7 Authentic Kids' Books on Disability by Disabled Authors
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Did you know that over one billion people worldwide live with a disability, and at least 24% of them are children (Unicef)? This makes representation in children’s books crucially important. It’s not just about heroes overcoming great odds; it's about normalizing characters who happen to have disabilities, reflecting real-life diversity and fostering empathy and inclusivity from a young age.
Even more important is consuming stories from authors who have lived these experiences to ensure an authentic perspective. This list features seven incredible books written by authors with disabilities, each showcasing characters with disabilities. These books provide kids with representation in the stories they read, while also providing parents with excellent options to help raise inclusive and understanding kiddos.
By Raymond Antrobus
When Little Bear's confusion about sounds leads to an audiologist visit, he discovers his deafness and starts using hearing aids.
Written by a deaf poet who draws on his own experiences and illustrated by a hard-of-hearing artist, the book beautifully portrays Little Bear's journey to understanding and adapting to his vibrant, noisy world.
You can watch the video below to enjoy the book being read aloud with an ASL interpreter signing the story.
🏅 Honouree Ezra Jack Keats Award
By Cece Bell
El Deafo is Cece Bell's autobiographical graphic novel that tells the story of her childhood with a hearing aid, transforming her into a superhero at school. Through her Phonic Ear, Cece discovers unexpected powers and navigates the challenges of fitting in while seeking true friendship.
🏅 Newbery Medal Winner
🏅 #1 New York Times bestseller graphic novel
🏅 Goodreads Choice Award: Nominee for Best Middle Grade & Children's (2014)
By Cerrie Burnell
In I Am Not a Label, readers discover the inspiring stories of 34 disabled artists, thinkers, and athletes who have excelled in their fields.
With engaging illustrations and powerful biographies, this anthology celebrates their achievements and challenges societal perceptions of disability.
🏅 2021 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Honor Book
By James Catchpole
Joe's playground adventures are interrupted by constant inquiries about his leg in What Happened to You?.
This lighthearted yet impactful book, inspired by the author's own experiences, encourages kids to move beyond curiosity and value friends for who they truly are.
🏅 Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book
🏅 Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year
🏅 Junior Library Guild Selection
🏅 Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
🏅 2024 Nevada Young Readers’ Award Nominee
🏅 2024-2025 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee
By Samantha Cotterill
In The Beach Is Loud!, an exuberant boy’s thrilling beach visit turns into sensory overload.
Through his eyes and without directly naming autism, the story, crafted by an autistic author-illustrator, captures his vivid experiences and his father's soothing strategies, offering practical advice for children with sensory processing issues.
This is one of four books in the Little Senses books series.
By Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes
In the touching story of Rescue and Jessica, a service dog named Rescue and a girl named Jessica come together to face their new realities. Rescue, initially unsure of his role, finds his purpose by helping Jessica navigate her life with prosthetics. Their partnership exemplifies resilience, teamwork, and the unbreakable bond between a service dog and his handler.
🏅 2019 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
By Alan Rabinowitz
In the heartfelt picture book A Boy and a Jaguar, Alan Rabinowitz shares his struggles with stuttering and his unique connection to animals. The story illustrates how he overcomes societal stigma and uses his passion for animal conservation to find his voice, eventually speaking on behalf of endangered species worldwide.
🏅 2015 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
🏅 Publishers Weekly Best Book
🏅 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor
🏅 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015
🏅 Winner of the 2015 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award
🏅 2015 Green Earth Book Honor book
Did we miss your favorite Children’s Book written by an author with a disability? If so, let us know in the comments below!
