Kids’ Books Essentials: Supporting Different-Ability Awareness
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PSN Team 
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Support Different-Ability Awareness this October. Share these books with your community. : )
Mr. Biggs in the city
Author Kevin Bloomfield
Mr. Biggs has huge feet and an even bigger heart. Join Mr. Biggs as he tries skateboarding, ballet and much, much more. Will Mr. Biggs fit in the city… or is he just too big?
English/Spanish version avialble
From Ravin Tree Press
Available on Amazon.com
The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Author Jen Wojtowicz
Rick Bowagon is different he is shy, quiet and sprouts flowers from his body during a full moon. At school everyone stays away from him. Then sweet, kind, Angelina Quiz joins his class. Rick asks her to the school dance. Angelina has a short right leg and Rick creates a pair of party shoes for her to wear to the dance.
From Barefoot Books
Available on barefootbooks.com
Available on Amazon.com.
Taber Is Beautiful
Author Samantha DeGrasse
Taber is Beautiful,” is the story of a horse who struggles with confidence and self-esteem because of a mole on her nose. She doesn’t feel accepted because she doesn’t look like everyone else and is often made fun of. It is a wonderful story for children of all ages to teach them how to embrace themselves for how they look and who they are, whether it’s a facial flaw or speech delay or autism.
From Traffod Publishing
Available on amazon.com.
I’m Here
Author Peter H. Reynolds
Pure, powerful & deceptively simple. Mr. Reynolds reminds readers that children and their friendships can bloom in unexpected ways. This is for any child who ever felt shy or bullied. Moreover, it’s for every child to remind them the potential for friendship behind every shy smile.
From Simon & Schuster
Available on Amazon.com.
What’s wrong with Timmy?
Author Maria Shriver
When 8 year old Kate meets Timmy, she becomes aware that he is different. Kate wants to know why. Her Mom helps Kate learn about children with “special needs”. Timmy may not run or walk like Kate, and it takes him longer to learn things, but, like her, he wants to make friends, go to school, and he dreams about what he wants to be when he grows up.
From Little, Brown & Company Available on Amazon.com.
I’m not weird I have SPD
Author Chynna T. Laird
Jamie, the author’s daughter, has SPD. This book helps children with SPD explain this disorder to others and to explain what they go through in order to help their peers be aware of others with “special needs”, understand them, and to help make them seem less different.
From OutskirtsPress.com
Available on Amazon.com.
Recommendations From Parents
My Friend with Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings [Paperback]
Author Beverly Bishop
My Brother is Very Special.
Author Amy Glorioso
Be Good Eddie Lee
Author Virginia Filling
What’s Wrong With Timmy
Author Maria Shriver
Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability
Author Leslie Harker
All Kinds of Friends, Even Green
Author Ellen B. Senisi
Andy and his Yellow Frisbee
Author Mary Thompson
My Friend Isabelle
Author Eliza Woloson
Everyone is Special
Author Regina Burch
Leo the late Bloomer
Author Robert Kraus
I’m a Big Sister Now
Author Michelle Emmert
Trevor Trevor
Author Diane Twachtman-Cullen
Howie Helps Himself
Author Joan Fassler
Danny’s Song
Author Betsy P. Nadas
Recommendations From Schools /Teachers
Elementary School Books
Grades 2nd – 6th
Adam and the Magic Marble
Author Adam & Carole Buehrens
Pre-k-3rd
Andy and His Yellow Frisbee
Author Mary Thomson
Pre-k-3rd
Be Good Eddie Lee
Author Virginia Filling
Pre-k-3rd
Arnie & the New Kid
Author Nancy Carlson
Pre-K-3rd
Danny and the Merry-go-round
Author Nan Holcomb
1st – 2nd
Fair & Square
Author Nan Holcomb
Pre-k-3rd
Ian’s Walk (Autism)
Author Laurie Lears
1st – 2nd
I’m like you, you’re like me
Author Cindy Gainer
Pre-k-3rd
Let’s Talk about It –Downs
Author Jennifer Morre-Mallinos
Pre-k-3rd
Leo the late Bloomer
Author Robert Kraus
1st-2nd
We can do it!
Author Laura Dwight
1st -5th
Rolling Along: Taylor and his
Author Jamee Heelan
Middle/High School Books
5th-12th
Views from our shoes
Author Donald Meyer, Ed.
5th-12th
Wish on a Unicorn
Author Karen Heese
6th-12th
Don’t Stop the Music
Author Robert Perske
Helpful Articles
List and Explanation of Disabilities for Disability Awareness Month
Disabilities Shouldn’t Define Individuals Awareness and Dialogue Promote Acceptance
Sister & Children’s Author Aims to End Discrimination
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2011 Magazine
