The two forge a friendship, but are confronted with some of the hard truths of prejudice and migrant life. Grades 4-7. 2015.

### Hanni and Beth: Safe and Soundby Beth Kinke and Anthony Alex LeTourneau

Download BR18022 1 volumeDownload DB67181 13 minutes, read by Jill FerrisSeeing Eye dog Hanni describes her routine duties to guide and protect her partner Beth, who is blind. Both Hanni and Beth provide personal notes about their background. ASPCA Award. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2007.

### Harry Sueby Sue Stauffacher

Download DB62859 5 hours, 14 minutes, read by Kristin AllisonTough-sounding eleven-year-old Harry Sue thinks she wants to go to jail and be reunited with her mother. But Harry Sue spends her time protecting the children in her neglectful grandmother’s home day-care center and motivating her best friend Homer, a quadriplegic, who lives in a tree house. Grades 4-7. 2005.

### Helen Kellerby George Sullivan

Download BR14116 1 volumeDownload DB53971 2 hours, 1 minute, read by Kimberly SchrafBiography of the gifted woman who successfully dealt with her own disabilities while trying to better the lives of other deaf and blind people. Uses excerpts from Helen Keller’s writings. Grades 3-6. 2000.

### Helen Keller: A Light for the Blindby Kathleen V. Kudlinski

Download DB34676 1 hour, 3 minutes, read by Ilona DulaskiHelen Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Alabama. When she was a toddler, a terrible fever left her deaf and blind. At first everyone spoiled Helen and allowed her to misbehave. By the age of six, she was uncontrollable. Her parents asked Anne Sullivan, a teacher from the Perkins School for the Blind, to come and teach Helen. Helen became famous for her work on behalf of persons with disabilities. Grades 3-6. 1989.

### Helen Keller: From Tragedy to Triumphby Katharine E. Wilkie

Download BR06053 1 volumeDownload DB22657 2 hours, 32 minutes, read by Sylvia GrandmaisonThis biography focuses on the childhood years of the deaf and blind woman who learned to read, write, and speak with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Grades 3-6. 1969.

### Helen Keller: Lighting the Way for the Blind and Deafby Carin T. Ford

Download DB53574 2 hours, 17 minutes, read by Graci Ragsdale MillerDiscusses the life and accomplishments of Helen Keller (1880–1968). Covers how illness left her blind and deaf at an early age and how her teacher, Annie Sullivan, helped her overcome these handicaps. Describes Keller’s determination to have a college education and to improve conditions for others. Grades 6-9. 2001.

### Helen Keller: Out of a Dark and Silent Worldby Sandra H. Shichtman

Download DB59217 46 minutes, read by Patricia McDermottA biography of the deaf and blind woman who became an internationally celebrated speaker, writer, and advocate for people with disabilities. Grades 2-4. 2002.

### Helen Keller: Rebellious Spiritby Laurie Lawlor

Download BR14162 2 volumesDownload DB54590 4 hours, 49 minutes, read by Catherine ByersBiography of the blind and deaf girl whose spirit knew no limitations. Discusses Keller’s achievements in the context of the social expectations for women and people with disabilities in the early twentieth century. Describes her disappointments and frustrations as well as her accomplishments. Grades 5-8. 2001.

### Helen’s Eyes: A Photobiography of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller’s Teacherby Marfé Ferguson Delano

Download BR18195 1 volumeDownload DB67852 1 hour, 41 minutes, read by Mitzi FriedlanderCovers the life of Annie Sullivan (1866–1936), which changed dramatically in 1887 when she met blind and deaf pupil seven-year-old Helen Keller. Examines their breakthrough in communication, rise to fame, financial difficulties, and constant mutual respect and devotion. Grades 4-7. 2008.

### Heroes for My Sonby Brad Meltzer

Download BR19080 1 volumeThe author profiles some fifty men and women as examples to live by for his eight-year-old son. Includes the Wright Brothers; Frank Shankwitz, creator of the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and a boy with cerebral palsy whose father pushes his wheelchair in races. Uncontracted braille. Grades 3-6 and older readers. 2010.

### The Hickory Chairby Lisa Rowe Fraustino

Download BR13096 1 volumeA blind boy tells of his warm relationship with his grandmother. After she dies, every family member—except him—finds notes on special things she has left for them. He chooses her favorite chair as a remembrance, and years later, his grandchild finds a note inside—for him. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2001.

### Hoggeeby Anna Myers

Download DB61365 5 hours, 26 minutes, read by Bill WallaceNew York State, 1800s. Teenager Howard Gardner is a hoggee, or mule-driver, on the Erie Canal, but he wants to be more. When he helps a deaf girl learn sign language and teaches her sister to read, he renews his own determination to obtain more schooling. Grades 5-8. 2004.

### Hoop Girlzby Lucy Jane Bledsoe

Download DB58225 2 hours, 37 minutes, read by Mimi BedermanEleven-year-old River, who loves basketball, is not chosen to play in the town’s tournament. She decides to create her own new team. With fourteen-year-old brother Zack as coach, River and her friends—including Jennifer in her wheelchair—play their hearts out. Grades 5-8. 2002.

### Hurt Go Happyby Ginny Rorby

Download BR17668 2 volumesDownload DB64465 6 hours, 53 minutes, read by Nicola DavalThirteen-year-old Joey Willis, deaf since age seven, has an overprotective mother who refuses to let her daughter learn sign language. When Joey meets neighbor Dr. Mansell and his sign-using chimpanzee Sukari, her world blooms with possibilities. But a crisis involving Sukari brings Joey some heavy responsibilities. Schneider Family Book Award. Grade 6-9. 2006.

### I Funny: A Middle School Storyby James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

Download DB79367 3 hours, 11 minutes, read by Frankie SeratchResolving to become the world’s greatest stand-up comedian despite less-than-funny challenges in his life, wheelchair-user and middle-school student Jamie Grimm endures bullying from his mean-spirited cousin and hopes he will be fairly judged when he enters a local comedy contest. Commercial audiobook. Grades 4-7. 2012.

### I Got a “D” in Salamiby Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Download DB56647 3 hours, 28 minutes, read by Ray ChildsWhen Hank Zipzer, a boy who is dyslexic, sees that he has Ds in all his major subjects, he wishes his report card would disappear. So it does—into the meat grinder at his mother’s deli, ruining a batch of salami for a new customer. But Hank thinks he has a solution. Grades 3-6. 2003.

### I Have a Sister—My Sister Is Deafby Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson

Download DB62871 8 minutes, read by Victoria GordonAn older sister affectionately explains how she and her younger, deaf sister communicate in a variety of everyday situations at home, outdoors, and on the playground. Grades K-3. 1977

### It’s Your Turn at Bat: Featuring Mark Rileyby Barbara Aiello and Jeffrey Shulman

Download BR07831 1 volumeDownload DB29918 46 minutes, read by John StrattonWhile reluctantly doing research on sewing machines for a school report, Mark, a fifth-grader with cerebral palsy, discovers that the money for his team’s baseball jerseys is missing! Mark now finds himself feeling a lot more friendly toward sewing machines. Includes a question and answer section about cerebral palsy. Grades 3-6. 1988.

### Jeremy’s Dreidelby Ellie Gellman

Download BR12254 1 volumeDownload DB48390 15 minutes, read by David EliasJeremy’s art class at the Jewish center is making dreidels for Hanukkah. Each child can design one. Jeremy plans to use a special design for his father, who is blind. For grades 3-6 and older readers. 1992.

### Josh: A Boy with Dyslexiaby Caroline Janover

Download DB53876 2 hours, 1 minute, read by Christopher WalkerJosh has just moved to New Jersey and is worried about starting fifth grade because he has a learning disability and will be in a special class. Josh’s dyslexia causes teasing and bullying, but he gains respect and friendship for characteristics that really count. Grades 4-7. 1988.

### The Junkyard Wondersby Patricia Polacco

Download DB72165 33 minutes, read by Margaret StormThe special-needs students taught by Mrs. Peterson—who believes each of them is a genius—build something that just might convince the whole school why the classmates are justifiably proud to be “junkyard wonders.” Grades 2-4. 2010.

### Kami and the Yaksby Andrea Stenn Stryer

Download BR17041 1 volumeDownload DBC08591 15 minutes, read by Sandra MartinezWith a storm approaching, Kami—a deaf Sherpa boy—finds the littlest of his family’s four yaks stuck in a crevice. Kami bravely rushes home and acts out the yak’s plight then leads his father and brother to the rescue. Schneider Family Book Award. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2007.

### Keep Your Ear on the Ballby Genevieve Petrillo

BR17046 1 volumeDavey, a new student who is blind, refuses all help from his sighted classmates, even while playing kickball at recess. The students figure out a way to help Davey help himself by using his hearing to full advantage—and keeping his independence. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2007.

### Kids with Special Needs: IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)by Sheila Stewart, Camden Flath, and Zachary Chastain

Download DB73888 8 hours, 2 minutes, read by Kerry DukinEleven books that feature fictional narratives along with facts about common chronic conditions. Covers speech, hearing, or vision impairments; autism; physical challenges; intellectual disabilities; ongoing illnesses, such as epilepsy; emotional disturbances; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; brain injuries; and learning disabilities. Grades 2-4. 2011.

### King of the Mound: My Summer with Satchel Paigeby Wes Tooke

Download BR19580 2 volumesDownload DB75321 3 hours, 57 minutes, read by Todd FoxTwelve-year-old Nick loves baseball and pitching. After spending a year in the hospital with a brace on his leg, fighting polio, Nick takes a job with the Bismarck Churchills—where his dad is the catcher—and gets to see the great Satchel Paige pitch the 1935 season. For grades 4- 7 and older readers. 2012.

### Knockin’ on Wood: Starring Peg Leg Batesby Lynne Barasch

BR16031 1 volumeBiography of world famous African American tap dancer who had only one leg. Tells about Clayton Bates’s unstoppable love of dancing, his accident in 1919 at age twelve, and the wooden leg his uncle whittled for him—the peg leg that became his nickname. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2004.

### Knots on a Counting Ropeby Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

BRA19125 1 volumeDownload DB27709 12 minutes, read by John StrattonBoy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses is a young Indian boy who is blind. He loves to hear his grandfather tell the story of his birth, the training of his horse Rainbow, and the exciting horse race in which he participated. For grades K-3. 1987.

### The Last Best Days of Summerby Valerie Hobbs

Download DB71393 4 hours, 16 minutes, read by Gabriella CavalleroLucy’s week with her grandmother goes awry when her friend Eddie, who has Down syndrome, shows up looking for her. She worries that his attachment will isolate her in middle school. But her grandmother, despite a failing memory, has wise advice about leading with her heart. Grades 4-7. 2010.

### Living with Cerebral Palsyby Paul Pimm

Download DB51437 28 minutes, read by Kerry DukinPresents four young people between the ages of nine and eighteen who have varying degrees of cerebral palsy. Discusses possible causes, effects, and treatment of the condition. Explains how these four individuals deal with school, work, and daily activities. Grades 3-6. 2000.

### Looking after Louisby Lesley Ely

Download DB58701 7 minutes, read by Erin JonesWhen Louis, a boy with autism, joins a new classroom, the children try to understand his world and to include him in theirs. Grades K-3. 2004.

### Looking out for Sarahby Glenna Lang

BR14009 1 volumeDescribes a day in the life of Perry, a seeing-eye dog. He guides his owner, Sarah, to the grocery store and the post office and on a school visit. He dreams about the month that he and Sarah walked from Boston to New York. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades K-3. 2001.

### Making of My Special Hand: Madison’s Storyby Jamee Riggio Heelan

BR14001 1 volumeDownload DBC06785 13 minutes, read by Rachel GlassMadison, a little girl born with one hand, tells about having a helper hand made specially for her. She explains all the stages involved in fitting her for a battery-operated prosthesis that allows her to open and close her new hand. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1998.

### Mandy Sue Dayby Roberta Karim

BR13003 1 volumeDownload DB40732 9 minutes, read by Pam WardMandy Sue’s farmer father promises each of the children one day without chores, and today is Mandy Sue day. She spends it riding and talking to her horse, Ben, and although Mandy Sue is blind, she knows her best friend’s ears flick back to hear her. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1994.

### A Mango-Shaped Spaceby Wendy Mass

Download BRC00737 3 volumesDownload DB56666 6 hours, 27 minutes, read by Constance CrawfordEighth-grader Mia has been keeping a secret—even from her best friend, Jenna—ever since third grade, when she realized that not everyone sees a color for each name, number, and sound. Problems at school and her cat’s death lead Mia to discoveries about herself and synesthesia. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 5-8. 2003.

### Margaret’s Movesby Berniece Rabe

Download DB27084 2 hours, 6 minutes, read by Mary O’NealNine-year-old Margaret is a bright, spunky child with spina bifida. When her younger brother, Rusty, the fastest kid on the block, catches a prize balloon fromthe Spring Hill Mall that she barely misses, she is determined to earn enough money for a new, super fast, sports-model wheelchair. Sequel to The Balancing Girl. Grades 3-6. 1987.

### Maxi’s Secrets (Or, What You Can Learn from a Dog)by Lynn Plourde

Download BR21794 2 volumesDownload DB86948 6 hours, 38 minutes, read by Nona PipesTimminy is reluctant to leave Portland behind and move to the country. As a consolation prize, however, he gains Maxi, a gentle giant of a dog who the family quickly discovers is deaf. Maxi changes Timminy’s life forever. Grades 4-7. 2016.

### Memorial Day Surpriseby Theresa Martin Golding

Download DB58420 6 minutes, read by Erin JonesMarco’s mother promises him a surprise at the Memorial Day parade. He thinks all the participants are the special treat until he spots his abuelo, or grandfather, in a wheelchair and uniform leading the rest of the veterans. Grades Pre-K-2. 2004.

### The Million-Dollar Puttby Dan Gutman

Download DB64673 3 hours and 32 minutes, read by Erik SandvoldThirteen-year-old Ed “Bogie” Bogard, blind since age four, enjoys the guitar and sports. Because Bogie can't play golf alone, he teams up with Birdie, his shy neighbor. Then someone enters Bogie in a million-dollar putting contest. Grades 5-8. 2006.

### Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Kellerby Sara Elizabeth Miller

Download BR17490 2 volumesDownload DB65467> 4 hours, 59 minutes, read by Michele SchaefferAlabama, 1887. Twenty-year-old Annie Sullivan, newly hired to teach a six-year-old deaf, blind, and thoroughly spoiled girl, Helen Keller, finds she must contend with Helen’s indulgent parents as well. Sign language finally becomes communication when Helen makes her first breakthrough. Grades 5-8 and older readers. 2007.

### Mockingbirdby Kathryn Erskine

Download DB72623 4 hours, 7 minutes, read by Kate KileyCaitlin, a ten-year-old with Asperger syndrome, has difficulty grieving over the recent death of her brother Devon, who often explained things to her. After looking up “closure” in the dictionary, Caitlin tries to convince her father that finishing Devon’s Eagle Scout project will help them cope. Winner of the National Book Award. Grades 4-7. 2010.

### Molly Moon’s Hypnotic Time Travel Adventureby Georgia Byng

Download DB61664 8 hours, 12 minutes, read by Annie WautersAfter eleven-year-old Molly Moon and her parents are reunited, a mysterious turbaned gardener hypnotizes her. Eventually transported to nineteenth-century India, Molly meets not only a maharajah with a speech disability but also former versions of herself. Sequel to Molly Moon Stops the World (DB61292). Grades 4-7. 2005

### Moses Goes to a Concertby Isaac Millman

BR12011 1 volumeDownload DB47373 32 minutes, read by Lindsay EllisonMoses and his classmates, who are deaf, go to a concert with their teacher. Performing with the orchestra is a percussionist who is also deaf. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1998.

### My Brother Charlie: A Sister’s Story of Autismby Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete

Download DBC09625 15 minutes, read by Eric SchmittA girl tells what it is like living with her twin brother who has autism and sometimes finds it hard to communicate with words, but who, in most ways, is just like any other boy. Includes authors’ note about autism. Grades Pre-K-2. 2010.

### My Pal, Victor/Mi Amigo, Victorby/por Diane Gonzales Bertrand

BR16002 1 volume/volumenDominic talks about the activities he enjoys with his best friend Victor: jokes and stories, sleepovers, rides at the amusement park, swimming. Only the ending reveals that Victor uses a wheelchair. Bilingual book in English and Spanish. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades K-3. (A Dominic le gusta hacer muchas cosas con su mejor amigo, Víctor. Se cuentan chistes y cuentos, van a nadar, visitan el parque de atracciones, y muchas veces pasan la noche juntos. Y sólo al fin nos da cuenta que Víctor anda en una silla de ruedas. Libro bilingüe en inglés y español. Premio Familia Schneider. Para grados K a 3.) PRINT/BRAILLE. 2004.

### My Sister Annieby Bill Dodds

Download DB52247 1 hour, 43 minutes, read by Brian ConnCharlie, eleven, faces some challenges—pitching for the baseball team, asking a girl to the school dance, and wanting to be accepted by the guys in a local gang. All these things are complicated by his feelings about his older sister with Down syndrome. Grades 4-7. 1993.

### My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulayby Cari Best

Download DBC06865 18 minutes, read by Rachel GlassZulay and her three best friends are all in the same first grade class and study the same things, even though Zulay is blind. When their teacher asks her students what activity they want to do on Field Day, Zulay surprises everyone when she says she wants to run a race. With the help of a special aide and the support of her friends, Zulay does just that. Grades K-3. 2015.

### The Next-Door Dogsby Colby Rodowsky

Download DB61993 57 minutes, read by Mimi BedermanEven though nine-year-old Sara is afraid of dogs, she becomes friends with a new neighbor who has two pets. When Ms. Harrington falls down in her back yard, Sara is alerted by the dogs’ barking and finds the courage to overcome her fear. Grades 2-4. 2005.

### Nick’s Secretby Claire H. Blatchford

Download DB51993 3 hours, 22 minutes, read by Gary TiptonIn this sequel to Nick’s Mission (DB43812), deaf seventh-grader Nick and his dog, Wags, are in danger from a bully and his gang at a deserted motel. But he is rescued by a mysterious girl who trains sheepdogs. Grades 4-7. 2000.

### Nothing Wrong with a Three-Legged Dogby Graham McNamee

Download BR15200 1 volumeDownload DB57582 2 hours, 46 minutes, read by Don HagenShy and the only white kid in his fourth-grade class, Keath is an easy target for bullies. His friendship with classmate Lynda and her three-legged dog, Leftovers, helps Keath cope with visiting his beloved grandmother, who is dealing with the effects of a stroke, and stand up to his major tormentor in school. Grades 3-6. 2000.

### Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask about Having a Disabilityby Shane Burcaw

published by Roaring Book PressDownload DB90569 19 minutes, read by Joe PeckWith equal parts optimism, humor, and empathy, Burcaw answers the questions young children ask about his wheelchair and life with spinal muscular atrophy. For grades K-3. 2017.

### Oh, Yes I Can!by Robinette Apelgren

Download DBC03928 14 minutes, read by Linda CohnStory based on the early experiences of Carmen Apelgren, who never let her visual impairment keep her from being a reader, a swimmer, a cheerleader, or anything else she wanted to be. Grades K-3. 2007.

### One-Handed Catchby Mary Jane Auch

Download DB64853, 6 hours, 20 minutes, read by John Polk1940s. Sixth-grader Norman Schmidt’s desire to be a baseball player or an artist suffers a setback when he loses his left hand in a meat grinder. But a mother who makes him do everything for himself and his own determination put Norm on the baseball team. Grades 4-7. 2006.

### Out of My Mindby Sharon M. Draper

Download DB71173 6 hours, 27 minutes, read by Jill FoxCerebral palsy limits fifth grader Melody’s physical movements and ability to speak but not her capacity to think. In an inclusion class, with the help of her university student aide, Melody figures out what she needs to truly communicate and in doing so surprises many people. Grades 4-7. 2010.

### Painting in the Dark: Esref Armagan, Blind Artistby Rachelle Burk

Download BR22239 1 volumeDownload DB90820 28 minutes, read by Faith PottsDescribes the life and career of Esref Armagan, a blind artist from Turkey. Esref spent his childhood days in his father’s shop, where he developed a curiosity to create and draw. He even taught himself colors, shadows, and perspective. Grades 2-4. 2016.

### Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatumby Robert Andrew Parker

Download BR18019 1 volumeDownload DB08576 16 minutes, read by Brian HotalingBad eyesight doesn’t stop Art Tatum from learning to play his family piano. Art’s musical career grows from playing professional shows in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, to appearing with jazz bands across the country. Includes biographical information. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2008.

### A Picture Book of Louis Brailleby David A. Adler

Download BR14002 1 volumeDownload DB53405 15 minutes, read by Erik SandvoldPresents the life of the nineteenth-century Frenchman who was accidentally blinded as a child. Louis Braille originated the raised dot system of reading and writing used throughout the world by visually impaired individuals. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1997.

### The Pirate of Kindergartenby George Ella Lyon

Download BR20015 1 volumeDownload DB72631 6 minutes, read by Jill FoxGinny’s eyes play tricks on her, making her see everything double. After vision-screening day at school, she goes to a doctor who recommends eye exercises and a patch that turns her into a kindergarten pirate. PRINT/BRAILLE. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades Pre-K-2. 2010.

### Prairie School: A Storyby Avi

Download DB52740 17 minutes, read by Norma LanaWhen Aunt Dora, a schoolteacher, comes to visit Noah’s family in 1880, nine-year-old Noah feels no need to read or write. But Aunt Dora changes his mind by expanding his world while he pushes her wheelchair across the prairie. Grades 2-4. 2001.

### Private and Confidential: A Story about Brailleby Marion Ripley

Download BR15056 1 volumeWhen ten-year-old Laura discovers that her new Australian pen pal, Malcolm, has vision problems, she learns how to use a neighbor's braille machine in order to write to him. Includes an alphabet card and a braille message. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades 2-4 and older readers. 2003.

### Probably the World’s Best Story about a Dog and the Girl Who Loved Meby D. James Smith

Download DB64096 4 hours, 53 minutes, read by Geoffrey CentlivreCalifornia, 1951. Twelve-year-old Paolo, his six-year-old brother Georgie, and their nine-year-old deaf cousin Billy try to find their missing dog, cope with a new paper route, and discover romance in their small hometown. Sequel to The Boys of San Joaquin (DB63488). Grades 5-8. 2006

### Rainbow Joe and Meby Maria Diaz Strom

BR13091 1 volumeEloise loves to paint pictures in bright colors that she describes for her elderly blind neighbor Rainbow Joe. Joe tells her he too can make colors sing and promises one day to show her his own special way with them. And one Sunday, for a surprise, he does just that. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1999.

### Rain Reignby Ann M. Martin

Download BR20539 2 volumesDownload DB79921 4 hours, read by Jill FoxStruggling with Asperger's, Rose shares a bond with her beloved dog. But when the dog goes missing during a storm, Rose is forced to the limits of her comfort zone--which may mean leaving her routines in order to search for her pet. Winner of the Dolly Gray Award 2014. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 2014.

### Reaching for Sunby Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Download BR17651 1 volumeDownload DB66052 1 hour 27 minutes, read by Celeste LawsonJosie, born with cerebral palsy, lives with her mother and grandmother, who both love gardening. When a lonely boy, Jordan, moves in nearby, he and Josie relate through their interest in nature, and Josie makes her first friend. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 4-7. 2007.

### Remember Dippyby Shirley Reva Vernick

Download BR20384 2 volumesDownload DB77888 4 hours, 1 minute, read by Steven CarpenterVermont. After reluctantly agreeing to spend the summer helping out his older, autistic cousin named Remember, Johnny is surprised to find that they become good friends. Soon an unlikely romance and an adventure with two cunning ferrets add to the mix. Winner of the Dolly Gray Award. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2013.

### Ruby Lu, Empress of Everythingby Lenore Look

Download DB62801 1 hour, 41 minutes, read by Kristin AllisonRuby is happy that her aunt, uncle, and deaf cousin Flying Duck came from China to live with her family because now Ruby can be Flying Duck’s Smile Buddy at school. But Ruby’s friend Emma isn’t so happy. More adventures of Ruby Lu are in Ruby Lu Brave and True (DB62415) and Ruby Lu, Star of the Show (DB73723). Grades 2-4. 2006.

### Rulesby Cynthia Lord

Download BR17108 1 volumeDownload DB62696 3 hours, 30 minutes, read by Victoria GordonSometimes twelve-year-old Catherine resents her autistic brother, David, who breaks rules and gets all her parents’ attention. She meets Jason, a teenage nonverbal paraplegic, at David’s therapy center. As the two become friends, Catherine realizes that accepting differences matters more than any rules. Schneider Family Book Award. Newbery Honor Book. Grades 5-8. 2006.

### A Screaming Kind of Dayby Rachna Gilmore

Download BR13083 1 volumeDownload DB51579 12 minutes, read by Cyn DelafieldScully only listens to her teasing brother and scolding mother when she wants to; then Scully turns on her hearing aids. One rainy day she longs to play outside. When her mother sends her to her room, Scully sneaks out the back door. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1999.

### Seal Surferby Michael Foreman

BR11037 1 volumeEven though Ben sometimes uses a wheelchair, he and his grandfather often hunt for mussels along a rocky beach. One spring they spot a seal and her new pup. Over the next few years, Ben and the young seal develop a special bond as they both ride the ocean waves. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 1996.

### The Secret Codeby Dana Meachen Rau and Bari Weissman

Download BR12369 1 volumeThe class is learning to read, but Oscar has a special book with bumps instead of letters. Oscar is blind, and he shares his knowledge of reading braille with his friends. Grades Pre-K-2. 1998.

### Secrets Aren’t (Always) for Keepsby Barbara Aiello and Jeffrey Shulman

Download BR07961 1 volumeDownload DB30468 55 minutes, read by Barbara RosenblatJennifer has been hiding her learning disability from her Australian pen pal, Kay. Now Kay is coming to visit for a week and wants to spend a day at school with Jennifer. Includes question-and-answer section on disability. Grades 3-6. 1988.

### Seeing off Uncle Jackby Bernard Ashley

Download BRC01392 1 volumeAt Uncle Jack’s funeral, Winnie Stone learns that there was a great deal more to her blind old uncle than she could ever have possibly imagined. But her brother, Danny doesn’t want to know. He’s proud to be young, proud to be black, and too proud to realize what a man his uncle was. Includes two other stories about the Stone family. Grades 3-6. 1991.

### Sees Behind Treesby Michael Dorris

Download DB43898 2 hours, 49 minutes, read by Erik SandvoldIn the sixteenth century, Walnut is a Native American boy who discovers that he does not see as well as others. He develops his other senses to earn both the respect of his people and his adult name, “Sees Behind Trees.” He then accompanies an elder warrior to find the mysterious “land of water.” Grades 3-6. 1996.

### See the Oceanby Estelle Condra

Download DB41230 8 minutes, read by Janis GrayNellie loves going to the beach house by the ocean each summer with her family. Although she cannot see, Nellie likes the feel of the sand and the water and is always asking questions about the ocean. Her brothers try to be the first to see the ocean each year, but one year they learn that Nellie has an even better way of seeing it. Grades K-3. 1994.

### She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneerby Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander

Download BR18068 1 volumeDownload DB66527 2 hours, 26 minutes, read by Laura GiannarelliBiography of Laura Bridgman (1829–1889), the first deaf-blind child to receive a formal education—decades before Helen Keller. Discusses the causes of Laura’s deaf-blindness at age two; her sponsorship to the Perkins Institution; and her success at learning manual sign language. Grades 4-7. 2008.

### Silent Days, Silent Dreamsby Allen Say

Download BR22037 1 volumeDownload DB87965 32 minutes, read by Joe PeckAn imagined biography of James Castle--a deaf, autistic artist--whose exceptional talent was recognized later in life. Despite mistreatment and being misunderstood, James presents his personal view of the world through art that now hangs in major museums throughout the world. Winner of the 2018 Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 2-4. 2017.

### Singing Handsby Delia Ray

Download DB63464 5 hours, 25 minutes, read by Megan BurnettAlabama, 1948. Twelve-year-old Gussie, a minister’s daughter, learns the definition of integrity while helping with a celebration at the school for the deaf—her punishment for impulsive misdeeds against her deaf parents and their boarders. Grades 5-8. 2006.

### Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Brailleby Jen Bryant

Download BR21722 1 volumeDownload DB86519 30 minutes, read by Peter HoldwayA narrative biography of Louis Braille, who lost his sight as a young child while playing in his father's workshop. After being exposed to coded military messages at the Royal School for the Blind in Paris, Louis invented his own alphabet—a system for writing using six dots. Winner of the 2017 Schneider Family Book Award. Grades K-3. 2016.

### Six Innings: A Game in the Lifeby James Preller

Download BR18140 1 volumeTwelve-year-old Sam Reiser loved being on a baseball team. Even though cancer has forced him to use a wheelchair now, Sam still participates in the Little League championship as the game’s announcer. With his best friend Mike Tyree playing, Sam becomes caught up in the action. Grades 5-8. 2008.

### Small Stepsby Louis Sachar

Download BR16501 2 volumesDownload DB61629 4 hours, 36 minutes, read by Peter LavezzoliThree years after being released from Camp Green Lake, Armpit, from Holes (BR12174, DB47444), is turning his life around in Austin, Texas, with the encouragement of his ten-year-old neighbor, Ginny, who has cerebral palsy. Then he meets a celebrity teen singer. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 5-8. 2006.

### The Someday Birdsby Sally J. Pla

Download DB87383 6 hours, 5 minutes, read by Doug Tisdale Jr.After his journalist dad sustains a brain injury in Afghanistan, twelve-year-old Charlie, who has autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, reluctantly embarks on a cross-country trip with his siblings and a strange babysitter to make a surprise visit to their father in Virginia. Winner of the Dolly Gray Award 2018. For grades 4-7. 2017.

### Sosu’s Callby Meshack Asare

Download DB55390 16 minutes, read by Robin MilesSosu and his dog, Fusa, warn the inhabitants of an African village of a threatening violent storm even though Sosu cannot use his legs to walk. The villagers show their appreciation with a special gift. Grades Pre-K-3. 2001.

### Special Edwardby Eric Walters

Download DB70360 1 hour 52 minutes, read by Andy PyleSlacker Edward fakes a learning disability to gain a special-education designation in school. But instead of lowering his parents’ expectations, Edward ends up working harder than ever. A high-interest, low-vocabulary book. Grade 6-9. 2009.

### A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippinby Jennifer Bryant

Download BR20564 1 volumeDownload DB78033 28 minutes, read by Jill FoxBiography of self-taught African American folk artist Horace Pippin (1888–1946). Describes Pippin's childhood in Pennsylvania and New York, the combat injury that threatened to end his career, his struggle to learn to paint again, and the widespread fame he achieved. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades K-3 and older readers. 2013.

### The Stormby Marc Harshman

Download DB42144 17 minutes, read by Gary TiptonWhen Jonathan’s teacher talks about what to do in a tornado, a classmate remarks that a big storm would be really scary for Jonathan because he is in a wheelchair. But Jonathan isn’t afraid of storms—he loves them. Alone on the farm that afternoon, Jonathan gets a chance to show he knows how to handle a tornado. Grades K-3. 1995.

### The Storyteller’s Beadsby Jane Kurtz

Download BR11985 1 volumeDownload DB48498 3 hours, 59 minutes, read by Lisette LecatWhen Ethiopian villagers are forced to flee toward Sudan, two young girls from different backgrounds learn to rely on each other. Sahay is from a Christian family, while Rahel is Jewish and blind. Sahay’s offer to lead Rahel through the desert is the beginning of their friendship. Grades 5-8. 1998.

### The Summer I Got a Lifeby Mark Fink

Download DB71197 5 hours, 26 minutes, read by Andy PyleWhen his family’s Hawaiian vacation is canceled, Andy Crenshaw and his older brother Brad wind up at their aunt and uncle’s farm in Wisconsin. Things look better for Andy after he meets local piano prodigy Laura, who uses a wheelchair but can beat Andy at bowling. Grades 6-9. 2009.

### T4: A Novel in Verseby Ann Clare LeZotte

Download DBC06837 50 minutes, read by Kathleen SkipperPaula Becker, who is deaf, is thirteen years old when the Nazi party takes control of Germany. It is a time when people with disabilities are ordered to be killed in Hitler’s Tiergartenstrasse 4, nicknamed T4. She escapes a raid, but her new world is one of fear, desperation, and uncertainty as she struggles to survive. Her stories are told in free verse. Grades 6-9. 2008.

### Teens with Physical Disabilities: Real Life Stories of Meeting Challengesby Glenn Alan Cheney

Download DB42509 2 hours, 14 minutes, read by Lynn SchrichteEight teenagers describe the impact their physical disabilities have made on their lives. Three of the youths use wheelchairs because of injuries. Others deal with blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and rheumatoid arthritis. Grades 6-9. 1995.

### Tending to Graceby Kimberly Newton Fusco

Download BR15890 1 volumeDownload DB61921 3 hours, 32 minutes, read by Kimberly SchrafCornelia is shy and withdrawn because of her stutter. She feels even lonelier when her mother drops her off to live with an eccentric great-aunt in a rundown farmhouse. But slowly and warily Cornelia and her aunt learn to share their strengths with each other. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 6-9. 2004.

### The Thing about Georgie: A Novelby Lisa Graff

Download BR18051 1 volumeGeorgie deals with being a dwarf in a mainstream fourth-grade classroom. First, the size of school furniture makes things awkward. Then he’s assigned to an Abraham Lincoln project with Jeanie the Meanie. And a misunderstanding with his best friend Andy needs to be made right. Grades 3-6. 2006.

### Things Hoped Forby Andrew Clements

Download BR17136 1 volumeDownload DB63723 4 hours 7 minutes, read by Megan BurnettSeventeen-year-old violin prodigy Gwen lives with her ailing grandfather in Manhattan while attending a music academy on a scholarship. As Gwen prepares to audition for a prestigious college, her grandfather disappears. Fellow musician Robert—Bobby, from Things Not Seen (BR17135, DB54713)—provides help and friendship. Grades 6-9. 2006.

### Things Not Seenby Andrew Clements

Download BR17135 2 volumesDownload DB54713 6 hours, 9 minutes, read by Barry BernsonWhen fifteen-year-old Bobby wakes up and can’t see his body, his relationship with the physical world and with his parents’ changes. He confides his invisibility situation to a new friend, Alicia, blinded two years before, and they try to figure out what happened to him. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 6-9. 2002.

### Things That Areby Andrew Clements

Download BR18173 1 volumeDownload DB67671 3 hours, 52 minutes, read by Jill FoxStill adjusting to being blind, Alicia, first met in Things Not Seen (BR17135, DB54713), must outwit an invisible man following Bobby, once invisible himself. This man’s demands threaten Bobby, Alicia’s family, and perhaps global security. Sequel to Things Hoped For (BR17136, DB63723). Grades 6-9. 2008.

### Tiger’s Fallby Molly Bang

Download DB54780 2 hours, 7 minutes, read by MaryBeth WiseWhen Lupe falls out of a tree in her Mexican village, she is paralyzed from the waist down. Angry and feeling sorry for herself, Lupe goes to a center for disabled people, who help her realize that her life can still have a purpose. Grades 3-6. 2001.

### Timothy of the Cayby Theodore Taylor

Download BR09509 1 volumeDownload DB37655 3 hours, 40 minutes, read by John StrattonIn this companion to The Cay (BR08750, DB 34450), we learn what has happened to Phillip since his rescue from a Caribbean island—where as a twelve-year-old white boy blinded by a blow on the head—he had been stranded with Timothy, an elderly, black deckhand. We also learn of Timothy’s life and of his adventures at sea since his days as a young cabin boy. Grades 5-8 and older readers. 1993.

### The Usborne Alphabet Picture Bookby Rosalinde Bonnet

BrailleIllustrates each letter of the alphabet. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades Pre-K-2. 2011.

### The Vicar of Nibbleswickeby Roald Dahl

Download DB37941 15 minutes, read by Jennifer MendenhallRobert Lee had dyslexia as a child. But, guided by some very good teachers, he largely overcame this disability. Then Robert Lee became Reverend Lee and received his first important job--as vicar of Nibbleswicke. Anxiety triggered a peculiar problem related to his old dyslexia—he would say backwards the most important words in the sentence: hence, God became dog--not a good thing for a preacher. Grades 3-6. 1992.

### Waiting for Normalby Leslie Connor

Download BR18148 2 volumesDownload DB68286 5 hours, 33 minutes, read by Colleen DelanyUpstate New York. Addie's plucky spirit makes the best of awkward situations such as moving into a tiny trailer with her difficult mother, separating from her stepdad and two half-sisters, and coping with her learning difficulties in her new school's band. Schneider Family Book Award. Grades 5-8. 2008.

### Well Wishedby Franny Billingsley

Download BR11579 1 volumeEleven-year-old Nuria is happy to go to live with her grandfather even though no other children live in his village. There is a wishing well nearby, but it causes problems for people who use its magic. Grandfather Avy’s wish for a friend for Nuria succeeds in bringing Catty to town, but Catty, who uses a wheelchair, is not always nice to Nuria. Grades 4-7. 1997.

### What Would Joey Do?by Jack Gantos

Download BR19408 2 volumesDownload DB56069 5 hours, 4 minutes, read by Jack WallenHyperactive Joey tries to hold things together as his father shows up on a motorcycle to taunt his mother, he is home-schooled with a hostile blind girl, and his feisty grandmother copes with emphysema. Sequel to Joey Pigza Loses Control (DB51237). Grades 5-8. 2002.

### The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shopby Kate Saunders

Download DB76242 7 hours, 14 minutes, read by James KonicekLondon. A mysterious parcel arrives announcing the Spoffard family’s inheritance of a house from a long-deceased relative. Shortly after they move in, eleven-year-old twins Oz and Lily, who has dyslexia, and are recruited to work for the government by the residence's invisible cat and talking rat. Grades 4-7 and older readers. 2013.

### Wonderby R.J. Palacio

Download BR20338 3 volumesDownload DB74228 8 hours, 8 minutes, read by Diana Steele, Kate Rudd, and Nick PodehlJust before starting fifth grade, home-schooled ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme abnormalities, is told he will be attending a prep school. Nervous, he tries to convince his classmates that he is an ordinary kid just like them. Commercial audiobook. Grades 5-8 and older readers. 2012.

### Wonderstruck: A Novel in Words and Picturesby Brian Selznick

Download DB74157 4 hours, 50 minutes, read by Laura GiannarelliAfter the death of his mother, Ben, who is deaf, travels to New York City’s American Museum of Natural History, where he hopes to find his father. While searching he makes an incredible discovery. Schneider Award. For grades 4-7 and older readers. 2011.

### The World at Her Fingertips: The Story of Helen Kellerby Joan Dash

Download BR13552 2 volumesDownload DB52383 4 hours, 24 minutes, read by Martha Harmon PardeeA biography of the woman who overcame her disabilities to be an inspirational public figure. Discusses the cause of Helen Keller’s blindness and deafness, her determination to lead a useful life, and the importance of her teacher—Annie Sullivan—throughout Helen’s life. Grades 5-8. 2001.

### Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Earby Lensey Namioka

Download BRC00759 1 volumeDownload DB36736 2 hours, 9 minutes, read by Jamie HortonYoungest of four in a musically gifted family, Yingtao is tone-deaf, but his father persists in teaching him the violin. The family recently immigrated to Seattle, and Father hopes that the children’s performance at a recital will bring him more students. Yingtao makes friends with Matthew, who plays the violin well, but whose father would rather he play baseball, at which Yingtao now excels. Grades 3-6. 1992.

### The Year of Miss Agnesby Kirkpatrick Hill

Download DB51865 2 hours, 8 minutes, read by Marilyn GleasonTen-year-old Athapascan Indian Frederika relates the story of a special teacher who comes to her Alaskan village in 1948. Miss Agnes makes education interesting for everyone in the one-room schoolhouse, including Fred’s twelve-year-old deaf sister, Bokko, who learns sign language for the first time. Grades 3-6. 2000.

### Yellow Bird and Meby Joyce Hansen

Download DB25876 4 hours, 2 minutes, read by Yvonne Fair TesslerSixth-grader Doris deeply misses her best friend Amir, who had to leave their Bronx neighborhood and move into a group home in upstate New York. They write each other, though, determined to be reunited someday. Meanwhile, basketball-crazy Yellow Bird, who has special problems reading even though he’s smart, keeps bugging Doris to help him study. Sequel to *The Gift Giver (DB22561)*. Grades 4-7. 1986.

### Your Treasure Hunt: Disabilities and Finding Your Goldby Katherine Schneider

BR19031 1 volumeThe author, who is blind, addresses issues and challenges faced by children with disabilities. She encourages children to be kind, honest, and polite; to find a hero with a disability; and to become someone who appreciates the treasures in daily life. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2010.

### Yours Turly, Shirleyby Ann M. Martin

Download DB32564 2 hours, 54 minutes, read by Carole CoonsFourth-grader Shirley Basini has a poor self-image due largely to her dyslexia. She copes with her reading difficulties by being the class clown, but her teacher is not impressed and makes it clear that she must either improve or be held back. When her parents adopt an eight-year-old Vietnamese girl, Shirley’s role as a big sister helps her gain confidence, until she becomes resentful of Jackie’s reading skills. Grades 3-6. 1988.

### Zipper, the Kid with ADHDby Caroline Janover

Download DB46331 3 hours, 30 minutes, read by Marilyn GleasonEleven-year-old “Zipper” drives his little sister crazy because he can’t sit still, even while he is eating. He is intelligent but seems to have too many thoughts running through his mind; he even forgets to do his homework and has to join an after-school homework club. His parents and his teacher help Zipper cope with his attention-deficit disorder, known as ADHD. Grades 4-7. 1997.

### Zoom!by Robert Munsch

BR15022 1 volumeWhen Lauretta’s mother takes her shopping for a new wheelchair, Lauretta wants one that goes really fast. The store lets her have a 92-speed dirt-bike model for home testing, and then Lauretta’s adventures begin. PRINT/BRAILLE. Grades K-3. 2003.

## Part 2: Children’s Educational Fiction and Nonfiction Available through Commercial Publishers

This section focuses on books produced by commercial publishers that the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled does not have in its collection. Books may be available in alternative formats such as braille or audio. The section includes books that use braille in the text of the book or provide the braille alphabet on the back for both visually impaired and sighted children to explore. Other books highlight American Sign Language in a similar way. While some books reinforce positive images of disabled people by representing disabled characters as “one of the gang,” no different from their diverse array of peers, others focus on the disability experience of parents, sports and entertainment figures, and children with disabilities.

**Ann Drew Jackson**by Joan Clark and Nathan Clarkpublished by Autism Asperger Publishing Companyprint bookJackson Thomas, a fifth-grade boy with Asperger syndrome, is assigned to complete a science project with spunky Hillary Branson, a fiercely independent student with a tendency to tell lies. It therefore comes as no surprise that when assigned to work with Jackson, Hillary rebels in any way she can. As the story unfolds, Hillary and Jackson discover they have a lot more in common than they ever realized. Grades 4-6. 2007.

**Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller**by Joseph Lambertpublished by Disney Hyperion Booksprint bookThis graphic novel history lesson follows the friendship between Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Annie’s own visual impairment and teaching lets her help Helen become more social. This closes with a lesser-known experience: when Helen was accused of plagiarism for her story “The Frost King.” Grades 4-6. 2012.

**Arabella**by Wendy Orr and Kim Gamblepublished by HarperCollins Publishersprint book*The Arabella*, a replica ship, is Grandpa’s pride and joy. When it goes missing, Matthew takes out Grandpa’s real boat to rescue it. Matthew thinks the *Arabella* is Grandpa’s most precious thing, but Grandpa tells him otherwise—nothing is more precious to Grandpa than Matthew. Grades Pre-K-2. 2000.

**Arianna’s Magic Boots**by Karen A. Gasperinipublished by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platformprint bookFive-year-old disabled girl Arianna uses her leg braces (ankle-foot orthosis, or AFOs) and sneakers along with her imagination to go on adventures. All she has to do is close her eyes, stomp three times, and say “Away we go” and the adventure begins. Grades Pre-K-3. 2017.

**Arianna’s Magic Boots: Underwater Sea Adventure**by Karen A. Gasperini and Deanna McRaepublished by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platformprint bookCome join five-year-old disabled girl Arianna again, this time on a magical journey under the sea. Her “Magic Boots,” which are ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs), and sneakers become a mermaid tail that helps her swim to a new adventure and meet some mermaid friends. All she has to do is close her eyes, stomp three times, and say “Away we go” and the adventure begins. Grades Pre-K-3. 2018.

**Armond Goes to a Party: A Book about Asperger’s and Friendship**by Nancy L. Carlson and Armond Isaakpublished by Free Spirit Publishingebook, print bookArmond doesn’t want to go to Felicia’s birthday party. Parties are noisy, disorganized, and smelly—all things that are hard for a kid with Asperger’s. But with the support of Felicia and her mom, good friends who know how to help him, he not only gets through the party, but also has fun. Grades Pre-K-3. 2014.

**Beauregart the Bear**by Kathryn Phyllarry and Robert Rathpublished by Homestead Publishersprint bookBeauregart (Beau) the bear is born with a disabled paw, but his mother protects him and teaches him to be strong. He learns how to catch fish, run, make a warm den, and eventually live on his own. Grades 3-5. 2009.

**Be Good to Eddie Lee**by Virginia Fleming and Floyd Cooperpublished by Philomel Booksebook, print bookAlthough Christy considered him a pest, when Eddie Lee, a boy with Down syndrome, follows her into the woods, he shares several special discoveries with her. Grades Pre-K-3. 1993.

**The Black Book of Colours**by Menena Cottin, Rosana Faria, and Elisa Amadopublished by Walker Booksprint/braille bookLiving with the use of one's eyes can make imagining blindness difficult, but this innovative title invites readers to imagine living without sight through remarkable illustrations done with raised lines and descriptions of colors based on imagery. Braille letters accompany the illustrations and a full braille alphabet offers sighted readers help reading along with their fingers. Grades K-5. 2008.

**The Blind Hunter**by Kristina Rodanaspublished by M. Cavendishprint bookA blind African hunter teaches a young man how to see by using his other senses. Grades Pre-K-4. 2003.

**The Boy Who Learned Upside Down: Based on a True Story**by Christy Scattarella and Winky Whellerpublished by Hungry Dictatorprint bookAlex is embarrassed when he is placed in a special education class because of his learning disability, but with the help of his new teacher he begins to change his mind about school and himself. Grades 2-4. 2013.

**Brothers and Sisters**by Laura Dwightpublished by Star Bright Booksebook, print bookA photo essay about school-age sibling pairs where one sibling has a disability—hearing or visual impairment, Down syndrome, or wearing a prosthesis. Emphasizes playing together and everyday family life. Grades K-3. 2005.

**Can I Tell You about Asperger Syndrome? A Guide for Friends and Family**by Jude Welton and Jane Telfordpublished by Jessica Kingsley Publishersebook, print bookMeet Adam—a young boy with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Adam invites young readers to learn about AS from his perspective. In this book, Adam helps children understand the difficulties faced by a child with AS; he tells them what AS is, what it feels like to have AS, and how they can help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. Grades 2-8. 2004.

**Crowbaby and Dawfie**by Brenda O’Bannion and Casey Scarboroughpublished by Smooth Sailing Pressebook, print bookDescribes an autistic child’s faithful watch for her brother’s return from war. Thestory covers thirteen months in the life of Ma and Dawfie as they watch the river road near their home, eager for Crowbaby’s return. The ending offers insight into not only the lives of disabled children, but also the conflicts that war imposes. Grades 4-6. 2008.

**Dachy’s Deaf**by Jack Hugespublished by Waylandebook, print bookDachy the pterodactyl wears a hearing aid. But sometimes, when his friends get too noisy, he likes to turn it off to get some peace and quiet. One day, when his hearing aid is off, Dachy falls asleep and ends up floating down the river towards a waterfall and a hungry crocodile. Can his friends rescue him in time? Grades K-3. 2012.

**Dad and Me in the Morning**by Patricia Lakin and Robert Gantt Steelepublished by A. Whitmanebook, print bookEarly one morning, when it is still dark, a young boy wakes to his special alarm clock. He puts on his hearing aids and clothes, then goes to wake his father. Together they brave the cold as they walk down the dirt road that leads to the beach. They are excited about their adventure—soon they will see the sunrise. Grades K-4. 1994.

**Dad Has a Wheelchair**by Ken Jasch, Anita DuFalla, Christine Jasch, Ron Zywicki, and Marlo Garnsworthypublished by CreateSpace Publishingebook, print bookJulia and her dad, who uses a wheelchair, have a day of fun. They play together at the playground, go fishing, visit the zoo, and camp and look up at the stars. Along the way Julia explains why a person might have a disability and what it’s like having a dad with a disability. Grades Pre-K-3. 2014.

**Dancing with Katya**by Dori Chaconas and Constance Rummel Bergumpublished by Peachtreeprint bookWisconsin farm, 1920s. Sisters Anna and Katya love pretending to be ballerinas dancing in the meadows until Katya falls ill with polio. She returns from a long hospital stay in bulky leg braces, but Anna finds a new way for Katya to dance. Grades K-3. 2006.

**Daredevil Club**by Pam Witherspublished by Orca Book Publishersprint bookKip struggles to maintain his status as a daredevil in spite of his disability. Grades 5-9. 2006.

**Deaf Child Crossing**by Marlee Matlinpublished by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readersebook, large-print book, print bookDespite the fact that Megan is deaf and Cindy can hear, the two girls become friends when Cindy moves into Megan’s neighborhood. But when they go away to camp, their friendship is put to the test. Grades 3-8. 2002.

**Delta Disabled Duck**by Kerrinka J. Lawler and George Buzuleacpublished by Emu House Publishingprint bookDelta the duck is sad rolling around in a wheelchair after he suffers injuries to his leg and wing. However, with the help of some creative thinking, he manages to achieve his goal of flying. Grades Pre-K-3. 2016.

**Different like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes**by Jennifer Elder and Marc Thomaspublished by Jessica Kingsley Publishersebook, print bookIntroduces children aged 8 to 12 years old to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, math, literature, philosophy and comedy. Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey, and Wassily Kandinsky to Lewis Carroll. Grades 3-7. 2005.

**Disability**by Jillian Powellpublished by Hodder Waylandebook, print bookDiscusses disabilities, who has them, the physical and social challenges faced by disabled people, how they can work and play, and what kinds of help are available, with an emphasis on physical disabilities. Grades Pre-K-6. 1999.

**DK Braille: Animals**by Dorling Kindersleypublished by DK Publishingprint/braille bookUses print and braille to teach young readers about animals. Grades Pre-K-4. 2016.

**DK Braille: Counting**by Fleur Starpublished by DK Publishingprint/braille bookUses print and braille to teach young readers about numbers. Grades Pre-K-4. 2016.

**DK Braille: It Can’t Be True**by Howard Hughespublished by DK Publishingprint/braille bookDescribes the world’s weirdest wonders and unbelievable facts in both braille and large print, paired with tactile images that demonstrate just how unusual the objects and events being described really are. Includes detailed embossing of the world's largest hailstone (three times larger than a tennis ball!) and a bird so small it can sit on the end of a pencil. Grades K-4. 2001.

**DK Braille: Lego Duplo: Farm**by Emma Grangepublished by DK Publishingprint/braille bookExplores LEGO DUPLO farm animals such as pigs and cows, and vehicles, such as tractors. Combines high-contrast colors with embossed images of the models for children to feel. Large-size text is printed alongside the braille, enabling sighted children to share the bonding experience of reading with their visually impaired parents, or for sighted parents to share with their visually impaired children. Grades Pre-K-4. 2018.

**DK Braille: On the Move**by Howard Hughespublished by DK Publishingprint/braille bookOffers quizzes and facts about trucks, trains, planes, and more through high-impact and embossed images designed specifically for blind or visually impaired readers. Grades Pre-K-4. 2016.

**DK Braille: Shapes**by Fleur Starpublished by DK Publishingprint/braille bookUses print and braille to teach young readers about shapes. Grades Pre-K-2. 2016.

**Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability**by Pat Thomas and Lesley Harkerpublished by Barron’s Educational Seriesebook, print bookExplores questions and concerns about disability in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out what a disability is and learn how people deal with their disabilities to live happy and full lives. Written by a psychotherapist and counselor, this book aims to foster acceptance and tolerance ofpeople who are in some way “different.” Grades K-3. 2000.

**The Don’t-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences**by Jeanne Gehretpublished by Verbal Images Pressprint bookAlex, a child with dyslexia, learns about dyslexia and other learning problems and what is done to solve them. Includes a parent resource guide. Grades 1-3. 1991.

**Finest Kind**by Lea Waitpublished by Margaret K. McElderry Booksprint bookWhen his father’s Boston bank fails in 1838, causing his family to relocate to a small Maine town, twelve-year-old Jake Webber works to prepare the family for the harsh winter while also keeping the existence of his disabled younger brother a secret. Grades 3-7. 2006.

**The Flying Fingers Club**by Jean F. Andrewspublished by Kendall Green Publicationsprint bookEntering a new school, Donald struggles with his learning disability and makes friends with a deaf boy who teaches him sign language and joins Donald in a search for a newspaper thief. Grades 3-6. 1988.

**A Friend like Simon**by Kate Gaynor and Caitríona Sweeneypublished by Special Stories Publishingprint bookThis picture book for special education children introduces autism. When an autistic child joins a mainstream school, many children can find it difficult to understand and cope with a student that is somewhat “different” to them. This story encourages other children to be mindful and patient of the differences that exist and to appreciate the positive contribution that an autistic child can make to the group. Grades Pre-K-3. 2009.

**I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism**by Elaine Marie Larson and Vivian Strandpublished by Autism Asperger Publishingprint bookAn alphabetical enumeration of individual traits that make children—and others—unique; features talents and abilities from the autism spectrum. Grades Pre- K-3. 2006.

**Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism**by Laurie Lears and Karen Ritzpublished by Albert Whitman &Companyebook, print bookJulie can’t wait to go to the park and feed the ducks with her big sister, Tara. There’s only one problem. Her little brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn’t have the same reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks he looks silly. But when he wanders off on his own, she must try to see the world through his eyes in order to find him. Grades 1-3. 1998.

**Gerald’s Journal: The Life of an Everyday Hero**by David McElhinny and Teri Firtospublished by Armonia Publishingebook, print bookA gentle, observant boy with special needs records his ups and downs at his new school in this lively, journal-style children's book. Grades K-3. 2016.

**Gerald’s Journal, Volume 2: Friends, Foes, and Forgiveness**by David McElhinny and Teri Firtospublished by Armonia Publishingebook, print bookHow does a kid fit in when he leaves his special education school behind to attend a general education school?. Grades 1-3. 2017.

**Ginger Leads the Way**by Liam O’Donnell, Cathy Diefendorf, American Veterinary Medical Associationpublished by Soundprintsaudiobook, print book kit (with audio CD), print bookGinger, a golden retriever who works as a guide dog, spends the day with her blind owner, Peter, and his family. Includes brief notes on guide dogs. Grades Pre- K-3. 2004.

**The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin**by Julia Finley Mosca and Daniel Rieleypublished by The Innovation Pressprint bookDiagnosed at an early age with autism, Temple Grandin (b. 1947) grew up at a time when there was generally little care or regard for those like her. However, Grandin's mother was able to secure the therapies and education her daughter needed to thrive. ("She was Different, Not less,' they all finally agreed.") Grandin would eventually design animal husbandry techniques to more humanely treat livestock in the meat industry. Winner of the Dolly Gray Award 2018. Grades K-2. 2017.

**The Girl with Chipmunk Hands**by Binks and Ruby Begoniapublished by Lost Coast Pressprint bookLee-Lee was born with small, pointed fingers that had a dusting of soft fur. Because Lee-Lee’s hands are different from other children’s, her parents do all they can to make sure their daughter knows that she is loved unconditionally. That love is reflected in Lee-Lee’s kindness to all the animals in the forest, who love her in return for her compassion. Includes a list of organizations that provide information and resources for families with children who have special needs. Grades Pre- K-3. 2013.

**The Hangashore**by Geoff Butlerpublished by Tundra Booksebook, print bookIn Newfoundland shortly after World War II, John Payne, a minister’s son who has Down syndrome and is not afraid to say what he thinks, clashes with the self-important new magistrate. Trouble begins in a small Newfoundland fishing outpost. It takes a near tragedy at sea to show the magistrate who holds the better set of values. Grades 3-7. 1998.

**Hank Zipzer, The World’s Greatest Underachiever: Holy Enchilada!**by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliverpublished by Penguin Publishing Groupebook, print bookEfforts to impress a visiting student from Japan cause Hank to hide his dyslexia while the gang makes enchiladas for a Multi-Cultural Day lunch. Hank is afraid he was very wrong about the amount of chili powder called for in the recipe. Grades 3-7. 2004.

**Hannah**by Gloria Whelan and Leslie Bowmanpublished by Random House Children’s Booksebook, print bookNine-year-old Hannah would do almost anything to go to school with all the other children in town. But Hannah is blind, and her parents keep her at home, where she is safe. Then Lydia Robbin, a strong-willed teacher, persuades Hannah’s parents to send her to school. At first Hannah is overjoyed. But she soon learns that many obstacles—and people—stand in her way. Grades 3-5. 1991.

**Hansel and Gretel: A Fairy Tale with a Down Syndrome Twist**by Jewel Kats and Claudia Marie Lenartpublished by Loving Healing Press, Inc.ebook, print bookIn this retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm tale, five-year-old Hansel, who has Down syndrome, is in search of food for his family. His compassion upon completing the quest frees the witch from a curse and teaches the value of forgiveness. Grades Pre-K-1. 2014.

**Having a Disability**by Louise Spilsburypublished by Hachette Children’s Groupprint bookAn inclusive and accessible picture book for children that explores what it is to have a disability. Grades 1-5. 2017.

**Heather and Buddy Go to School**by Rich Grimespublished by Summerland Publishingprint bookHeather is a perky, 16-year-old redheaded girl. She is blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other, but her disability does not impede participation in and enjoyment of an active, healthy, and happy life. She possesses the energy, perseverance, courage, and resilience to meet the challenges of each day. Heather's parents, school counselor, friends, and loyal companion, Buddy—an English Lab service dog, devote themselves to helping her maintain independent living. Grades 2-6. 2016.

**Hello Roar, Little Dinosaur**by Hazel Reeves and Jay Morrispublished by Learning Development Aidsprint bookMeet Roar, the little dinosaur who doesn’t get things wrong, but just does things differently. Roar, who has autism, exhibits qualities such as honesty, determination, attention to detail, an exceptional memory, and a very special sense of humor. Grades Pre-K-3. 2012.

**I Can Do Anything!**by Deborah K. Morris and Douglas Morrispublished by Strategic Book Publishing and Right Companyprint bookA little boy with a disability learns he can be and do whatever he wants to be with the encouragement of his parents. Grades K-3. 2014.

**If You’re So Smart, Why Can’t You Spell Mississippi?**by Barbara Esham, Mike Gordon, and Carl Gordonpublished by Mainstream Connections Publishingebook, print bookIntroduces the mainstream student and educator to the world of the child who struggles academically. The main character discovers her father is dyslexic, as is one of her classmates—and she tries to make sense of it. Grades 2-6. 2016.

**In Jesse’s Shoes**by Beverly Lewis and Laura Nikielpublished by Bethany House Publishersebook, print bookIn this story about learning to understand and befriend a child with special needs, Jesse’s sister struggles to get to know her brother, who is disabled—and to deal with the kids who make fun of him. Grades Pre-K-3. 2007.

**Janine**by Maryann Cocca-Lefflerpublished by Albert Whitman and Companyebook, print bookJanine is one of a kind. She focuses on the positive while navigating life with disabilities. She makes a difference just by being herself. Grades Pre-K-3. 2015.

**Jason’s First Day!**by Valerie Busic and Jeff Meyerspublished by Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundationprint bookThe story of Jason, who has osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and his first day of school highlights similarities as well as differences between him and the rest of the class. Includes a guide for educators and parents of a child with OI or any mobility impairing disorder. Grades Pre-K-3. 2004.

**Keeping Up with Roo**by Sharlee Glenn and Dan Andreasenpublished by G.P. Putnam’s Sonsebook, print bookFive-year-old Gracie has always had a special bond with her Aunt Roo, who is mentally disabled. But their relationship changes when Gracie begins school. Grades K-3. 2004.

**Kiefer and Friends**by Trisha Malfitano and Julie Malfitanopublished by CreateSpaceprint bookKiefer, a border collie born deaf, shows that all dogs can have a happy life even with a disability. Includes some introductory sign language. Grades Pre-K-3. 2012.

**Leading Ladies**by Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooneypublished by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readersebook, print bookA deaf fourth-grader finds her true calling when she is cast as Dorothy in a schoolproduction of The Wizard of Oz. Grades 3-7. 2007.

**Leah’s Voice**by Lori DeMonia and Monique Turchanpublished by Halo Publishing Internationalebook, print bookTwo sisters meet a child with special needs. Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance. 2014 Dr. Temple Grandin Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award presented by the Autism Society. Grades Pre-K-3. 2012.

**Let’s Hear It for Almigal**by Wendy Kupfer and Tammie Lyonpublished by Handfinger Pressprint bookAlmigal is a spunky little girl with a big personality and cotton-candy pink cochlear implants who is determined to hear “every single sound in the whole entire universe!” But most of all, she wants to hear her Mommy and Daddy whisper, “We love you, Almigal!” when they tuck her into bed at night. Grades K-2. 2012.

**Let’s Learn about Different Abilities**by Mike Ingrampublished by Oz publishingprint bookChildren with their own unique abilities accomplish amazing things as they embrace their own wonderful qualities. Grades 1-4. 2015.

**Little Stevie Wonder**by Quincy Troupe and Lisa Cohenpublished by HMH Books for Young Readersprint book, comes with a CD of Wonder’s musicThe true story of a boy who lost his sight shortly after birth, grew up in Detroit, signed a recording contract with Motown when he was eleven, and became one of the twentieth century’s most creative and influential musicians—an instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, musical innovator, and cultural activist. Grades Pre-K-3. 2005.

**Mama Zooms**by Jane Cowen-Fletcherpublished by Scholastic Inc.print bookA small boy, with the aid of his energetic mother, her wheelchair “zooming machine,” and a bit of imagination, pretends he is on a train, a spaceship, and more. Grades Pre-K-2. 1993.

**Mary Ingalls on Her Own**by Elizabeth Kimmel Willardpublished by HarperCollinsprint bookWhen she was just fourteen years old, Mary Ingalls fell ill with scarlet fever and lost her sight. Two years later Mary is getting the chance to learn braille and continue her education at the Iowa College for the Blind. But with this new opportunity comes new challenges, and as Mary struggles to adjust to life without her family, she is also forced to take a hard look at her future and confront her true feelings about being blind. Grades 3-7. 2007.

**Max the Champion**by Sean Stockdale, Alex Strick, and Ros Asquithpublished by Lincoln Children’s Booksprint bookMax is mad about sports. As he gets up, has breakfast, and heads off to school he is dreaming of competing in world-class sporting events. In his real day he and his class win the school soccer match, but in his imagination he and his friends are winning the World Cup. This inclusive picture book shows children of all abilities mixing and enjoying different sports in a natural way. The games include soccer, rugby, cricket, diving, discus throwing, and cycling. Grades Pre-K-3. 2014.

**Mia Lee Is Wheeling through Middle School**by Melissa Shang and Eva Shangpublished by Woodgate Publishingprint bookMia Lee is a stop-motion filmmaker with a wheelchair and a lot of sass, trying to survive her new middle school. It doesn’t seem so easy when she is running for Video Production Club President against certified Middle School Mean Girl, Angela Vanover. Grades 3-6. 2016.

**The Mitten String**by Jennifer Rosner and Kristina Swarnerpublished by Random House Children’s booksebook, print bookRuthie Tober’s family is known for the beautiful, warm mittens they knit, so when she and her mother shelter a deaf woman and her baby, Ruthie decides to design very special mittens for them. Grades Pre-K-2. 2014.

**My Dog Kiefer**by Trisha Malfitano and Julie Malfitanopublished by Trafford Publishingprint bookThe story of Kiefer, a border collie born deaf, with American Sign Language signs for some of the text on facing pages. Grades Pre-K-3. 2011.

**My Friend Has Autism**by Amanda Doering and Kristin Sorrapublished by Picture Window Booksprint bookZack has a disability called autism. But that doesn’t matter to his friend. They talk about airplanes, build models, and enjoy hanging out at each other’s house. From the Friends with Disabilities Series. Grades Pre-K-3. 2010.

**My Friend Isabelle**by Eliza Woloson and Bryan Goughpublished by Woodbine Pressprint bookA young boy named Charlie describes the activities he shares with his friend Isabelle, a girl with Down syndrome. Grades Pre-K. 2003.

**My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy (Growing With Love Book)**by Shaila Abdullah and Aanyah Abdullahpublished by Loving Healing Pressprint bookA little girl forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana. Winner of the Dolly Gray Award 2016. Grades Pre-K-3. 2013.

**My Silent World**by Nette Hilton and Vincent Agostinopublished by Hachetteprint bookA lyrical description of how a deaf child treasures her silent world and how it is changed by a cochlear implant, which she sees at first as 'the intruder'. Grades Pre-K-2. 2009.

**Mysterious Traveler**by Mal Peet, Elspeth Graham, and P.J. Lynchpublished by Candlewick Pressprint bookOld man Issa discovers a baby girl in the desert after a massive dust storm. Issa, the most skilled guide in the African desert, names the baby Mariama and teaches her so that she can help him as he becomes blind. When Issa and Mariama help a group of young men escape from a storm, they make a surprising discovery that will change their lives forever. Grades 3-5. 2013.

**Nobody’s Perfect**by Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooneypublished by Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readersebook, print bookMegan, a popular and outgoing fourth-grader, is sure that the “perfect” new girl dislikes her because she is deaf. But persistence and a joint science fair project help Megan see that the two girls have something in common after all. Grades 3-7. 2006.

**Okay Kevin: A Story to Help Children Discover How Everyone Learns Differently**by James Dillon and Kara McHalepublished by Jessica Kingsley Publishersebook, print bookStruggling with reading, Kevin discovers that everyone learns at different speeds and excels in different areas. K-3. 2017.

**On Being Sarah**by Elizabeth Helfman and Lino Saffiotipublished by Albert Whitman and Companyebook, print bookBased on a true story. Twelve-year-old Sarah, who has cerebral palsy, cannot vocalize and uses a wheelchair. She communicates through Blissymbols, a graphic writing system in which symbols represent concepts. Grades 5-8. 1993.

**Perfect**by Nicola Davies and Cathy Fisherpublished by Graffegprint bookA boy feels that his quiet, inactive sister will never race and play with him. An injured bird helps the boy realize that the bird just requires his help and maybe that is what his little sister needs, too. Grades K-2. 2016.

**A Rainbow of Friends**by P.K. Hallinanpublished by Ideals Children’s Booksprint bookFriends come in all colors and sizes; they can be funny or serious, musical or athletic, outgoing or quiet. This book reminds children to celebrate their differences because that is what makes each person special. Grades Pre-K-2. 1994.

**Riding for the Disabled**by Sandra Iversenpublished by Iversen Publishersprint bookA young woman with a disability enjoys gaining horse riding skills. Grades 2-5. 2010.

**Sampson to the Rescue**by Angela Irick and Irne Oldspublished by AuthorHouseprint bookJosh, a newly disabled child, goes back to school for the first time in a wheelchair. To help Josh's new transition he brings along a special friend, Sampson, that ends up helping in more ways than one. Grades 1-3. 2011.

**Samurai Kids: Shaolin Tiger**by Sandy Fussell and Rhian Nest Jamespublished by Candlewick Pressaudiobook, print bookSensei Ki-Yaga leads a disabled samurai-in-training across the Sea of Japan to China, where they study the ways of the Shaolin monks before facing Qing-Shen, a skilled soldier seeking revenge against his former teacher—the Sensei. Grades 4-6. 2009.

**Seriously Weird**by Gene Kemppublished by Faberaudiobook, print bookEveryone except his mother thinks Troy is odd. But when his love of numbers helps him estimate the number of chocolate beans in a jar, they realize that while Troy’s view of life may be odd, in its own way it is brilliant. Grades 4-6. 2003.

**Skateboard Sonar**by Eric Stevens, Benny Fuentes, and Gerardo Sandovalpublished by Stone Arch Booksebook, print bookAlthough he is blind, Matty is an excellent skateboarder. But when the former champion mocks him during a skating competition, Matty shows that seeing is not everything. Grades 2-3. 2010.

**The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination**by Jimi Liaopublished by Little, Brownbraille, ebook, large print, print bookA year after her sight begins slipping away, a girl with her white cane walks to thesubway. She imagines going anywhere she wants, bucking the crowd, and findinga friend, to regain the light that grows in the heart. Originally published in Chinese in 2001. Grades K-6. 2006.

**Special People, Special Ways**by Arlene H. Maguire and Sheila Baileypublished by Future Horizonsprint bookPresents a positive image of persons with disabilities with the message that even though being different is painful at times, it can also be glorious, and that despite their differences, people share many similarities.Grades K-5. 2000.

**Susan Laughs**by Jeanne Willis and Tony Rosspublished by Henry Holt &Companyprint bookRhyming couplets describe the emotions and activities of Susan, a little girl who uses a wheelchair. Susan laughs, she sings, she rides, she swings. She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad. In fact, Susan is no different from any other child. Grades Pre-K-2. 1999.

**Tru Confessions**by Janet Tashjianpublished by Henry Holtebook, print bookTwelve-year-old Tru wants two things more than anything else in the world—to help her twin brother, Eddie, who is developmentally delayed, and to create her own television show. The day Tru learns about a teen video competition on the local cable network, she knows that this is her chance to make both of her dreams come true. Grades 3-6. 1997.

**Two Mates**by Melanie Prewett and Maggie Prewettpublished by Magabala Booksprint bookA true story of friends who have grown up together in the coastal town of Broome, Australia. Jack is Indigenous and Raf is a non-Indigenous boy who has spina bifida. Grades K-3. 2012.

**Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome**by Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venterpublished by Skeezel Pressebook, print bookSam doesn’t like his pancakes to touch, his sister is annoyed with his repetitive song, and his new coat hurts his skin. But once he is diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, teamwork-based support helps Sam’s life become a little easier. Includes illustrations and tips showing children ways to respect and accept differences as well as to interact with a classmate or friend with Asperger’s. National Parenting Center Seal of Approval. Grades Pre-K-4. 2006.

**A Very Special Critter**by Mercer Mayer and Gina Mayerpublished by Golden Booksprint bookA special student joins Little Critter’s class at school. The new student uses a wheelchair, and Little Critter is worried. Will his classmate be very different? Will the class know how to act around him? Pre-K-2. 1993.

**Vision to Dream**by Jacory Wileypublished by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platformprint bookA visually impaired young boy loves to play sports, especially baseball. He finds a sport that is just for him, Beep Baseball! Grades 2-6. 2016.

**Way to Go, Alex!**by Robin Pulver and Elizabeth Wolfpublished by Morton Groveprint bookCarly learns a lot about Alex, her mentally disabled older brother, as he trains for and competes in the Special Olympics. Grades K-2. 1999.

**We’ll Paint the Octopus Red**by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and Pam DeVitopublished by Woodbine Houseebook, large print, print bookA young girl thinks of all the things that she and her new baby brother can do together. When she is told her brother has Down syndrome, she promises they still will do those things, though now each activity might take a little longer. Grades Pre-K-2. 1998.

**What Happens Next?**by Joan Poundspublished by Mascot Booksprint bookJoan Rita Pounds, a disabled artist, shares with readers her unique collection of paintings. Grades 2-3. 2016.

**What It Is to Be Me! An Asperger Kid Book**by Angela Wine and David Crarypublished by Fairdale Publishingprint bookWritten from the perspective of the author’s son, Danny, who has Asperger syndrome. Danny shares the ups, downs, and pride of being an Asperger kid. Fully illustrated. Grades Pre-K-3. 2005.

**The Wild Book**by Margarita Englepublished by Harcourt Children’s Booksebook, print bookFefa, who has dyslexia, deals with pressure on all sides in this free-verse novel. Her doctors consider her disorder to be untreatable, her mother tries to teach her how to write, and her siblings tease her mercilessly. While Fefa worries about her future if she is unable to read, her disability becomes an advantage when her family is in danger. Grades 4-6. 2012.

**Window Boy**by Andrea Whitepublished by Bright Sky Pressebook, print book1968. Sam Davis, a young man with cerebral palsy, peers though his bedroom window every day at the school he longs to attend. With the help of both his caretaker and his imaginary friend, Winston Churchill, Sam not only gains admittance to the school and the acceptance of his peers, but also fulfills his dream of becoming the school’s basketball coach. Grades 6-8. 2008.

**Wosie the Blind Little Bunny**by Rose King and Kevin Jonespublished by Xlibrisebook, print bookWosie was created by the author to reflect some of the life experiences she has had as a result of her blindness. The friendly animal characters in the book learn what it means to reach out and help others in need. The animals also learn ways to cope with their own disabilities and life challenges. Grades Pre-K-3. 2012.

**A Young Man’s Dance**by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton and Layne Johnsonpublished by Boyds Mills Pressprint bookGrandma Ronnie’s grandson misses baking cookies and dancing with her now that she lives in a nursing home, uses a wheelchair, and doesn’t recognize people. After several visits, he finds a special way to reconnect with her. Grades K-3. 2005.

**Yuko-Chan and the Daruma Doll: The Adventures of a Blind Japanese Girl Who Saves Her Village**by Sunny Sekipublished by Tuttle Publishingebook, print bookYuko-chan, an adventurous orphan who is blind, is able to do amazing things. She confronts a burglar in the dead of night and crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people. During her travels, Yuko-chan tumbles down a snowy cliff. As she waits for help, she discovers her tea gourd always lands right-side-up. Inspired, she creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped—a true symbol of resilience. Text in English and Japanese. Grades Pre-K-3. 2012.

## Part 3: Mobile Apps, Games, and Activities for Children with Disabilities and Their Peers

This section focuses on mobile apps for children with disabilities and their peers, as well as games and activities that can be done individually or in a group.

### Apps:

This section includes apps that help children with disabilities and apps on braille and sign language that can be shared with peers.

#### From the Apple App Store:

**Baby Sign (ASL):** American Sign Language instruction and games for children.

**Bob Books Reading Magic:** Teaches your child how to make the connection between letters and sounds, sound out simple words, and spell the words they have read.

**Bugs and Buttons:** Teaches counting, path finding, patterns, sorting, and tracking, as well as fine motor skills such as pinching.

**Cause &Effect Sensory Light Box:** Cause-and-effect app that creates sounds and lights when a finger is on the screen, then stops when the finger is removed. For children with low vision or cortical visual impairment (CVI).

**ChoiceWorks:** Helps children complete daily routines, understand and control their feelings, and cultivate a higher threshold for patience (e.g., taking turns and not interrupting). Helps foster a child’s independence while also promoting positive behavior and emotional regulation.

**Doodle Kids:** This doodle and drawing app teaches cause, effect, and visual attention. There is no audio but the colors are high contrast.

**Dr. Seuss’s ABC:** The Dr. Seuss story apps from Oceanhouse Media are interactive, include sound effects, and add a new layer to classic Seuss tales.

**iLoveFireworks:** Makes big sounds and big visual displays with a simple tap of the finger. Teaches cause and effect and increases visual attention.

**Infant Zoo:** Simple high-contrast illustrations encourage visual attention and help to develop an understanding of cause and effect.

**Injini: Child Development Game Suite:** Play-based learning exercises and games for children with cognitive, language, and fine motor delays. Originally designed for and tested by children with autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, as well as typically developing preschoolers.

**Math Evolve:** Helps children practice math facts, number sense and mental math skills.

**My Smart Hands Baby Sign Language Dictionary:** Comes with more than three hundred signs. Explains how to do them and gives tips on how to remember and understand them.

**My Talking Picture Board:** Helps children with CVI learn how to locate and recognize two-dimensional images.

**ProloQuo2Go:** Full-featured augmentative and alternative communication solution for people who have difficulty speaking. Provides natural sounding text-to-speech voices.

**Signed Stories:** App for both beginners and advanced signers includes many popular classic children’s stories narrated with signs. Includes a vocabulary section.

**SignShine:** Designed by a leader in the sign language field, this app offers songs to help teach children sign language vocabulary while keeping them entertained. Additional song packs are available.

**Sounding Board:** Users create communication boards using simple symbols with voice output.

**Talking Tom Cat:** Animated cat repeats words and sounds in a funny voice. Encourages vocalization and interaction with the iPad.

**TalkTablet:** For people unable to communicate clearly as a result of autism, aphasia, Down syndrome, stroke or laryngectomy. With six American English voices (including children’s voices).

**Tap-n-See Now:** Though created specifically for children with CVI, the bright colors and fun pictures in this cause-and-effect app will also appeal to babies and young toddlers without CVI.

**Tap-n-See Zoo:** The developer of this app calls it “the first app for iPad and iPhone created specifically for children with cortical visual impairment.”

**TeachMe:** Teaches age-appropriate math skills.

**Telling Time:** Features include a free-play talking clock, a digital clock alongside the analog one, three levels of difficulty for each activity, and the chance to win prizes.

**Write My Name:** Helps children with fine motor delays and sensory processing issues practice emerging writing skills by writing their name and tracing upper and lowercase letters. Includes more than one hundred familiar sight words.

**Zen Brush:** Simulates the feeling of an ink brush, enabling the user to make fluid strokes. Offers fifty style templates, three shades of ink, eraser tool, brush size adjustment slider, and one-time undo function.

#### From Google Play:

**AAC Speech Buddy:** Allows users to create custom PECS Speech Sets at AACSpeech.com and download them to Android devices.

**AAC Speech Communicator:** App forms and reads grammatically correct sentences from a list of pictograms that are clicked (text-to-speech).

**Accessible Fun for the Blind:** Mixture of voice, sounds, and vibrations guides children through four different games.

**Alexicom AAC for Android:** Alexicom AAC lets you use your Android phone or tablet as an augmentative communication device (AAC). They offer more than 1,200 pre-made pages and more than 7,000 images in their public libraries.

**Autism Language and Cognitive Therapy with MITA:** Healthline rated this the best Autism app of 2017. Includes unlimited language and cognitive exercises designed to last for approximately 5 years.

**AutismXpress:** Encourages people with autism to recognize and express emotions through an easy-to-use interface.

**Braille Buddies:** Teaches braille to children who are visually impaired with a stimulating sound library. Allows children to read and write braille. Interactive app responds as children learn.

**JABTalk:** Speech communication app designed to help non-verbal children and adults communicate.

**Learn with Children:** Learn basic numbers, shapes, and colors. Includes animated backgrounds and images as well as a voice that responds to the touch. Good for children with learning disabilities.

**Quick Talk:** Gives individuals who cannot communicate a way to tell others their wants and needs.

**Sensory Baby Toddler Learning:** Uses vibration, visual, and sound effects to help children develop hand-eye coordination. Good for the development of children with learning disabilities and autism.

**Voice4U:** Consists of images that can assist and improve language.

**Webteam Apps:** Webteam Corporation offers a number of apps that teach skills such as learning to count, differentiating colors, and much more to children with autism.

### Activities and Games:

**Awareness Kit**www.indianadisabilityawareness.org/campaign-kit *External*

**Boy Scouts of America:**
        - Abilities Digest Archives   www.scouting.org/programs/boy-scouts/the-building-blocks-of-scouting/abilities-digest-archives *External*  [PDF]
        - Disabilities Awareness – Serving Scouts with Disabilities   www.scouting.org/programs/boy-scouts/the-building-blocks-of-scouting/disabilities *External*  [PDF]
        - Disability Awareness through Language Arts and Literacy: Resources for Prekindergarten and Elementary School   www.fddc.org/sites/default/files/file/publications/7%202%2012%20disability%20guide%20PDF%20final.pdf *External*  [PDF]

**How to talk to your child about disabilities**www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-disabilities-ages-5-to-8_3657045.bc *External*

**Resources to teach kids about disabilities awareness and inclusion**http://adayinourshoes.com/resources-to-teach-kids-about-disabilities-awareness-and-inclusion *External*

**Teaching special kids: Online resources for teachers**www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr139.shtml *External*

**Teaching Tolerance:**
        - Assessing Access. Lesson. Grade Level 3–5   www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/assessing-access *External*
        - Awareness in Our Classroom. Learning Plan. Grade Level 3–5   www.tolerance.org/learning-plan/awareness-in-our-classroom *External*
        - Bringing Sight to the Sightless. Lesson. Grade Level K–2, 3–5   https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/bringing-sight-to-the-sightless *External*
        - Picturing Accessibility: Art, Activism and Physical Disabilities. Lesson. Grade Level K–2, 3–5   www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/picturing-accessibility-art-activism-and-physical *External*
        - Understanding Differences   www.tolerance.org/learning-plan/understanding-differences *External*
        - What Is Differently Abled? Lesson. Grade K–2, 3–5   www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/what-is-differently-abled *External*
        - What Is Ableism? Lesson. Grade Level K–2, 3–5   https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/what-is-ableism *External*
        - What Is a Disability? Lesson. Grade Level K–2, 3–5   www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/tolerance-lessons/what-is-a-disability *External*

## Part 4: Bibliography on Pre-K through Sixth Grade Disability Awareness

Following is a bibliography of scholarly material on the positive effects of early introduction to disability, alternative forms of communication, and people first language. All articles have been digitized and cataloged and are available from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled reference file. For copies, please call (202) 707-9275 to speak to a reference librarian.

Altieri, Jennifer L. “Fictional Characters with Dyslexia: What Are We Seeing in Books?” *Teaching Exceptional Children* 41, no. 1 (September/October 2018): 48–54.

Altieri, Jennifer L., Nick Ellison, Sam Barrett, and Sonali Shah. “‘Away with the Fairies?’ Disability within Primary‐Age Children’s Literature.” *Disability &Society* 25, no. 3 (2010): 373–86.

Anaby, Dana, Carri Hand, Laura Bradley, Briano DiRezze, Mary Forhan, Anthony DiGiacomo, and Mary Law. “The Effect of the Environment on Participation of Children and Youth with Disabilities: A Scoping Review.” *Disability and Rehabilitation* 35, no. 19 (January 2013): 1589–98.

Andrews, Sharon E. “Using Inclusion Literature to Promote Positive Attitudes toward Disabilities.” *Journal of Adolescent &Adult Literacy* 41, no. 6 (March 1998): 420–26.

Bandura, Albert, Claudio Barbaranelli, Gian Vittorio Caprara, and Concetta Pastorelli. “Self-Efficacy Beliefs as Shapers of Children’s Aspirations and Career Trajectories.” *Child Development* 72, no. 1 (January/February 2001): 187–206.

Brenna, Beverley. “Breaking Stereotypes with Children’s Fiction: Seeking Protagonists with Special Needs.” *International Journal of Special Education* 23, no. 1 (2008): 100–03.

Brookshire, Jamye, Lauren F.V. Scharff, and Laurie E. Moses. “The Influence of Illustrations on Children’s Book Preferences and Comprehension.” *Reading Psychology* 23, no. 4 (2002): 323–39.

Causton-Theoharis, Julie, and George Theoharis. “Creating Inclusive Schools for All Students.” *The School Administrator*, September 2008, 24–31.

Coster, Wendy, Mary Law, Gary Bedell, Kendra Lijenquist, Y-C Kao, Mary Khetani, and Rachel Teplicky. “School Participation, Supports, and Barriers of Students with and without Disabilities.” *Child: Care, Health, and Development* 39, no. 4 (July 2013): 535–43.

De Boer, Anke, Sip Jan Pijl, and Alexander Minnaert. “Students’ Attitudes towards Peers with Disabilities: A Review of the Literature.” *International Journal of Disability Development and Education* 54, no. 4 (2012): 379–92.

De Boer, Anke, Sip Jan Piji, Alexander Minnaert, and Wendy Post. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Intervention Program to Influence Attitudes of Students towards Peers with Disabilities.” *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders* 44, no. 3 (March 2014): 572–83.

Dyches, Tina Taylor, Mary Anne Prater, and Melissa Leininger. “Juvenile Literature and the Portrayal of Developmental Disabilities.” *Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities* 44, no. 3 (2009): 304–17.

Favazza, Paddy C., Leslie Phillipsen, and Poonam Kumar. “Measuring and Promoting Acceptance of Young Children with Disabilities.” *Exceptional Children* 66, no. 4 (June 1, 2000): 491–508.

Foley, John T., Daniel Tindall, Lauren Lieberman, and So-Yeun Kim. “How to Develop Disability Awareness Using the Sport Education Model.” *Journal of Physical Education, Recreation &Dance* 78, no. 9 (November/December 2007): 32–36.

Ganea, Patricia A., Megan Bloom Pickard, and Judy S. DeLoache. “Transfer between Picture Books and the Real World by Very Young Children.” *Journal of Cognition and Development* 9, no. 1 (2008): 46–66.

Heah, Tom, Tara Case, Brianna McGuire, and Mary Law. “Successful Participation: The Lived Experience among Children with Disabilities.” *Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy* 74, no. 1 (2007): 38–47.

Hehir, Thomas. “Eliminating Ableism in Education.” *Harvard Educational Review* 72, no. 1 (April 2002): 1–32.

Hong, Soo-Young, Kyong-Ah Kwon, and Hyun-Joo Jeon. “Children’s Attitudes towards Peers with Disabilities: Associations with Personal and Parental Factors.” *Infant and Child Development* 23, no. 2 (March/April 2014): 170–93.

Hoogsteen, Lindsey, and Roberta L. Woodgate. “Can I Play? A Concept Analysis of Participation in Children with Disabilities.” *Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics* 30, no. 4 (2010): 325–39.

Hughes, Chloe. “Seeing Blindness in Children’s Picturebooks.” *Journal of Literary and Cultural Disability Studies* 6, no. 1 (2012): 35–51.

Hurst, Christina, Ken Corning, and Richard Ferrante. “Children’s Acceptance of Others with Disability: The Influence of a Disability-Simulation Program.” *Journal of Genetic Counseling* 21, no. 6 (December 2012): 873–83.

Ison, Nicole, Sarah McIntyre, Sophie Rothery, Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Shona Goldsmith, Samantha Parsonage, and Liz Foy. “‘Just like You’: A Disability Awareness Programme for Children That Enhanced Knowledge, Attitudes and Acceptance: Pilot Study Findings.” *Developmental Neurorehabilitation* 13, no. 5 (2010): 360–68.

Koc, Kevser, Yusuf Koc, and Selda Ozdemin. “The Portrayals of Individuals with Physical and Sensory Impairments in Picture Books.” *International Journal of Special Education* 25, no. 1 (2010): 145–61.

Kramer, Pamela A. “Using Literature to Enhance Inclusion.” *Contemporary Education* 70, no. 2 (Winter 1999): 34–37.

Kumschick, Irina R., Luna Beck, Michael Eid, Georg Witte, Gisela Klann-Delius, Isabella Heuser, Rüdiger Steinlein, and Winfried Menninghaus. “Reading and Feeling: The Effects of a Literature-Based Intervention Designed to Increase Emotional Competence in Second and Third Graders.” *Frontiers in Psychology*, December 16, 2014. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01448 *External*.

Kurtts, Stephanie A. and Karen W. Gavigan. “Understanding (Dis)abilities through Children’s Literature.” *Education Libraries: Children’s Resources* 31, no. 1 (Spring 2008): 23–31. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ824775.pdf [PDF].

Leininger, Melissa, Tina Taylor Dyches, Mary Anne Prater, and Melissa Allen Heath. “Newbery Award Winning Books 1975–2009: How Do They Portray Disabilities?” *Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities* 45, no. 4 (December 2010): 583–96.

Lindsay, Sally, and Ashley Edwards. “A Systematic Review of Disability Awareness Interventions for Children and Youth.” *Disability and Rehabilitation* 35, no. 8 (2013): 623–46.

Lindsay, Sally, and Amy C. McPherson. “Strategies for Improving Disability Awareness and Social Inclusion of Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy.” *Child: Care, Health and Development* 38, no. 6 (November 2012): 809–16.

MacMillan, Megan, Mark Tarrant, Charles Abraham, and Christopher Morris. “The Association between Children's Contact with People with Disabilities and Their Attitudes towards Disability: A Systematic Review.” *Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology* 56, no. 6 (June 2014): 529–46.

Mantei, Jessica, and Lisa Kervin. “Interpreting the Images in a Picture Book: Students Make Connections to Themselves, Their Lives and Experiences.” *English Teaching: Practice and Critique* 13, no. 2 (September 2014): 76–92.

Marlowe, Mike and George Maycock. “Using Literary Texts in Teacher Education to Promote Positive Attitudes toward Children with Disabilities.” *Teacher Education and Special Education: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children* 24, no. 2 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1177/088840640102400202 *External*.

Matthew, Nicole, and Susan Clow.. “Putting Disabled Children in the Picture: Promoting Inclusive Children’s Books and Media.” *International Journal of Early Childhood* 39, no. 2 (2007): 65–78.

McCulliss, Debbie and David Chamberlain. “Bibliotherapy for Youth and Adolescents—School-Based Application and Research.” *Journal of Poetry Therapy* 26, no. 1 (2013): 13–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/08893675.2013.764052 *External*.

Montgomery, Paul, and Kathryn Maunders. “The Effectiveness of Creative Bibliotherapy for Internalizing, Externalizing, and Prosocial Behaviors in Children: A Systematic Review.” *Children and Youth Services Review* 55 (August 2015): 37–47.

Moore, Danielle, and Ted Nettelbeck. “Effects of Short-Term Disability Awareness Training on Attitudes of Adolescent Schoolboys toward Persons with a Disability.” *Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability* 38, no. 3 (2013): 223–31.

Nowicki, Elizabeth A., and Jason D. Brown. “‘A Kid Way’: Strategies for Including Classmates with Learning or Intellectual Disabilities.” *Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities* 51, no. 4 (August 2013): 253–62.

Nowicki, Elizabeth A., Jason Brown, and Magdalena Stepien. “Children’s Thoughts on the Social Exclusion of Peers with Intellectual or Learning Disabilities.” *Journal of Intellectual Disability Research* 58, no. 4 (April 2014): 346–57.

Papaioannou, Christina, Christina Evaggelinou, Vassilis Barkoukis, and Martin E. Block. “Disability Awareness Program in a Summer Camp.” *European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity* 6, no. 2 (2013): 19–28.

Pardeck, John T. “Using Children’s Books as an Approach to Enhancing Our Understanding of Disability.” *Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation* 4, no. 1–2 (2005): 77–85.

Pardeck, John T. and Jean A. Pardeck. “An Exploration of the Uses of Children’s Books as an Approach for Enhancing Cultural Diversity.” *Early Child Development and Care* 147, no. 1 (1998): 25–31.

Prater, Mary Anne. “Learning Disabilities in Children’s and Adolescent Literature: How Are Characters Portrayed?” *Learning Disability Quarterly* 26 (2003): 47–62.

Prater, Mary Anne, Tina Taylor Dyches, and Marissa Johnstun. “Teaching Students about Learning Disabilities through Children’s Literature.” *Intervention in School and Clinic* 42, no. 1 (2006): 14–24.

Rillotta, Fiona, and Ted Nettelbeck. “Effects of an Awareness Program on Attitudes of Students without an Intellectual Disability towards Persons with an Intellectual Disability.” *Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability* 32, no. 1 (2007): 19–27.

Roberts, Alvin. “Bibliotherapy: A Technique for Counseling Blind People.” *Journal of Visual Impairment &Blindness*, 78, no. 5 (May 1984): 197–99.

Rosenbaum, Peter L., Robert W. Armstrong, and Susanne M. King. “Children’s Attitudes toward Disabled Peers: A Self-Report Measure.” *Journal of Pediatric Psychology* 11, no. 4 (1986): 517–30.

Rozalski, Michael, Angela Steward, and Jason Miller. “Bibliotherapy: Helping Children Cope with Life’s Challenges.” *Kappa Delta Pi Record* 47, no. 1: 33–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2010.10516558 *External*.

Smith-D’Arezzo, Wendy M., and Cheryl Moore-Thomas. “Children’s Perceptions of Peers with Disabilities.” *Teaching Exceptional Children Plus* 6, no. 3 (February 2010): 2–16.

Spencer-Cavaliere, Nancy, and E. Jane Watkinson. “Inclusion Understood from the Perspectives of Children with Disability.” *Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly* 27, no. 4 (2010): 275–93.

Spilt, Jantine L., Pol A.C. van Lier, Geertje Leflot, Patrick Onghena, and Hilde Colpin. “Children’s Social Self-Concept and Internalizing Problems: The Influence of Peers and Teachers.” *Child Development* 85, no. 3 (May/June 2014): 1248–56.

Sridhar, Dheepa and Sharon Vaughn. “Bibliotherapy for All: Enhancing Reading Comprehension, Self-Concept, and Behavior.” *Teaching Exceptional Children* 33, no. 2 (2000): 74–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990003300210 *External*.

Sterland, Emma. “How Stories and Reading Can Help Teach Children about Disability.” *Guardian*, February 3, 2014. www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2014/feb/03/stories-reading-teach-children-disability *External*.

Swaim, Karen F. and Sam B. Morgan. “Children’s Attitudes and Behavioral

Intentions toward a Peer with Autistic Behaviors: Does a Brief Educational Intervention Have an Effect?” *Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders* 31 no. 2 (2001): 195–205.

Turner, Joan C. “Representations of Illness, Injury, and Health in Children’s Picture Books.” *Children's Health Care* 35, no. 2 (2006): 179–89.

Updated 2019

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