Statistics indicate that about 1 in 5 Americans have some type of disability. Many of these people are children, and it is likely your kids will encounter at least one person with a disability in their lifetimes. They will have questions and want to know more. Fiction can be a great teaching tool for kids, so we have gathered some of our favorite disability fiction titles:
- Mine for Keeps (Jean Little). Although written in the late 80s, this children’s novel was arguably ahead of its time. When Sal Copeland comes home for good after attending school at a center for kids with disabilities, she has to deal with challenges related to having cerebral palsy and fitting in at a new school.
- Out of My Mind (Sharon M. Draper). Melody Brooks has a photographic memory and is the smartest girl in fifth grade, but no one knows that. Severe cerebral palsy keeps her from walking, talking, or even going to the bathroom on her own. However, when Melody gets an assistive speaking device and joins the quiz team, her world opens up.
- Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (Jack Gantos). Joey Pigza is wired. He bounces around the hallways like a superball, disrupts class. Because of an unstable home life, no one knows he has ADHD, but an understanding teacher, a new dog, and others help him make sense of his wired life.
There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom (Louis Sachar). Bradley Chalkers is a bully. At least, that is what everybody in Mrs. Ebbel’s class thinks. Carla Davis, the new school counselor, helps Bradley work through his feelings and deal with his schoolwork, which is hampered due to an unnamed learning disabilit
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