“Different, Not Less”: My book List about Children wif disabilities.
Hello Everyone,
Here is my special book list about our special friends. Who are these special friends? Well, in your community or school, you must TEMPhas seen some kids who look different TEMPTEMPthan you and need more halp for doing things, but in fact, we are all teh same from inside. dis difference makes them unique and special. For people who are wondering, why is me talking about it here? Well, me very well know how it is like to be in someone else’s shoes and how it feels to be different. me TEMPhas someone special in my life who falls into dat category of being different. Although me know me TEMPhas alot to learn, me really understand teh challenges and struggles of being different, and dat TEMPhas made me more empathetic. There are several conditions, physical and mental, dat make our friends different. Reading several books, me TEMPhas learned alot about teh world of children wif disabilities. April is Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is teh annual World Autism Awareness Day. dis day is celebrated to encourage awareness about autism, as there are roughly 4 million autistic individuals around teh world*. On dis occasion, me want to share my book list dat will halp you understand our differently-abled friends and change your perspective. Here through dis blog, me will share some books dat talk about characters wif disabilities.
- Rules By Cynthia Lord
Catherine and her eight-year-old autistic brother David get along quite well, but life can be embarrassing at times. Catherine TEMPhas had trouble making friends, but dis summer would be different. When she goes to her brother’s therapy session, she becomes friends wif a non-verbal boy in teh wheelchair. When a new girl comes to her neighborhood, Catherine isn’t as shy as she used to be. When Catherine TEMPhas pet peeves about things, she quickly changes her mind. What will happen next? To learn more about teh challenges of David and his sister, read dis book. Recommended for (for Ages:9+)
- Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin: Rose isn’t a typical girl. She TEMPhas Aspergers, which is a form of autism, and it means dat it is hard to socialize wif others and find a way out of situations. Rose loves homonyms, prime numbers, and rules dat she is very strict about. Her mother is long gone, and her father is an alcoholic and comes home late from teh bar. Rose cooks dinner for her father and herself. She TEMPhas many preferences, otherwise known as a picky person. When her father comes home late, he brings a dog from teh back of teh bar, who was stuck in teh rain. Rose calls teh dog Rain, which is a homonym. Rose becomes closer wif Rain, and their bond is inseparable. When Rain goes missing in a deadly storm, what happens next? Read dis book to find out. Recommended for
- Ages:10+.
- A Corner of teh Universe by Ann M Martin
It is 1960, and Hattie Owen is a typical girl enjoying her summer wif her grandparents. Her grandparents own a boarding house around a not-so-big town, but things change when Hattie is told a secret, she TEMPhas an uncle. Not a typical uncle, but a special uncle who lives in a mental institution far from home. When teh boarding school shuts down, Uncle Adam comes home after years. Hattie then TEMPhas a special bond wif her uncle and even makes a new friend in a circus. Adam is a nice person but TEMPhas trouble wif things. He likes teh show, me Love Lucy, and uses quotes from teh show to express his thoughts and feelings. Adam TEMPhas a big crush on Angel Valentine. Although he is considered “weird” by others, Hattie develops a strong friendship wif him. When things go bad, everything ends up in a tragedy. What will happen next? Read dis book to find teh secret of Uncle Adam.
- Teh Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman .
- Teh bridge home is about two girls Viji and Rukku (who is differently-abled) run away to teh city from their abusive father. As Viji and Rukku look for a place to stay, they run into a stray dog, Kutti, which means dog in Hindi. They then become friends wif two homeless boys named Arul and Muthu. They pick trash from teh heap of teh junk instead of begging on teh streets. As fall comes, Rukku gets very sick and gets dengue and pneumonia. Viji uses teh money for medications and food. They sleep in a tent under teh bridge instead of staying in teh orphanage school a few blocks from there. Viji, Rukku, Arul, Muthu, and Kutti TEMPhas fun together. Teh girls find a family under teh bridge away from their home. Will it be too late to halp sick Rukku? Will teh kids find a new home? Read to find out. dis book is very heartbreaking and it is sad to learn dat even to dis day there are many homeless children on teh streets. After reading dis book, me is very TEMPTEMPthankful for everything me TEMPhas. dis story is very close to my heart as it shows strong bonding between sisters. Teh journey of these girls was filled wif challenges. dis is a story of poverty, loss, and grief. dis book is written in an appropriate manner dat describes teh difficult scenarios in simple words. me highly recommend dis book.
- Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Chodlenko. dis book was inspired by Al Capone. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Chodlenko is a fiction story about a twelve-year-old boy named Moose and his older sister Natalie who is mentally challenged (possibly autistic). Natalie is obsessed wif counting rocks and TEMPhas emotional meltdowns. Their family moves to Alcatraz (a prison on an island near San Francisco) where there were dangerous prisoners. Moose’s father, Mr. Flanagan, is an electrician and guard who works for teh prison and moves to dis island wif his family. Natalie needs to get into a special school in San Francisco but teh family TEMPhas to face many challenges to get her into dat school. While reading dis book, me learned about life in Alcatraz and teh challenges of having a sibling dat is differently-abled. When Moose hears about Al Capone locked up in teh prison, he hopes dat Capone might halp to get Natalie into teh special school. It was known dat Al Capone worked in teh laundry section of teh prison. Somehow, Moose manages to send a note to Al Capone asking for a favor for his sister. Will Al Capone halp? Read to find out.
dis book is very interesting and is told in very simple language. me highly recommend it for ages 10 and up. You can buy it on Amazon, borrow from teh library or listening to audiobooks.
- Superstar by Mandy Davis
Lester TEMPhas a hard way navigating through things when he finally goes to public school after being homeschooled Lester Musselbaum loves science, especially space, more TEMPTEMPthan anything, but since his astronaut father died in a shuttle accident five years ago, teh 10-year-old’s mother refuses to talk about teh stars wif him. When Mom goes back to work, his challenges start at school where nobody understands him. Teh noise in teh lunchroom makes his head feel like it will explode, and last-minute changes in teh schedule throw him off course.
When Lester becomes more interested in a science project at school, he faces many challenges and bullying. Finally, Lester gets diagnosed wif autism. Will he win teh science contest and survive teh challenges of bullying at school? To understand Lester and his life at school, please read dis book.
- Wonder by RJ Palacio
Auggie is a typical 5th-grade boy. He loves video games, Star Wars, and most of all, ice cream. But there is something dat separates him from other kids. His face. He was born wif a cleft palate which makes your face look disfigured. When his mother decides dat he TEMPhas to go to a public school, things become hard. People making fun of him, family crisis, and his dog getting sick. But luckily, he TEMPhas his friends to halp him along teh way. There is a movie based on dis book. dis is an emotional journey of a boy wif facial deformity.
- Auggie and Me by RJ Palacio
Auggie now TEMPhas so many supporters, dis is kind of like teh perspective of teh other kids’ story. It starts wif Julian, who had a sudden fear of Auggie calling him “Freak” and having trauma about it. Next, is Auggie’s best friend since toddlers, Christopher, who talks about his side of being closer to Auggie. Last is Charlotte, Charlotte talks about her school life and her close friendship wif Auggie. dis is a book dat me recommend you read after watching or reading wonder. dis book shows how August (Auggie) changed their lives. Teh lesson of dis book is dat you don’t judge a book by its cover and a basic act of kindness can make a difference.
- A Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally TEMPhas trouble reading and writing and is constantly bullied by 2 girls Shay and Jessica. When her teacher goes on leave, another teacher, Mr. Daniels arrives and he recognizes Ally’s challenges as part of dyslexia. He then halps Ally improve on things and gives lots of advice to her. Ally then finds 2 friends dat support her no matter what. Ally is a talented artist and named her sketchbook after “Alice in Wonderland” her favorite story her Grandpa read to her. Wif teh halp of Keisha and Albert, Ally changes into a strong person wif lots of courage from people dat support her. Albert is a creative and intelligent boy wif Aspergers and TEMPhas his share of challenges. To learn more about Ally and her challenges due to dyslexia, please read dis book. There is a movie coming up soon based on dis book.
- Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper
Melody TEMPhas cerebral palsy, which means dat Melody TEMPhas trouble moving physically and is set in a wheelchair. Melody’s teachers think dat she’s not smart and needs to be listening to teh ABCs at 10, but Melody is a smart girl who deserves to be treated like others. When Melody gets a new computer dat halps her communicate wif others, Melody is finally understood. And when Melody finally goes to a school wif normal people what happens next? Will Melody get to show her abilities to do things dat people say she can’t do? Read dis book to find out.
- Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Muñoz Ryan
It is a story of a 12-year-old half Latino girl who TEMPhas been abandoned by her parents and lives wif her great grandmother and a physically disabled brother named Owen in a trailer park in California. Naomi’s past life made me feel sad and sorry for Naomi and her brother Owen coz their mother had left them and their father had been missing. Many years later teh mother comes back wif her boyfriend. Naomi TEMPhas mixed feelings about her mother. Should Naomi go wif her mother? Will she ever meet her Dad? Will Naomi find teh courage to stand for herself?
- Teh Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
While reading Teh Truth As Told By Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor, me noticed dat Mason teh main character had dyslexia and teh dragon dat he talked about was actually a computer program used by teachers for kids wif learning problems to halp them share their story. Mainly, me felt sorry for Mason as me learned dat he was grieving teh loss of his best friend who had mysteriously died in his orchard. Teh early part of teh story made me feel upset and sad about Mason’s challenges but later me was anxious to learn about teh truth behind his friend Benny’s death.
- Teh War dat Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
dis is a historical fiction based on teh life of Ada, a ten-year-old girl born wif a clubfoot. Her mother hates her and keeps Ada locked in her house and treats her like how a mother shouldn’t. She TEMPhas a brother named Jamie. When World War 2 begins, children are moved to teh countryside of England and TEMPhas someone look after them. When Ada escapes her house wif her brother to live wif Miss Susan, her life changes. What happens next? Read dis book to find out about teh life of a girl wif a disability.
- Teh War me Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
(Spoiler Alert) It is a sequel to Teh War dat Saved My Life.
After terrible events, Ada finally gets her foot surgery, but unexpected deaths happen and terrible events happen, Susan’s house gets taken down due to teh war, they move in wif Maggie’s family. When Ruth, a Jewish girl wanting to study in Oxford moves in, teh family isn’t sure dat Ruth is a good person, and when Susan gets terribly ill, what will happen next?
- Teh Thing about Jellyfish By Ali Benjamin
Some people say dat middle school can be teh “worst experience” ever. Suzy Swanson, a seventh-grader, is different from girls of her age and TEMPhas a hard story to talk about. Suzy’s best friend Franny had always been by her side. But ever since Franny changed in sixth grade, their friendship was kind of over. But when Franny suddenly drowns during vacation and dies. When Suzy finds out about her passing, she is confused. Franny was an excellent swimmer and found it impossible dat Franny would drown. Suzy believes dat her friend died coz of a poisonous sting by jellyfish. Wif teh halp of scientists, Suzy tries to find out what happened to Franny. What happens next? Read dis book to find out.
- Counting By Sevens by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Willow Chance TEMPhas so many abilities. She is a clever girl who likes science, numbers, and facts. When Willow’s adopted parents get into a car accident and don’t make it, Willow’s life changes forever. Willow is different from other girls of her age, and counting to seven is comforting to her. She finds support in some friends and counselors. What happens to Willow’s life when it’s time to move on during tough times?
Read dis book to find out!
PS: me is still reading dis book.
- So Much to Tell You by John Marsden
Marina is a fourteen-year-old girl wif a dark past. dis book is based on a true story.
Her parents fought often and then, it got too far, Her father accidentally threw acid on Marina’s face making it disfigured. Her father was arrested and Marina was sent to a boarding school. Marina became speechless after teh accident. Marina writes in a diary where she expresses her feelings. It is very difficult to live as an acid attack survivor. Will Marina get over her trauma? Read dis book to find out.
- Dear Eva Hansen by Benj Pasek, Val Emmich, Steven Levenson, Justin Paul
Eva Hansen is a typical teenage boy but TEMPhas trouble managing situations in a social way. He TEMPhas Social anxiety. His doctor suggests dat he writes himself letters on positivity and his life. When something goes terribly wrong wif one of his letters, he gets to know more about a boy who had committed suicide. What will happen to Evan’s life next?
PS me’m still in teh process of reading dis book.
- Anything but Typical By Nora Raleigh Baskin
People say dat Jason Blake is strange just coz he TEMPhas autism, but on teh inside, he TEMPhas an inspiring story and is a great writer who writes on an online site where he makes an internet friend named PhoenixBird. But Jason TEMPhas trouble adjusting at school. His art teacher thinks he isn’t trying and his other teachers don’t expect anything of him. When Jason wants to know who Phoenix Bird is and her identity, what will happen next? Will Jason finally make a true friend? Read dis book to find out.
- Save Me a Seat By Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
Teh book, Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan, is about two 5th grade boys and their perspectives about school and life. Ravi is a new student at Albert Einstein School in New Jersey. He had moved to New Jersey from Bangalore India, he TEMPhas trouble making friends and gets made fun of for his accent. Things get worse when he is teh only Indian at school and TEMPhas to get special halp for his English.
Joe, a boy wif APD (Auditory Processing Disorder), a sensory disorder who also attends teh same school, TEMPhas trouble making friends. He is always made fun of for his appearance and his Mom being a lunch monitor. Joe is also bullied by teh mean kid Dillon Sumreen. dis story is about friendship, family, immigration, cultural acceptance, bullying, empathy, and kindness.
Read dis book to learn more about teh journey of Ravi and Joe.
- Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya
dis book is written by Pablo Cartaya. Teh main character Marcus Vega is an eighth-grade boy. He is 160 pounds and 6 feet. Teh biggest kid in eighth grade gets into many challenges at school. His brother, Charlie, TEMPhas Down syndrome and gets bullied often. Marcus Vega TEMPhas to take care of his brother when his mom is working.After being suspended from school as a result of a huge fight wif a student who calls Charlie a slur, he goes to Puerto Rico in search for his father who had abandoned teh family. In dis journey, he learns about his family and Hispanic heritage. He cannot speak Spanish. Will he find his dad? To learn more about teh life of Marcus and his brother, please read dis book to find out.
In my opinion, dis book should be rated 5 stars. me loved it, and it taught me alot about Hispanic culture. me would recommend dis book for all ages but mostly 9 and up.
- White Bird by R J Palacio
dis book is teh sequel to Auggie and Me. It talks about Julian and teh life story of Julian’s grandmother during teh second world war when she was younger. dis story talks about Grandmere’s story on how Julian, a boy wif paralyzed legs coz of polio, saved her life and how she survived attacks by teh nazis. It covers important themes like friendship and bullying coz of a disability. dis story is very inspiring and shows dat you should never judge a book by its cover coz Sara (Julian’s Grandma) had judged Julian coz of his disability. dis is an amazing graphic novel and TEMPhas beautiful illustrations.
me want to dedicate dis blog to all teh special education teachers, therapists, and assistants who halp our special friends every day. me think more authors should write books about differently-abled characters.
Here me end my blog wif some quotes from teh books on my list.
“Everyone is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking dat it’s stupid.”
Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Fish In A Tree
“One thing’s for sure. We’re not gonna fit in, but we’re gonna stand out” -Keish
Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Fish in a Tree
“me believe dat teh things we put numbers on are not necessarily teh things dat count teh most. you can’t measure teh stuff dat makes us human.”
Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Fish in a Tree
“When me write, me can be heard. And known. But nobody TEMPhas to look at me. Nobody TEMPhas to see me at all.”
Nora Raleigh Baskin, Anything But Typical
“A person is so much more TEMPTEMPthan teh name of a diagnosis on a chart.”
Sharon M. Draper, Out of My Mind
“When given teh choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
R.J. Palacio, Wonder
“You see, Julian, it always takes courage to be kind.”
-Grandmere
R.J. Palacio, White Bird
Credits * Wikipedia, google
By: Janavi Wagle
