Disability Pride Month isn’t yet nationally recognized, but a number of cities across the country hold annual Disability Pride parades in July, the month in which the Americans with Disabilities Act was first signed into law in 1990. That same year Boston hosted the first Disability Pride Day.
For Disability Pride Month 2021, we have put together a collection of children’s and teen books that honor people of various abilities. For more titles for young people that honor the disability experience in literature, we recommend books from the
Schneider Family Book Awards list presented by the American Library Association Youth Media Awards.
ABC Let's Celebrate You and Me
by Sugar Snap Studio
This exuberant abecedary encourages children to celebrate the things that make us unique, outside and in. Bright, joyful illustrations of kids of various abilities, races, and body types pair with thoughtful text on topics like “B is for Bodies” and “U is for Unique.” Perfect for the youngest kiddos or family read-aloud time. — Madeline
I Will Dance
by Nancy Bo Flood and Julianna Swaney
Lovingly written by Nancy Bo Flood and beautifully illustrated by Portland illustrator Julianna Swaney, I Will Dance follows a young girl born with cerebral palsy who dreams of dancing in front of an audience. Her mother’s determination and a call for auditions from a dance studio accepting of all abilities help her realize her dream in this uplifting story of the power of music and performance. — Kim
Hello Goodbye Dog
by Maria Gianferrari and Patrice Barton
There is nothing Zara’s dog Moose loves more than saying hello and nothing that he dislikes more than being separated from Zara. When Moose isn’t allowed at school, he causes trouble by escaping from his crate and the house and causing lots of mischief. Zara comes up with the wonderful idea of Moose becoming a therapy dog so that he can always be with Zara. When Moose is approved, the whole class celebrates! — Kim
Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin
by Tracy Newman and Abigail Halpin
This biography of renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman received a 2021 Schneider Family Book Award honor. It chronicles Itzhak's story, beginning with his childhood home in Tel Aviv and his early love of music, with gorgeous illustrations from Abigail Halpin and a compelling narrative from Tracy Newman. Itzhak was diagnosed with polio at age four and had to relearn simple tasks, but his connection to music empowered him to work harder to become one of the most celebrated musicians, music teachers, and conductors of our time. — Kim
Aven Green Sleuthing Machine
by Dusti Bowling and Gina Perry
In this prequel to Bowling’s popular Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, third-grader Aven Green is determined to figure out who’s stealing lunches from the school cafeteria. There are a number of obstacles on the road to becoming an elementary school PI, but the fact that Aven was born without arms isn’t one of them. Kids ages 6 and up will devour this series. (The second book, Aven Green Baking Machine, comes out in August!) — Madeline
El Deafo
by Cece Bell
In Cece Bell’s all-ages graphic novel memoir, Cece explores the feelings of being a superhero with super hearing thanks to her Phonic Ear hearing aid strapped to her chest. Charming illustrations of anthropomorphic bunnies and a true, unique voice about fitting in and finding friendship make this one of my favorite children’s graphic novels of all time. — Kim
Roll With It
by Jamie Sumner
In her debut (which was instantly beloved by booksellers and customers alike), Sumner draws on her experience as a mother of a son with cerebral palsy to tell the story of Ellie, a girl with CP who’s determined to become a professional baker. She just has to deal with all the challenges of a new school first. A perfect summer book for middle grade readers! — Madeline
Lila and Hadley
by Kody Keplinger
In this middle grade title from Kody Keplinger, cofounder of Disability in Kidlit, 12-year-old Hadley is forced to go stay with her estranged older sister when their mother goes to prison. She’s also dealing with losing her eyesight to retinitis pigmentosa, and she’s full of anger and sadness. Can fostering depressed pit bull Lila help Hadley work through all the changes in her life? — Madeline
The Silence Between Us
by Alison Gervais
Deaf teen Maya’s family move means she must attend a hearing school for the first time. She’s faced with misconceptions, misunderstandings, and just plain rudeness — but also with a few kind people like Beau, who works on learning ASL from the first day. This Schneider Family Book Award honor title for teens is full of insight into Deaf/Hard of Hearing experiences from a talented and Hard of Hearing debut author. — Madeline