Recommended Books for Elementary School Students
Many teachers are interested in incorporating children’s literature with themes of disability in their classroom, but are unsure what books are suitable and do not know which books are accurately portraying disability. Below is a brief list of books published since 2000 that are highly recommended and some that have won awards for their portrayals of people with invisible disabilities. The Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award (2014) recognizes authors, illustrators, and publishers of high quality fictional and biographical children, intermediate, and young adult books that appropriately portray individuals with developmental disabilities. The Schneider Family Book Award (2014) honors an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
YOUNG READERS (Pre-K to 2)
A.D.D. Not B.A.D., by Audrey Penn (2003)
Grades: PreK to 2
Disability: A.D.D.
“An insightful and entertaining book that teaches young children what it's like to have A.D.D. Jimmy Jumpingbean and his teacher, Mr. Jugardor, demonstrate to the class why Jimmy's attention deficit disorder makes it hard for him to sit still.” (Barnes and Noble)
Becky the Brave: A Story about Epilepsy, by Laurie Lears (2002)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: Epilepsy
“Becky is Sarah's big sister. She is brave about going to a new school, about standing up to a big dog, and even about having epilepsy. But one day Becky has a seizure during class. Now Sarah must be brave for her sister. Nothing seems to scare Sarah's big sister Becky, until having an epileptic seizure makes her reluctant to return to school, and so Sarah summons her own courage to explain the disease to the other students.” (Barnes and Noble)
Catherine’s Story, by Genevieve Moore (2010)
Grades: K to 2
Disability: Epilepsy
“What makes Catherine so special? She can't talk, and she can't walk like her cousin Frances can. But Catherine listens very closely, she walks in her special shoes, and her claps are so quiet that hardly anyone can hear them. These are some of the things that make Catherine special and, because her family knows how special she is, this makes them feel special, too so Catherine's dad tells her as he puts her to bed. Just before he turns off the light, he sees Catherine smiling and clapping her hands. This beautifully illustrated and simply told story is about a girl with an unspecified disability who relies on others to help her do many ordinary things, but who offers them much love and happiness in return. Inspired by the author's own experience with her young niece, Catherine's Story is evocatively illustrated by a highly experienced artist who thoroughly researched the details of her subject's abilities and daily life. Best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson has provided a heartfelt foreword for a book that will stimulate discussion about special-needs children’s place in society.” (Barnes and Noble)
Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism, by Laurie Lears (2003)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: Autism
“Julie can't wait to go to the park and feed the ducks with her big sister. Her little brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn't have the same reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks he looks silly. A young girl realizes how much she cares for her autistic brother Ian when he gets lost at the park.” (Barnes and Noble)
Keeping up with Roo, by Sharlee Glenn (2004)
Grades: 1 to 3
Disability: Intellectual Disability
2006 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“Gracie and her aunt Roo are best friends. Roo has the heart and mind of a child, and she's always had a knack for finding the best ways to have fun together. But now Gracie's getting older, and her feelings about Roo are changing. She doesn't always have time to play anymore. She worries about what her new school friend will think of strange Roo. Does growing up mean she'll have to leave her best friend behind? In a realistic, heartwarming story about a little girl's relationship with her beloved aunt who is mentally challenged, Glenn reminds us of the gifts we all bring to the world, and to each other. The world is comprised of all kinds of teachers. Gracie has always had a special bond with her Aunt Roo, who is mentally disabled, but that relationship starts to change when Gracie begins school.” (Barnes and Noble)
Looking after Louis, by Lesley Ely (2004)
Grades: 1 to 3
Disability: Autism
“A young girl sits next to a boy named Louis at school. Louis has autism, but through imagination, kindness, and a special game of soccer, his classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs.” (Barnes and Noble)
Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets, by Barbara Esham (2014)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: ADHD
“David doesn't know how he ends up in such situations. At the time, it just seems like a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. Gorski, has had about enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him. This time, he believes that he has come up with the best idea yet. The perfect plan to make everything better.” (Barnes and Noble)
My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete (2010)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: Autism
2012 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism. "Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows. Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.” (Barnes and Noble)
My Brother Sammy is Special, by Becky Edwards (2012)
Grades: K-3
Disability: Autism
“Sammy does not go to school with his older brother—Sammy has to go to school on a special bus. The brothers cannot play in the park together—Sammy lies under the tree and watches the leaves. Sammy’s brother is angry because Sammy is autistic and does not know how to be a “normal” brother. Then, one day, Sammy’s older brother realizes that he should not demand everything on his own terms and that Sammy’s way of doing things may not be so bad after all.” (Barnes and Noble)
Soda Pop Head, by Julia Cook (2011)
Grades: K to 5
Disability: Emotional Behavioral Disorder
“His real name is Lester, but everyone calls him Soda Pop Head. Most of the time he is pretty happy, but when things seem to be unfair his ears gets hot, his face turns red and he blows his top! Lester’s dad comes to his rescue by teaching him a few techniques to loosen the top and cool down before his fizz takes control.” (Amazon.com)
Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco (2012)
Grades: K to 2
Disability: Learning Disability
“When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but the letters just get jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates when they call her a dummy. Then, in fifth grade, Mr. Falker changes everything. He sees through her sadness to the gifted artist she really is. And when he discovers that she can't read, he helps her prove to herself that she can - and will!” (Barnes and Noble)
The Pirate of Kindergarten, by George Ella Lyon (2010)
Grades: PreK to 3
Disability: Visual Impairment
2011 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
“Doubles are good for lots of things—double scoops of ice cream, double features at the movies. But double vision is NOT a good kind of double. In fact, it can make kindergarten kind of hard. Ginny sees double chairs at reading circle and double words in her books. She knows that only half of what she sees is real, but which half? The solution to her problem is wondrously simple: an eye patch! Ginny becomes the pirate of kindergarten. With the help of her pirate patch, Ginny can read, run, and even snip her scissors with double the speed! Vibrant illustrations from Lynne Avril capture the realities of what Ginny sees both before and after.” (Barnes and Noble)
Who Took My Shoe?, by Karen Emigh (2003)
Grades: PreK to 2
Disability: ADHD
“Brett and his dog Herman embark on a search for Brett’s mysteriously missing shoe. They playfully and methodically ask questions, such as Who took it? What happened to it? How can I find my shoe? The answers are pretty hilarious, until Brett finally asks the right one, and discovers his shoe in a most unlikely place! Although written to teach the concepts of who, what, where, why, when and how questions for children on the autism spectrum, Who Took My Shoe? will teach, entertain, and delight all youngsters.” (Barnes and Noble)
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine, by Julia Cook (2011)
Grades: PreK to 5
Disability: Anxiety
“Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and/or fear. It is considered to be the number one health problem in America. Although quite common, anxiety disorders in children are often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Everyone feels fear, worry and apprehension from time to time, but when these feelings prevent a person from doing what he/she wants and/or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability. This fun and humorous book addresses the problem of anxiety in a way that relates to children of all ages. It offers creative strategies for parents and teachers to use that can lessen the severity of anxiety. The goal of the book is to give children the tools needed to feel more in control of their anxiety. For those worries that are not in anyone’s control (i.e. the weather,) a worry hat is introduced. A fun read for Wilmas of all ages!” (Barnes and Noble)
OLDER READERS (Grade 3 and up)
A Mango-Shaped Space, by Wendy Maxx (2003)
Grades: 3 to 7
Disability: Synesthesia
2004 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
“Mia Winchell has synesthesia, the mingling of perceptions whereby a person can see sounds, smell colors, or taste shapes. Forced to reveal her condition, she must look to herself to develop an understanding and appreciation of her gift in this coming-of-age novel. Afraid that she is crazy, thirteen-year-old Mia, who sees a special color with every letter, number, and sound, keeps this a secret until she becomes overwhelmed by school, changing relationships, and the loss of something important to her.” (Barnes and Noble)
How Many Days Until Tomorrow?, by Caroline Janover
Grades: 4 to 6
Disability: Dyslexia
2001 Parents’ Choice Award
“Josh is a twelve-year-old with dyslexia who spends the summer on a remote island in Maine with his teasing older brother Simon and grandparents he hardly knows. His "bug-eyed" grandfather (alias Grumps) rarely says a kind word. Living on Seal Island is torture until Josh realizes his own ingenuity. He captures a pet mouse, learns about seals and whales and meets a cute girl. In a dramatic, life-threatening emergency, Josh learns he is just as smart as his "gifted" older brother. He spends "the worst and the best" summer of his life on Seal Island, far out to sea off the coast of Maine.” (Barnes and Noble)
It’s Hard to Be a Verb!, by Julia Cook (2008)
Grades: 3 to 6
Disability: ADHD
“This adorable book teaches children with ADHD that it is sometimes hard to be a verb, but they just have to focus. It teaches kids how to wiggle their wiggles before the wiggles wig them and that being a verb is not their fault.” (Barnes and Noble)
Joey Pigza Loses Control, by Jack Gantos (2000)
Grades: 4 to 7
Disability: ADHD
2000 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year & 2001 Newbery Honor Book
“When Joey Pigza meets his dad for the first time in years, he meets a grown-up version of his old out-of-control self. Carter Pigza is as wired as Joey used to be — before his stint in special ed, and before he got his new meds. Joey's mom reluctantly agrees that he can stay with his dad for a summer visit, which sends Joey racing with sky-high hopes that he and Carter can finally get to know each other. But as the weeks whirl by, Carter has bigger plans in mind. He decides that just as he has pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, Joey can do the same and become as normal as any kid, without the help of a doctor's prescription. Carter believes Joey can do it and Joey wants to believe him more than anything in the world. Here is the continuation of Jack Gantos' acclaimed Joey Pigza story, affirming not only that Joey Pigza is a true original but that it runs in the family.” (Barnes and Noble)
Memoirs of an imaginary friend, by Matthew Dicks (2013)
Grades: 3 to 7
Disability: Asperger Syndrome
2014 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“I am not imaginary...Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo feels his age and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, Budo will disappear. Max is different from other children. Some people say he has Asperger’s, but most just say he’s “on the spectrum.” None of this matters to Budo, who loves Max unconditionally and is charged with protecting him from the class bully, from awkward situations in the cafeteria, and even in the bathroom stalls. But he can’t protect Max from Mrs. Patterson, a teacher in the Learning Center who believes that she alone is qualified to care for this young boy. When Mrs. Patterson does the unthinkable, it is up to Budo and a team of imaginary friends to save Max—and Budo must ultimately decide which is more important: Max’s happiness or his own existence. Matthew Dicks' Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a triumph of courage and imagination that touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.” (Barnes and Noble)
Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine (2011)
Grades: 5 and up
Disability: Asperger Syndrome
2010 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
“Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon has died, and Caitlin's dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure— and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be black and white after all.” (Barnes and Noble)
Remember Dippy, by Shirley Reva Vernick (2013)
Grades: 5 to 8
Disability: Autism
2014 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“Johnny's plans fly out the window when he finds out his single mother is leaving town for the summer. She has a breakthrough job in upstate New York. He can live with his Aunt Collette but only on the condition that he "help out with" his autistic older cousin, Remember. Yup, you heard it right: Remember Dippy. That's his cousin's name—and Remember is a gawky awkward kid with some pretty strange habits, like repeating back almost everything Johnny says and spending hours glued to the weather channel. Johnny's premonitions of disaster appear at first to come to cringe-worthy fruition, but when the two boys save a bully from drowning, salvage the pizzeria guy's romance, and share girl troubles, Johnny ends up having the summer of his life.” (Barnes and Noble)
Rules, by Cynthia Lord (2008)
Grades: 3 to 6
Disability: Autism
2007 Newbery Honor Book
“Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public"---in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?” (Barnes and Noble)
Tending to Grace, by Kimberly Newton Fusco (2005)
Grades: 6 and up
Disability: Learning Disability, Speech Impediment
2006 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
“Lenore is Cornelia’s mother—and Cornelia’s fix-up project. What does it matter that Cornelia won’t talk to anyone and is always stuck in the easiest English class at school, even though she’s read more books than anyone else? She feels strong in the fixing. She cooks vegetable soup so Lenore will eat something other than Ring Dings; she lures her out of bed with strong coffee and waffles. She looks after the house when Lenore won’t get out of bed at all. So when Lenore and her boyfriend take off for Vegas leaving Cornelia behind with eccentric Aunt Agatha, all Cornelia can do is wait for her to come back. Aunt Agatha sure doesn’t want any fixing. Maybe this time it’s Cornelia who could use it?” (Barnes and Noble)
The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia, by Diane Burton Robb (2004)
Grades: 2-4
Disability: Dyslexia
“When Adam started kindergarten, the teacher wanted him to learn about letters. But "p" looked like "q," and "b" looked like "d." In first grade, he had to put the letters into words so he could read. That was the beginning of the Alphabet War. Learning to read is a great struggle for Adam, but with expert help, hard work, and belief in himself, he wins "The Alphabet War."” (Barnes and Noble)
References
Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award. (2014). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://daddcec.org/Awards/DollyGrayAwards.aspx
Schneider Family Book Award. (2014). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/1/all_years
YOUNG READERS (Pre-K to 2)
A.D.D. Not B.A.D., by Audrey Penn (2003)
Grades: PreK to 2
Disability: A.D.D.
“An insightful and entertaining book that teaches young children what it's like to have A.D.D. Jimmy Jumpingbean and his teacher, Mr. Jugardor, demonstrate to the class why Jimmy's attention deficit disorder makes it hard for him to sit still.” (Barnes and Noble)
Becky the Brave: A Story about Epilepsy, by Laurie Lears (2002)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: Epilepsy
“Becky is Sarah's big sister. She is brave about going to a new school, about standing up to a big dog, and even about having epilepsy. But one day Becky has a seizure during class. Now Sarah must be brave for her sister. Nothing seems to scare Sarah's big sister Becky, until having an epileptic seizure makes her reluctant to return to school, and so Sarah summons her own courage to explain the disease to the other students.” (Barnes and Noble)
Catherine’s Story, by Genevieve Moore (2010)
Grades: K to 2
Disability: Epilepsy
“What makes Catherine so special? She can't talk, and she can't walk like her cousin Frances can. But Catherine listens very closely, she walks in her special shoes, and her claps are so quiet that hardly anyone can hear them. These are some of the things that make Catherine special and, because her family knows how special she is, this makes them feel special, too so Catherine's dad tells her as he puts her to bed. Just before he turns off the light, he sees Catherine smiling and clapping her hands. This beautifully illustrated and simply told story is about a girl with an unspecified disability who relies on others to help her do many ordinary things, but who offers them much love and happiness in return. Inspired by the author's own experience with her young niece, Catherine's Story is evocatively illustrated by a highly experienced artist who thoroughly researched the details of her subject's abilities and daily life. Best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson has provided a heartfelt foreword for a book that will stimulate discussion about special-needs children’s place in society.” (Barnes and Noble)
Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism, by Laurie Lears (2003)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: Autism
“Julie can't wait to go to the park and feed the ducks with her big sister. Her little brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn't have the same reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks he looks silly. A young girl realizes how much she cares for her autistic brother Ian when he gets lost at the park.” (Barnes and Noble)
Keeping up with Roo, by Sharlee Glenn (2004)
Grades: 1 to 3
Disability: Intellectual Disability
2006 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“Gracie and her aunt Roo are best friends. Roo has the heart and mind of a child, and she's always had a knack for finding the best ways to have fun together. But now Gracie's getting older, and her feelings about Roo are changing. She doesn't always have time to play anymore. She worries about what her new school friend will think of strange Roo. Does growing up mean she'll have to leave her best friend behind? In a realistic, heartwarming story about a little girl's relationship with her beloved aunt who is mentally challenged, Glenn reminds us of the gifts we all bring to the world, and to each other. The world is comprised of all kinds of teachers. Gracie has always had a special bond with her Aunt Roo, who is mentally disabled, but that relationship starts to change when Gracie begins school.” (Barnes and Noble)
Looking after Louis, by Lesley Ely (2004)
Grades: 1 to 3
Disability: Autism
“A young girl sits next to a boy named Louis at school. Louis has autism, but through imagination, kindness, and a special game of soccer, his classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs.” (Barnes and Noble)
Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets, by Barbara Esham (2014)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: ADHD
“David doesn't know how he ends up in such situations. At the time, it just seems like a great idea. His teacher, Mrs. Gorski, has had about enough; he can tell by the way her voice changes when she speaks to him. This time, he believes that he has come up with the best idea yet. The perfect plan to make everything better.” (Barnes and Noble)
My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete (2010)
Grades: K to 3
Disability: Autism
2012 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism. "Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows. Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.” (Barnes and Noble)
My Brother Sammy is Special, by Becky Edwards (2012)
Grades: K-3
Disability: Autism
“Sammy does not go to school with his older brother—Sammy has to go to school on a special bus. The brothers cannot play in the park together—Sammy lies under the tree and watches the leaves. Sammy’s brother is angry because Sammy is autistic and does not know how to be a “normal” brother. Then, one day, Sammy’s older brother realizes that he should not demand everything on his own terms and that Sammy’s way of doing things may not be so bad after all.” (Barnes and Noble)
Soda Pop Head, by Julia Cook (2011)
Grades: K to 5
Disability: Emotional Behavioral Disorder
“His real name is Lester, but everyone calls him Soda Pop Head. Most of the time he is pretty happy, but when things seem to be unfair his ears gets hot, his face turns red and he blows his top! Lester’s dad comes to his rescue by teaching him a few techniques to loosen the top and cool down before his fizz takes control.” (Amazon.com)
Thank You, Mr. Falker, by Patricia Polacco (2012)
Grades: K to 2
Disability: Learning Disability
“When Trisha starts school, she can't wait to learn how to read, but the letters just get jumbled up. She hates being different, and begins to believe her classmates when they call her a dummy. Then, in fifth grade, Mr. Falker changes everything. He sees through her sadness to the gifted artist she really is. And when he discovers that she can't read, he helps her prove to herself that she can - and will!” (Barnes and Noble)
The Pirate of Kindergarten, by George Ella Lyon (2010)
Grades: PreK to 3
Disability: Visual Impairment
2011 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
“Doubles are good for lots of things—double scoops of ice cream, double features at the movies. But double vision is NOT a good kind of double. In fact, it can make kindergarten kind of hard. Ginny sees double chairs at reading circle and double words in her books. She knows that only half of what she sees is real, but which half? The solution to her problem is wondrously simple: an eye patch! Ginny becomes the pirate of kindergarten. With the help of her pirate patch, Ginny can read, run, and even snip her scissors with double the speed! Vibrant illustrations from Lynne Avril capture the realities of what Ginny sees both before and after.” (Barnes and Noble)
Who Took My Shoe?, by Karen Emigh (2003)
Grades: PreK to 2
Disability: ADHD
“Brett and his dog Herman embark on a search for Brett’s mysteriously missing shoe. They playfully and methodically ask questions, such as Who took it? What happened to it? How can I find my shoe? The answers are pretty hilarious, until Brett finally asks the right one, and discovers his shoe in a most unlikely place! Although written to teach the concepts of who, what, where, why, when and how questions for children on the autism spectrum, Who Took My Shoe? will teach, entertain, and delight all youngsters.” (Barnes and Noble)
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine, by Julia Cook (2011)
Grades: PreK to 5
Disability: Anxiety
“Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and/or fear. It is considered to be the number one health problem in America. Although quite common, anxiety disorders in children are often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Everyone feels fear, worry and apprehension from time to time, but when these feelings prevent a person from doing what he/she wants and/or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability. This fun and humorous book addresses the problem of anxiety in a way that relates to children of all ages. It offers creative strategies for parents and teachers to use that can lessen the severity of anxiety. The goal of the book is to give children the tools needed to feel more in control of their anxiety. For those worries that are not in anyone’s control (i.e. the weather,) a worry hat is introduced. A fun read for Wilmas of all ages!” (Barnes and Noble)
OLDER READERS (Grade 3 and up)
A Mango-Shaped Space, by Wendy Maxx (2003)
Grades: 3 to 7
Disability: Synesthesia
2004 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
“Mia Winchell has synesthesia, the mingling of perceptions whereby a person can see sounds, smell colors, or taste shapes. Forced to reveal her condition, she must look to herself to develop an understanding and appreciation of her gift in this coming-of-age novel. Afraid that she is crazy, thirteen-year-old Mia, who sees a special color with every letter, number, and sound, keeps this a secret until she becomes overwhelmed by school, changing relationships, and the loss of something important to her.” (Barnes and Noble)
How Many Days Until Tomorrow?, by Caroline Janover
Grades: 4 to 6
Disability: Dyslexia
2001 Parents’ Choice Award
“Josh is a twelve-year-old with dyslexia who spends the summer on a remote island in Maine with his teasing older brother Simon and grandparents he hardly knows. His "bug-eyed" grandfather (alias Grumps) rarely says a kind word. Living on Seal Island is torture until Josh realizes his own ingenuity. He captures a pet mouse, learns about seals and whales and meets a cute girl. In a dramatic, life-threatening emergency, Josh learns he is just as smart as his "gifted" older brother. He spends "the worst and the best" summer of his life on Seal Island, far out to sea off the coast of Maine.” (Barnes and Noble)
It’s Hard to Be a Verb!, by Julia Cook (2008)
Grades: 3 to 6
Disability: ADHD
“This adorable book teaches children with ADHD that it is sometimes hard to be a verb, but they just have to focus. It teaches kids how to wiggle their wiggles before the wiggles wig them and that being a verb is not their fault.” (Barnes and Noble)
Joey Pigza Loses Control, by Jack Gantos (2000)
Grades: 4 to 7
Disability: ADHD
2000 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year & 2001 Newbery Honor Book
“When Joey Pigza meets his dad for the first time in years, he meets a grown-up version of his old out-of-control self. Carter Pigza is as wired as Joey used to be — before his stint in special ed, and before he got his new meds. Joey's mom reluctantly agrees that he can stay with his dad for a summer visit, which sends Joey racing with sky-high hopes that he and Carter can finally get to know each other. But as the weeks whirl by, Carter has bigger plans in mind. He decides that just as he has pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, Joey can do the same and become as normal as any kid, without the help of a doctor's prescription. Carter believes Joey can do it and Joey wants to believe him more than anything in the world. Here is the continuation of Jack Gantos' acclaimed Joey Pigza story, affirming not only that Joey Pigza is a true original but that it runs in the family.” (Barnes and Noble)
Memoirs of an imaginary friend, by Matthew Dicks (2013)
Grades: 3 to 7
Disability: Asperger Syndrome
2014 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“I am not imaginary...Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends. But Budo feels his age and thinks constantly of the day when eight-year-old Max Delaney will stop believing in him. When that happens, Budo will disappear. Max is different from other children. Some people say he has Asperger’s, but most just say he’s “on the spectrum.” None of this matters to Budo, who loves Max unconditionally and is charged with protecting him from the class bully, from awkward situations in the cafeteria, and even in the bathroom stalls. But he can’t protect Max from Mrs. Patterson, a teacher in the Learning Center who believes that she alone is qualified to care for this young boy. When Mrs. Patterson does the unthinkable, it is up to Budo and a team of imaginary friends to save Max—and Budo must ultimately decide which is more important: Max’s happiness or his own existence. Matthew Dicks' Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is a triumph of courage and imagination that touches on the truths of life, love, and friendship as it races to a heartwarming . . . and heartbreaking conclusion.” (Barnes and Noble)
Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine (2011)
Grades: 5 and up
Disability: Asperger Syndrome
2010 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature
“Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon has died, and Caitlin's dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure— and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be black and white after all.” (Barnes and Noble)
Remember Dippy, by Shirley Reva Vernick (2013)
Grades: 5 to 8
Disability: Autism
2014 Dolly Gray Award Winner
“Johnny's plans fly out the window when he finds out his single mother is leaving town for the summer. She has a breakthrough job in upstate New York. He can live with his Aunt Collette but only on the condition that he "help out with" his autistic older cousin, Remember. Yup, you heard it right: Remember Dippy. That's his cousin's name—and Remember is a gawky awkward kid with some pretty strange habits, like repeating back almost everything Johnny says and spending hours glued to the weather channel. Johnny's premonitions of disaster appear at first to come to cringe-worthy fruition, but when the two boys save a bully from drowning, salvage the pizzeria guy's romance, and share girl troubles, Johnny ends up having the summer of his life.” (Barnes and Noble)
Rules, by Cynthia Lord (2008)
Grades: 3 to 6
Disability: Autism
2007 Newbery Honor Book
“Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public"---in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?” (Barnes and Noble)
Tending to Grace, by Kimberly Newton Fusco (2005)
Grades: 6 and up
Disability: Learning Disability, Speech Impediment
2006 Schneider Family Book Award Winner
“Lenore is Cornelia’s mother—and Cornelia’s fix-up project. What does it matter that Cornelia won’t talk to anyone and is always stuck in the easiest English class at school, even though she’s read more books than anyone else? She feels strong in the fixing. She cooks vegetable soup so Lenore will eat something other than Ring Dings; she lures her out of bed with strong coffee and waffles. She looks after the house when Lenore won’t get out of bed at all. So when Lenore and her boyfriend take off for Vegas leaving Cornelia behind with eccentric Aunt Agatha, all Cornelia can do is wait for her to come back. Aunt Agatha sure doesn’t want any fixing. Maybe this time it’s Cornelia who could use it?” (Barnes and Noble)
The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia, by Diane Burton Robb (2004)
Grades: 2-4
Disability: Dyslexia
“When Adam started kindergarten, the teacher wanted him to learn about letters. But "p" looked like "q," and "b" looked like "d." In first grade, he had to put the letters into words so he could read. That was the beginning of the Alphabet War. Learning to read is a great struggle for Adam, but with expert help, hard work, and belief in himself, he wins "The Alphabet War."” (Barnes and Noble)
References
Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award. (2014). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://daddcec.org/Awards/DollyGrayAwards.aspx
Schneider Family Book Award. (2014). Retrieved November 21, 2014, from http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/1/all_years