10 Best Children's Books About Disabilities (2025)

Children's books about disabilities are essential in promoting understanding and inclusivity, especially considering that an estimated 240 million children worldwide live with some form of disability [*].

Research shows that childhood disability can have lasting effects on mental health, with individuals who experienced disability in childhood reporting more depressive symptoms in adulthood [*].

These findings highlight the importance of promoting empathy and awareness from an early age to support children with disabilities and their long-term mental health. By introducing these topics early, children's books about disabilities can help shape a more inclusive, supportive environment for all children.

10 Best Children's Books About Disabilities

Here are 10 of the best children's books about disabilities that inspire understanding, compassion, and celebration of differences. These stories not only provide representation for children with disabilities but also help others better understand the challenges and strengths of their peers.

1. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin — Julia Finley Mosca

This inspiring biography tells the story of an animal scientist named Dr. Temple Grandin, who also had autism. It highlights how Dr. Grandin’s unique way of thinking led to groundbreaking work in animal behavior and autism advocacy.

The book is written in a simple, engaging style, which makes it accessible to young readers. It encourages children to embrace their differences and see them as strengths.

Price: $14.99 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes and Noble

2. We’ll Paint the Octopus Red — Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

This heartwarming book tells the story of a young girl named Emma whose brother, Isaac, is diagnosed with Down Syndrome. It helps children understand how Down Syndrome affects a family and shows the emotional journey of adjusting to new challenges.

Through colorful illustrations and simple language, the book promotes empathy and understanding. The story encourages children to support loved ones with disabilities and highlights the importance of family support.

Price: $15.99 on Amazon, $16.95 on Barnes and Noble

3. When Charley Met Emma — Amy Webb

This heartwarming children’s book introduces young readers to the importance of kindness, empathy, and acceptance. The story follows Charley, a young boy who learns a valuable lesson about embracing differences when he meets Emma, a girl who uses a wheelchair due to limb differences.

This book is a powerful tool for teaching children about disabilities in a relatable and age-appropriate way. It encourages open conversations about inclusion and reminds readers that everyone deserves understanding and respect.

Price: $9.99 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. The Princess and the Peanut Allergy — Wendy McClure

In this story, Regina plans a birthday party with a peanut-filled cake. However, she finds out that her best friend Paula has a peanut allergy. The book educates children about food allergies and how to handle them in social situations.

The story is a helpful tool for teaching children the importance of being safe and mindful of food allergies.

Price: $7.57 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion — Shannon Stocker

This book tells the inspiring story of Evelyn Glennie, a world-renowned percussionist who became deaf as a child. Evelyn refused to let her hearing loss limit her dreams, so she learned to feel music through vibrations.

This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates resilience, innovation, and the power of following one's passion. It’s an uplifting story that encourages readers to embrace challenges and redefine possibilities.

Price: $11.60 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay — Susan Hood

This inspiring book tells the story of Ada, a girl who grows up in a poor neighborhood in Paraguay but finds hope and joy through music. The instruments in the orchestra are made from recycled materials.

Although not focused solely on disability, the book highlights the challenges of poverty and adversity and the transformative power of art. It encourages children to see the possibilities even in difficult circumstances.

Price: $11.39 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

7. The Black Book of Colors — Menena Cottin

"The Black Book of Colors" offers children a unique glimpse into the experience of blindness, and helps sighted readers imagine life without vision. It features raised black line drawings on black paper for readers to feel, paired with text that describes colors.

Braille letters accompany the text, so sighted readers can engage with Braille as a form of reading. It’s an excellent tool for teaching children about visual impairments and empathy.

Price: $17.35 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

8. I Can’t Do That, YET! — Esther Pia Cordova

This book focuses on the concept of growth mindset, by teaching children that with practice and patience, they can overcome challenges. It highlights the importance of perseverance, particularly for children with disabilities or those struggling with difficulties.

The book provides motivational messages that children can relate to and apply in their own lives. It is a great resource for building confidence in kids of all abilities.

Price: $12.99 on Amazon, $12.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. Daniel's New Friend — Becky Friedman

In this story, Daniel Tiger and Miss Elaina meet Prince Wednesday’s cousin, Chrissie, during a playdate at the castle. Daniel notices Chrissie uses braces to walk but quickly learns they have a lot in common, like loving the color red and enjoying pretend play.

The story emphasizes that even though people may have differences, these don’t prevent them from forming great friendships. It’s a wonderful way to teach children about acceptance and finding similarities with others.

Price: $4.64 on Amazon, $4.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You — Sonia Sotomayor

Written by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this book encourages children to embrace their differences.

The book teaches young readers to respect and celebrate diversity. It also promotes inclusivity and understanding by showing how everyone is unique in their own way.

Price: $10.30 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Introduce your child to the world of understanding and empathy with these top disability books for kids. These stories not only celebrate diversity but also provide valuable lessons in kindness and inclusion.

By reading children's books about special needs, young readers can gain insights into the challenges faced by children with disabilities.

For more resources, explore our social skills worksheets to help children build empathy and effective communication. Additionally, check out our growth mindset posters to inspire perseverance, positivity, and self-confidence.

References:

1. Children with disabilities. (2023, June). UNICEF. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-disability/overview/
2. West JS, Kamis C. The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Disability on Mental Health Trajectories in Mid- to Late-Life. J Aging Health. 2022 Oct;34(6-8):818-830. doi: 10.1177/08982643211066184. Epub 2021 Dec 28. PMID: 34963347; PMCID: PMC9933120.