The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in the United States on July 26, 1990, and a global movement soon followed. Nearly a decade ago Disability Pride Month was established to . To celebrate this important moment, we’ve gathered inspiring books showcasing the strength and resilience of individuals living with disabilities. Get ready to feel hopeful and inspired as you read these great books with your family.
See what’s on the shelf!
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Written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song
Ages 2-7
Henry has autism and is looking for a friend. This heartwarming story explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship. Making friends is an experience we can all relate to!
Favorite line: She burps pebbles, Henry thought. And breathes underwater. And turns sunshine into colors.
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I Am a Masterpiece!
Written by Mia Armstrong, illustrated by Alexandra Thompson
Ages 3-5
Actor, model, artist and activist with Down syndrome, Mia Armstrong, lets us into her beautiful world with this sweet and empowering book about loving and celebrating yourself.
Favorite line: It’s a different kind of self-portrait. It’s how I feel, not how I look.
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A Day With No Words
Written by Tiffany Hammond, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
Ages 4+
Author Tiffany Hammond’s celebration of neurodiversity and the beauty of finding different ways to communicate and understand each other is a must-read. Inspired by her autistic son, the story follows a boy who doesn’t speak but finds other ways to connect with the world.
Favorite line: Daddy’s voice is like air, soft as a light summer breeze that kisses my cheek, strong as the winds of hurricanes that abandon ships at sea.
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What Happened to You?
Written by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George
Ages 3-6
This award-winning book uses simple language and illustrations to show how a boy named Joe deals with kids who ask him what happened to his leg. The book focuses on addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to and provides valuable insights into the honest and curious way kids who don’t understand may approach another child with a visible disability.
Favorite line: Sharks were easy compared to kids Joe hadn’t met yet.
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My Brother Charlie
Written by Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Pictures by Shane Evans
Ages 4-8
Charlie is adored and valued by his family, especially his twin sister Callie, who shares what makes her brother so awesome in this book. It’s a heartfelt love letter from a sister to her brother, shining a light on acceptance, kindness, and the strength of sibling relationships. The story is a tribute to the relationship between Holly Robinson Peete’s real-life twins, RJ, who has autism, and his twin sister, Ryan Elizabeth.
Favorite line: He always makes my hurts better with the caring that comes from his eyes.
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Fighting for YES!: The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann
Written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger
Afterword by Judith Heumann
Ages 6-9
Judith Heumann defied the limits society put on her and challenged the barriers that limited the disabled community. Her pursuits changed the law and made it possible for many people to have a more accessible life, better educational opportunities, and more. It’s a great, inspiring read!
Favorite line: No more NOs!
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We Move Together
by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire
Illustrated by Eduardo Trejos
Ages: 6 – 9 years
We all move, but not in the same way. This lovely book shows how communities have people with different abilities and ways to move about in life.
Bright and fluid illustrations help bring the story to life.
Favorite line: We build something better
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I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler
Written by Karlie Waldrip, Illustrated by Lucy Rogers
Ages 2-18
Rhett needs a forever home, but he is a deaf dog and many folks don’t understand or know how to care for him. So when Karlie, who happens to be deaf, comes along, it starts a great friendship and new life for Rhett and Karlie. Based on a true story, this book’s author, illustrator, and main character are part of the deaf community!
Favorite line: Together, we saw the world differently, but we didn’t let our deafness stop us.
Triple the reading fun!
Award-winning author and artist R.J. Palacio brought millions together with her New York Times bestselling books centered around August Pullman, a boy with an extraordinary face and the willingness to brave the world. Here are three books from the Wonder universe for all ages.
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Wonder
Ages 9-11+
August starts 5th grade hoping to be treated like any other kid. The first book, told from multiple points of view, shows how people struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
Auggie and Me
Ages 9-11+
See Auggie through the eyes of Julian, the bully, Christopher, Auggie’s oldest friend, and Charlotte, Auggie’s new friend at school.
We’re All Wonders
Ages 3-8
Palacio introduces Auggie’s story to younger readers.
Favorite line: I know I can’t change the way I look. But maybe, just maybe…people can change the way they see.
Read more from The Ovia Bookshelf!
Black History Month
Celebrate AAPI
Reading resources