Some of these books are picture books, for children and some are books written to support parents and carers of those with limb differences.
This is part of our Books and Stories with Special Needs Characters posts.
We want to have a collection of books with strong characters, who just happen to have a disability.
Find books written about characters who have:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Wheelchairs
- Down Syndrome
- Autism and Aspergers
- Hearing Impairments
- Vision Impairments
- 'Various'
Janie DeVos
Barthello, a bug with only one wing, learns that being different can be painful and lonely. But when a big, hungry spider threatens to eat the other bugs, Barthello proves to himself and the other bugs that what truly sets him apart is not his one wing, but his very brave heart. Written in rhyme and with bright, bold illustrations, Barthello's Wing is an inspiring story, which celebrates both courage and diversity.
Sarah is ten years old. She tells the story of how her grown up friend is very sick and medicines don't seem to help her too much. Her foot is bandaged and she can't get around without the help of a wheelchair and crutches. Sarah is saddened to see her friend in pain. Her friend must go to the hospital to have a special operation, called an amputation to cure her illness. This is no ordinary or easy operation and though her life will be forever changed, she will inspire a positive way of thinking in those around her with the greatest gifts one can have - laughter and friendship.
The story of Burgess and Marie Bear is a heartwarming and enlightening story about a bear who wears an artificial leg. Burgess Bear is a congenital amputee.
by Delaney & Ria Hurst
This book was written by a young girl with a limb difference, with the help of her mum. Charlie the dog was born without a paw and throughout the story he meets more animals with other differences and finds out he is not alone.
The purpose of this book is to help children realize that being "different" is okay; in fact, it makes people more interesting and makes the world a better place. The book is intended to help children with disabilities feel better about themselves, and to help children without disabilities see that people who have disabilities have different ways of accomplishing daily tasks but can do almost anything in their own way. The colorful illustrations enhance the text, which begins with explanations that people live in different kinds of houses, drive different kinds of vehicles, wear different clothes, and have different kinds of bodies, and they are all of value, though sometimes they don't fit or work when they are in the wrong place/space. The nuisance of not being able to read, concentrate, or speak clearly can make people feel depressed or angry, or they can make people feel more determined to succeed. Famous individuals from history who had disabilities are cited.
While preparing for the birth of their first child, Todd and Katie had no idea that their son would be born missing part of his left arm. They both wondered how his life might unfold, but Katie had so many questions: Would her baby boy ever play sports or participate in music? Have friends? Fall in love? This is a mother's story of raising her child, born with a limb difference. From his birth to college graduation, Katie openly shares her fears and faith, how their family met challenges head-on, numerous and awesome accomplishments; but mostly, the simple joy of raising her son, Tony Memmel.
Born without arms and with one fully formed leg, Lena is an inspiration. She refused "special" status, preferring instead to learn how to accomplish things her own way. Lena has not only learned to play keyboards and drive a car, but also to conduct a choir, develop a successful professional singing career and compete in the Paralympics.
Tamara and her husband were overjoyed when they found they were pregnant. The baby was healthy, but was missing an arm.
Tamara was inspired to write this book because of the frustration she found in the lack of information provided for parents in her situation. She presents children with limb differences or amputations as whole children and enables parents to acknowledge their anger and fear and move on to the reality of the situation-they have a child to love and protect.
She has included quotes, proverbs, and the personal stories of others to inspire and give guidance as to how to deal with this lifelong situation.
This is an inspiring story about a little girl born with limb differences. Using fun photos and playful rhyming it is appealing to children and a wonderful teaching tool for parents and teachers. People tend to shy away from things they don't understand. To be teased or ignored is very painful for a child that just wants to be treated like any other child. So next time you see someone that isn't the same as you, don't pity them or ignore them or make fun of them. Talk to them. It might just be the best conversation you will ever have!
Harry was born with no left hand. When he got to school, the kids asked him what was wrong with his arm. "Nothing," said Harry. "That's my prosthesis."
Harry's hand didn't keep him from being a good baseball player -- or a good friend. Harry and Willy and Carrothead are three of the most real kids you are apt to meet between book covers, and you will like them as much as they like each other!
This book will disband any misconceptions about people with disabilities. Within the pages are photos of beautiful children enjoying childhood activities, despite their limb and extremity differences. The book was inspired by Libbi Chilia's daughter Sami, who has a limb deficiency. As Libbi embarked on finding books that featured children like Sami, she came up empty-handed. This discovery drove Libbi to gather photos of children from across the country. As her photo collection grew, Libbi knew that she held the key to portraying a powerful message.Imagine...Amazing Me is reflective, educational and inspiring.
Jim is an awesome pitcher for the California Angels, who has one hand. He has countless achievements in baseball, from Little League and high-school, through his years at the University of Michigan and his performance with Pan-American and Olympic teams, to the major leagues! There is a detailed explanation of how he catches and throws the ball, and comments from teammates and opposing players on how Jim has inspired them.
Kiomi is a very “handy” and “capable” girl born with a little arm. As she works to find her purpose in the world, her example helps others realize that her potential goes far beyond her physical limitations.
Kiomi doesn’t let the world’s limited perception of her influence how she sees herself. As she overcomes challenges, she learns to find value in the masterpiece she was born to be. Since she was created to be in the spotlight, Kiomi decides to be an inspiration by living a life filled with love, courage, and accomplishment.
Sharon wrote "My Brand New Leg" after losing her father to diabetes complications. It is loosely based on a conversation he had with a little girl who asked him about his first leg amputation. It is a lesson about acceptance, differences and perseverance.
Beverly Swerdlow Brown & Margot J. Ott (Illustrator)
Oliver Octopus only has five arms, but it doesn't bother him! Young children with any kind of "disability" or "differences" will enjoy reading about Oliver's adventures above the sea, and how, through his determination and positive attitude, he corrects the misconceptions other people have about physical challenges.
Benjamin Atkins (Author), Vanessa Wood (Illustrator)
Dylan Taylor loves hockey. When a devastating accident results in the loss of his leg he is determined to not only play his favorite sport, but to make the team.
Grace wrote this story when she was five years old. In this book she tells about how she was born with a special hand. The fingers on her right hand are smaller than the fingers on her left hand. And instead of five fingers, she has four.
A wonderful artist, Nancy Moskovitz, has painted pictures of Grace, to help tell her story.
by Jamee Riggio Heelan & Nicola Simmonds Carter (Illustrator)
A child who was born with one hand tells the story of how people at the hospital made a helper hand for her, how the new hand operates, how it feels, and how she can use it.
This book will encourage and touch the hearts of all ages. Its a wonderful book that is big on hope! Can I still feel? Am I still real? The tree answers, Yes I am still me, and finds he still has a gift inside to share with others regardless of his lost limbs. The Tree With No Limbs shows that, if suddenly disabled, one can still find meaning and purpose in life. This unique book draws out that special gift with a big dose of encouragement!
Frank Horvath & Jenny Campbell (Illustrator)
Meet Zoompanszee, an adorable little chimp who suffers a tough start in life. Born without arms, Zoom decides he must leave his homeland and travel to the " Lagoon of Light" - a mythical place he's only heard about, where he believes he will be "made whole" again. With the help of his friend, the Great Wind, Zoom is swept into a perilous adventure, where he will find much more than he bargained for, and where he will be joined by a band of wonderful new friends who are also in need of help. Together, these new found friends learn a powerful lesson about the damage that can be done by hatred and anger, and ultimately, the healing power of love and friendship.
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cortical Vision Impairment
Dexter's Hepatoblastoma - Liver Cancer
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