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Children's Books With Disabled Characters
Well, I love Jill Krementz's non-fiction photojournalist books. She has one that's excellent called How It Feels to Live With a Physical Disability. Also one called How It Feels to Fight for Your Life. My favorite of her books is How It Feels When A Parent Dies, which doesn't fit this topic. She also has "A Very Young..." series.I have a feeling Patricia Polacco might have one or two that might qualify! Can't think of any offhand though.
I know that I should probably not keep mentioning her (maybe I am a bit obsessed), but many of Jean Little's books deal specifically with children who experience physical and/or other challenges (From Anna, Listen for the Singing, Mine for Keeps are good examples).
Well, it is not about a disabled person, but Fanny is about a cat with only three legs and how she interacts with other animals and I was really fascinated by this book when I was a kid. I think that sometimes, especially for young kids, having animal characters in sensitive situations can really help provide a safe haven for the kids work through their ideas and feelings--the characters aren't EXACTLY like kids (which can sometimes bring things too close to home) but go through all the same feelings and ideas. This is one of the books in the Serendipity line by Stephen Cosgrove and I was in love with them as a kid :-)
There is the Judy Blume book Deenie. She discovers she has scoliosis and will have to wear a brace for several years during those crucial school years. A bit dated (do people still wear full braces to treat this?) but it was a book that REALLY touched me when I was a pre-teen.
Another Young Adult book I've been meaning to read for a long time is Izzy, Willy-Nilly by Cynthia Voigt. It deals with a young and popular teenager who looses her leg in a traffic accident. After her accident, Izzy has to learn how to accept herself and the fact that many her erstwhile friends either do not want to, or cannot accept her with her physical limitations. Also, just like Judy Blume's Deenie, Izzy becomes more sensitive to those students with special needs and challenges that she ignored and/or made fun of before her accident. I was reading a secondary book about disability in girl's literature, Take Up Thy Bed and Walk: Death, Disability, and Cure in Classic Fiction for Girls and the author (Lois Keith) makes a rather interesting point about the use of disability in both modern and classic girls' fiction. She points out that in the classic tales, such as Heidi, The Secret Garden, or Little Women, there is either a miraculous cure (like Clara in Heidi or Colin in The Secret Garden) or the disability/illness ends in a spiritual death (like Beth in Little Women).
And, although Keith claims that modern novels dealing with death and disability are more realistic, she points out that even modern writers are reluctant to end a story about disability with at least a partial cure. Judy Blume's Deenie is going to have to face four uncomfortable and difficult years wearing her brace, but at some time in the future her spine will be straight. And, while Izzy will always be an amputee, she will be able to get an artificial leg. I am not sure wether I completely agree with the all of the negative connotations Keith points out (and, some of her writing borders on bitterness), but she does have a point about disability being seen as generally an obstacle to be overcome, rejected and even eliminated.
There might be more acceptance of children with disabilities in contemporary Young Adult fiction, but I think that there are still not enough novels available in which a physical challenge is not regarded as a problem, is simply regarded as a different kind of life, and I think that the former is essential, especially for children with disabilities, so their challenges are not only/always envisioned as problems to be eliminated and overcome.
Lois Keith (the author of the secondary work I just mentioned) has actually also written a book about teenaged girl (Libby) who becomes permanently disabled due to a mysterious illness, A Different Life. In this book, there is no rejection of the protagonist's wheelchair, as there is in many other stories about disability. It is something functional and practical, which will help Libby become more independent; there will be no magical cure and Libby will face a very different kind of life.
I have Keith's book on my shelf, Gundula, waiting for me to read it - it certainly sounds very interesting, and given what I know of the works you mention, I find the thesis convincing. Thanks for bringing it up!Ian's Walk sounds interesting, Kirei - I will have to look for it!
When I was a teenager I loved the true story book about 18 year old Jill Kinmont: The Other Side of the Mountain. She was trying to compete in the Olympics as a skier and became paralyzed in a fall.
Rules by Cynthia Lord is a really nice chapter book about a girl who has an autistic brother and becomes friends with a boy who is a paraplegic.In the picture book Apt. 3 by Ezra Jack Keats, Sam and Ben are trying to track down the harmonica music they can hear in their apartment building. They find a man who is blind who can actually "see" really well.
Abigail wrote: "I have Keith's book on my shelf, Gundula, waiting for me to read it - it certainly sounds very interesting, and given what I know of the works you mention, I find the thesis convincing. Thanks for ..."It's a really interesting book, but I have not read all of the primary literature she lists. As I have said, I don't know if I agree with everything Keith states, but she is certainly correct in saying that even in contemporary Young Adult fiction, there is a tendency to show disabilities simply as such, as obstacles to be overcome, rather than as challenges, maybe even as unique gifts. I remember reading the autobiographies of Jean Little (Little by Little: A Writer's Education and Stars Come Out Within). She states that one of the main reasons she started writing books featuring children with challenges and disabilities was the fact that most classic childrens' novels and even many contemporary ones show disability as something to be overcome, to be cured, and many of the students that she was teaching in her special education classes would never be able to rid themselves of their challenges. She wanted stories about children with disabilities, where the children learned to deal with their challenges and even at times embrace them as special gifts, which I think is what Lois Keith promotes in her book as well (too bad, that she did not feature any of Jean Little's wonderful stories in her analysis).
Okay, this is really off topic, but your mention of 'unique gifts' Abigail reminded me of a book I read and LOVED as a child The Girl with the Silver Eyes. Ignore the cheesy cover (that's not the one I had!) I remember being so enthralled by anything having to do with ESP or other paranormal abilities! Anyway, so I know this doesn't fit with the topic at hand exactly BUT it is a nice book that features someone different (maybe even an outcast) that might appeal to children.
For preschoolers, The Animal Boogie is a good choice. This book has bright illustrations and includes a girl in a wheelchair in the lineup of dancing children.For 4-10 year olds, The Boy Who Grew Flowers, offers a heartwarming tale about a boy and a girl that have to deal with their own differences. In this story, one of the main characters has a real life physical disability.
Oh, I got one. (Raising my hand here.) I just remembered that when we read Lenore Look's first Alvin Ho book, his best friend (who is a girl) has a patch on one eye and one leg is shorter than the other. DS REALLY enjoyed this book and wants the next in the series. Plus, not a disability, but Alvin Ho himself can't talk at school. He goes to a psychologist for it. This sounds really heavy, but it is actually for ages maybe six or seven to ten
Yes, that is the one we read. The second one is called something like "Allergic to Camping" and then there is a third one that is coming out about now.
Hello all, In the Picture (http://www.childreninthepicture.org.uk/) is a website which "aims to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years' picture books". There's lots of great stuff on their site but the list of books including disabled characters might be a good place for people to start:
http://www.childreninthepicture.org.u...
In The Babysitters Club books, Stacey, one of the main recurring characters, has type 1 diabetes, and in many of the books, a child with a disability is featured, usually one of the kids under the care of the babysitters. I know there was one about a child with autism (Susan). I don't know that this series is highly thought of but I've liked the several that I've read, as did the kids I knew some years back.
My Brother CharlieI just read a review for this book at http://www.5minutesformom.com/20029/m...
It looks like a good read for children to learn about autism.
I recently ran across a reference to the book Hanni and Beth: Safe & Sound, which follows the story of golden labrador Hanni, author Beth Finke's seeing-eye dog. I thought it sounded particularly interesting, as the author herself is disabled.
I stumbled across the following article, about the scarcity of disabled characters in children's literature, and thought some of you might be interested:http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/0...
I was particularly struck by this comment: "What’s more, characters with disabilities were most likely to be supporting characters and were often used to boost the emotional growth of those without disabilities rather than to develop in their own right, the study finds."
I'm trying to think of books where the main character has a disability... Ideas?
Abigail, I know I've read some. I've definitely read non-fiction books, and I own at least a couple of those. I'll put on my thinking cap re fiction books.
The author of Take Up Thy Bed and Walk: Death, Disability, and Cure in Classic Fiction for Girls, which is an interesting, and quite critical study of disability in girls' literature (still have not managed to read more than a few chapters), has herself written a book about a girl who becomes disabled due to a mysterious disease, A Different Life. And, Jean Little has many stories where the main characters face physical challenges, From Anna, Listen for the Singing, Mine for Keeps.
Oh, From Anna was nominated here at one point. Thanks, Gundula, for reminding me that I really want to read that book.
Lisa wrote: "Oh, From Anna was nominated here at one point. Thanks, Gundula, for reminding me that I really want to read that book."Both it and the sequel are excellent.
In Ruby Lu, her cousin is deaf. She is not in the first book, but she is in the second book.Ruby Lu, Brave and True
Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper is a children's novel about an 11 year old girl who has a photographic memory but who can't walk, talk, or write.
The Schneider Family Book Awards for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience were awarded today.The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon won the award for children ages 0 to 10.
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick is the winner of the middle-school (ages 11-13).
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John was the teen (ages 13-18) award winner.
A Lesson My Cat Taught Me
This is endearing book that while it is primarily geared for children between the ages of 5 - 8, it goes as the back cover states, it appeals to all readers. The book's dedication describes the tone and lesson which it tries to convey, that of accepting people for who they are and not what they are. In searching the web on this book, I found this link which I feel demonstrates how good the lesson is.
http://www.tolerance.org/resources?ke...
This is endearing book that while it is primarily geared for children between the ages of 5 - 8, it goes as the back cover states, it appeals to all readers. The book's dedication describes the tone and lesson which it tries to convey, that of accepting people for who they are and not what they are. In searching the web on this book, I found this link which I feel demonstrates how good the lesson is.
http://www.tolerance.org/resources?ke...
I'm so glad Robin and Carol revived this thread as not only did they mention good books but I wanted to post that we actually did a themed read in the Picture Book Club last month on this very subject. If anyone is interested in checking out the list of books you can click here:http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...
Things Not Seen An invisible boy and a blind girl become friends. This is an excellent story that does not try too hard to bring a moral. Tangerine This boy is not fully blind, but he has severe problems with his eyesight.
Truesight a middle schooler's science fiction novel about a society where the parents genetically engineer everyone to be blind
Read My Lips deaf girl who reads lips at her high school
The Summer I Got a Life More of a teen novel, but some middle grade readers might like it. The main boy character dates a girl in a wheelchair.
Out of My Mind a girl with cerebral palsy. This book is one of the my favorites that I read this year.
Julie wrote: "Things Not Seen An invisible boy and a blind girl become friends. This is an excellent story that does not try too hard to bring a moral. Tangerine This boy is not full..."
Out of My Mind, was absolutely stunning. I'm still trying to write my review, it was/is such a powerful book, that I cannot seem to find the correct words, and think that anything I do write will not be enough.
I also really enjoyed Anything But Typical (and not only because it felt a bit like I was looking into a mirror, Jason Blake's voice is wonderful and really shows what the neuro-typical world often feels like for people with autism and related conditions).
Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes This book is the most inspirtional book for children who are suffering from a handicap, or just being bullied. its the story of a boy who has to wear specially made shoes due to his Handicap. It shows how he overcomes it and also turns it into good! All its reviews are stellar and May soon be in schools as a reading tool for students letting them know we are all the same. PLEASE READ!!
I found a great book about a boy whose sister is autistic Natalie----my daughter is autistic and her name is Natalie. -Gennifer Choldenko's book Al Capone Does My Shirts is clever and heart warming. she has a sequel as well Al Capone Shines My Shoes.This is a must read. Also The Blue Bottle Mystery is a good book about a boy with autism
My daughter read Out of my Mind for a 4th grade class and had to do a related book and project. She went a bit outside the box and set aside one day to be handicapped to capture the pov firsthand. She was deeply affected by the book and still makes up drawings of potential keyboard communications.Her very challenging day:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72327923...
Out of My Mind
Not really about disability, but a book with a main character who happens to be disabled. Which in a way is better as there is no mention of the fact he's in a wheelchair.Mr Black and the Invitation, which seems to be part of a collection, however he is the only diabled person of the group.
Mockingbird Asperger's SyndromeA Mango-Shaped SpaceSynesthesia
Anything But TypicalAsperger's SyndromeOut of My Mind Cerebral Palsy
Chandra wrote: "There is the Judy Blume book Deenie. She discovers she has scoliosis and will have to wear a brace for several years during those crucial school years. A bit dated (do people still w..."Haha, people definitely still wear full braces for that! Mine failed and I had to have surgery, but I wore braces for that from the ages of 10 to 12, and I'm only just now 16. I'll have to look for that book, thanks for mentioning it! I've never read a story about another girl with scoliosis, and I really think that would have helped me when I was going through all that horrible stuff a few years back. I'll have to read it to some of the girls at the hospital.
What an interesting thread! Some very thought- provoking comments. Speaking as someone with a disability, I'd like to think I view my cerebral palsy as a characteristic rather than a terrible obstacle, which must be overcome. It would be great to see that idea being expressed in children's books.
Tony wrote: "What an interesting thread! Some very thought- provoking comments. Speaking as someone with a disability, I'd like to think I view my cerebral palsy as a characteristic rather than a terrible obs..."
Hi Tony! Welcome to the group (I see this is your first post), and thank you for commenting. Have you read Out of My Mind, mentioned above? I haven't myself, but would be curious to know how someone with cerebral palsy feels about the story, and how it portrays the main character. We've focused, in this thread, on simply finding children's books that have disabled characters, but I do agree that the way disabilities are portrayed is just as important! I read a lot of vintage children's fiction, and I must say that I think this is better than it used to be - lots of "cripples" being miraculously cured, in older kids' stories - but know that we have a ways to go. Are there kids' books, either picture-books or fiction, that you really like, in this regard?
Oh! And I've been meaning to pop back into this thread myself, to mention two picture-books that fit the theme:Sosu's Call, by Meshack Asare, which we read last month for our International Book Club, features a young boy who cannot walk, and who, as a result, is considered unlucky by others in his small fishing village. When a crisis develops, Sosu's bravery convinces his fellow villagers that he is not bad luck, and resultant media coverage wins him something he has always wanted: a wheelchair, and the chance to go to school.
In the Land of Twilight, by Astrid Lindgren - a story first published in 1949, but only recently made available to English-language readers. It features a young boy, Goran, who has a "bad leg" - the specific nature of the problem is never specified, but it is clear that he can't walk, and the story implies that he might never walk - and who, in a moment of despair, is visited by a fairy-like being who takes him on a magical flight through an alternate, "twilight" Stockholm.
The buzzed-about YA title COLIN FISCHER (Nov 2012) features a boy with Aspergers. As a kid I was very interested in books about kids with disabilities. I wish I could remember the title of one I read about a boy who had been blinded in an accident with firecrackers. The story was all about how he adapted to his new world. Very good. And I enjoyed reading about the triumph of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan as well.
Abigail wrote: "Tony wrote: "What an interesting thread! Some very thought- provoking comments. Speaking as someone with a disability, I'd like to think I view my cerebral palsy as a characteristic rather than a..."
Hi Abigail, I've not read "Out of My Mind" I'm afraid. I'll add it to my reading list! I tend to know more about adult books on the subject. "My Left Foot" is one of the best examples, although I have read / am aware of many of the classic children's novels where the author introduces a disabled character. One of the more recent ones I came across was "Window Boy" by Andrea White.
I got more interested in the way disability was represented in children's literature, when I was writing my first children's book. What intrigued me was the way diability seems to be something which always needs to be 'overcome'. Too often, disabled characters are slotted into the 'weak and feeble' pigeonhole or the 'brave and resilient' category. I wanted to write a children's book which explored the psychology of disability a bit more and which demonstrated that disability can actually be a powerful (though possibly destructive) attribute.
I was (still am) into the poetry written by Lord Byron. A lot of people know him for writing 'Don Juan' and 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage'. Disability played a big part in his life. It drove him, I believe, to push and test himself. He wrote a play called 'The Deformed Transformed', but died before he could complete it. I read the play when I was a young teenager. There's a passage, which I have always remembered, because it struck such a chord with me. I'm not going to quote the whole thing, but if you're interested look up "Deformity is daring" on the internet. It's quite a powerful little piece of dialogue.
I'm really glad to see that more authors are now writing books which involve disabled charcaters. I would like to see more disabled people picking up a pen. There's such a lot of untapped talent out. I think disabled people are still an unrealised resource in literature, who have a great deal to say.
There! Rant over!!!
Tony wrote: "I've not read "Out of My Mind" I'm afraid."I loved the book Out of My Mind. Great book!
I loved reading through this thread. Thank you everyone for the book suggestions. My specialization for my teaching license is special education and I have several connections to a variety of disabilities via family/friends/students/teaching experiences and I am always looking for new books that portray disabilities accurately and could be a helpful tool. Here is a book list that I consider a great resource (even if some of the books are "older"). I hope the link works!
http://www.uwosh.edu/library/emc/Bibliographies/disabilities.pdf
Randie wrote: "Here is a book list that I consider a great resource (even if some of the books are "older"). I hope the link works!http://www.uwosh.edu/library/emc/Bibl... "
Thanks, Randie, That's a great resource! I'll take a more careful look at the list at some point. The link works fine.
We love My Fair Child which is about a little girl with albinism. It is such an encouraging book for children with this condition.www.littlebooksontheprairie.wordpress...
By the way, have any of you checked out the Scope website? Scope are a leading UK disability charity,(www.scope.org.uk) which supports disabled children and their families. They ran a campaign not so long ago called "In The Picture" which celebrated a collection of children's books which featured disability. This may be worth a look. See:
http://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/sco...
Children's Books
Books mentioned in this topic
My Father Is Taller than a Tree (other topics)Keep Your Ear on the Ball (other topics)
Susan Laughs (other topics)
How It Feels to Live with a Physical Disability (other topics)
How It Feels When A Parent Dies (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Patricia Polacco (other topics)Jill Krementz (other topics)
Jean Little (other topics)
Cynthia Voigt (other topics)
Cynthia Lord (other topics)
More...
I can't recall very many picture-books, that I've read, that feature characters with disabilities. There's the recent My Father Is Taller than a Tree, which portrays a diverse range of father-son pairs, two of which have a disabled father (one is blind, the other in a wheelchair). I understand that Susan Laughs is a great picture-book about a girl in a wheelchair (which isn't revealed until the end, apparently).
What about all of you? What titles can you recommend, that feature disabled people, either as the main characters, or as secondary ones?