The Ovia Bookshelf: Celebrating Disability Pride Month

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!

A Friend for Henry

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.