We'll want a list of books we can pass in Dexter's sisters directions... books to help them see they are not the only ones with a brother who struggles to communicate and move independently.
So, we've tripped through one website and another, collecting a list of books... books about people with special needs... books with brave, stubborn, strong, resilient, cheeky, loving and confident characters, who also have a disability.
These were resourced from various websites.
We've put them into categories, though some of them cross over a few categories, just like Dexter. We sorted them as: cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, vision and hearing impairments, autism/Aspergers, wheelchairs, limb differences and 'various'. This post contains the books relating to a range of disabilities (various). To go to the books with the other books, click on the links:
cerebral palsy
vision and hearing impairments
Down syndrome
Aspergers Syndrome and Autism
limb differences
wheelchairs
various (muscular dystrophy, facial deformity, ADHD)
Feel free to let us know of other great books out there.
Special Brothers and Sisters is a collection of real-life accounts from the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, disability or serious illness, ranging in age from 3 to 18 years. They explain, in their own words, what it's like to live with their siblings.
There is a lot of advice available for parents of a child with a disability or illness, but very little about the important issue of educating their siblings about how they feel, and why they may behave differently from other children.
These stories - from 40 different families - come with related tips to help siblings deal with some of the things that happen in their family lives. The book also provides a helpful glossary to explain, in child-friendly language, the disabilities and medical conditions mentioned, including:
* ADHD
* autism
* cerebral palsy
* cystic fibrosis
* Down syndrome
Special Brothers and Sisters is an engaging and educational collection that will enable young people and adults to share in the extraordinary experience of being a sibling of a child with special needs, a disability or serious illness.
Do you have a child with a serious illness, disability or injury? Have you ever wondered how to talk about it with the other children in your family? Are you concerned about the emotional impact on everyone in your household?
Parenting a child with cancer, autism, or any debilitating condition is a challenge and a life altering experience. Having a brother or sister with special needs is a challenging experience for a child as well.
This unique, child friendly workbook was designed to help children cope with the emotional impact of having a special needs sibling.
Beauty is a Verb is the first of its kind: a high-quality anthology of poetry by American poets with physical disabilities. Poems and essays alike consider how poetry, coupled with the experience of disability, speaks to the poetics of each poet included. The book crosses poetry movements--from narrative to language poetry--and speaks to and about a number of disabilities including cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, multiple sclerosis, and aphasia due to stroke, among others.
This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Titles in this series for younger children explore emotional issues that boys and girls encounter as part of the growing-up process. Books are focused to appeal to kids of preschool through early school age. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, A First Look At books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems.
This is for the sibling of someone with a disability--the good and bad aspects, as well as many thoughtful observations. They are siblings of people with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, chronic health conditions, attention deficit disorder, hydrocephalus, visual and hearing impairments, Down syndrome, and Tourette syndrome.
When the 'delightfully different, bright yellow and rather scruffy' Dandylion joins Miss Gardener's neat and tidy class, chaos and fun follow. But after one messy incident too many he's told to go home - he just doesn't fit in. It doesn't take long, however, for everyone to realise that too much neatness and order isn't always a good thing and everyone's desperate for Dandylion to return! At last, Dandylion feels like a wildflower in the right place! This is an empowering story about friendship, diversity and finding your place.
Cindy is developmentally challenged and no pets are allowed in the home where she lives, so she must hide her new-found puppy in her room until she can find someone to care for him.
While Haley’s story of writing the book came from her own frustration with another child not understanding what made her unique, the story can apply to anyone. We are all different in our own way. Some of our differences are a little more noticeable than others though. Haley does a wonderful job showing us the things she does in therapy, but also all the “regular” things she does just like other children.
Leo isn't reading, or writing, or drawing, or even speaking, and his father is concerned. But Leo's mother isn't. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready. 'Reassuring for other late bloomers, this book is illustrated with beguiling pictures.' -- Saturday Review
Max is mad about sports. As he gets up, has breakfast, and heads off to school he is dreaming of competing in world-class sporting events. In his real day he and his class win the school soccer match, but in his imagination he and his friends are winning the World Cup. This inclusive picture book is a lively and fun approach to sports, showing children of all abilities mixing and enjoying different sports in a natural way. The games include soccer, rugby, cricket, diving, discus throwing, and cycling.
Medikidz explain ADHD: Dr Kim Chilman-Blair (Series)
A series of engaging and informative graphic novels, where medically-trained superheroes explain to children some of the most common illnesses and diseases, from asthma to scoliosis.
Life isn’t going so well for 19-year-old Will. His mother is always nagging him about the lucky knit hat that he never takes off; his mother’s boyfriend has forbidden Will to play “Wild Thing”—the only song he knows—on the guitar; and he just got fired from his job at Burger King. But Will’s luck changes when he moves into a flat with Chrissy, James, and Rocko and gets a new job at the local park. At the park Will meets Zara, a gypsy girl whose family is camping there illegally. Will has never been happier. Until his mother threatens to ruin everything by revealing Will’s childhood secret. Is Will and Zara’s love for each other strong enough to survive?
Toby and Clemmie return in this touching and amusing sequel to Just Because, proving that even a scary hospital can be a place for fun if you have the right attitude and the support of someone you love.
Toby loves his big sister Clemmie. She always looks after him and he looks after her—no matter what. Toby knows his sister is very brave, but when she has to go to the hospital again, they both have to help each other face their fears. Together, they still find ways to have fun and make the hospital a much better place. Their uplifting story will be loved by parents and children alike who find themselves in a similar situation, and will help encourage children to ease their fears and feel better about spending time in intimidating hospitals.
August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?
My name is Zelah Green and I am a Cleanaholic. I spend most of my life on Germ Alert. Or Dirt Alert. It's a miracle I ever get to school. My life was going OK despite that - you know, school, best friend, bad hair days - until four weeks ago. That's when Dad vanished. Now my stepmother has packed me off to a place with some crazy people. So I'm stuck with the Doc and Alice, Lib, Caro and Sol. Sol, who doesn't speak. Sol, who has brown eyes and olive skin. Sol, who I actually want to touch. Now I'm on Flirt Alert! Maybe, just maybe, something good could happen...This is a moving story of one girl's attempt to come to terms with her grief, told with humour and real insight.
An affectionate appreciation of a unique child. "Catherine is a special girl and she can do special things," the story begins. Moore leads the reader through Catherine's distinct attributes and her interactions with her family, using a curious cousin's visit to introduce Catherine to readers. She has a special walk and boots to help her (which her cousin can't help trying on and then discovers it's not so easy walking in them). Catherine can't talk, but it's clear from her reactions that she listens very hard. She claps in a special way, in tiny, quiet claps. And her parents and grandmother are there to support her at every turn. Littlewood's watercolor illustrations depict many warm family tableaux as well as the expressive Catherine alone, showing what makes her special. Catherine's disability is a type of epilepsy. (Picture book. 3-5)
Charlotte Hudson & Lindsey Gardiner
Dan's dog, Diesel, is a wonder dog. He can do anything. He can ride on trains and planes and in underground tunnels. He can stand next to an enormous smoke-breathing dragon and never flinch an inch. When Dan is with Diesel he can go anywhere. He can go shopping at the market. He can play jazz in the Boogaloo band. He can climb mountains and draw pictures in his head. Together, they can conquer the world. But one day, Diesel is whisked away in a big black van ... Dan is a companion dog.
In a compelling and beautifully illustrated story, award-winning author Douglas Wood tells of the teacher who led him to love reading, in spite of his ADHD.
Douglas is the youngest, smallest, and newest student in his second-grade class, and he doesn’t like reading. He doesn’t like sitting still. And he doesn’t like Miss Little, especially when she makes him stay after class day after day, forcing him to sound out lines and blobs and squiggles when he’d rather be throwing a football. Luckily Douglas likes the pictures in the book Miss Little has chosen for him, pictures that remind him of the lake his family visits every summer. Award-winning author Douglas Wood — the boy in the story — alludes to scenes from The Little Island, the first book that enticed him to read, in a tale that will resonate with many children with ADHD.
#1 - Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Joey Pigza can't sit still. He can't pay attention, he can't follow the rules, and he can't help it -- especially when his meds aren't working. Joey's had problems ever since he was born, problems just like his dad and grandma have. And whether he's wreaking havoc on a class trip or swallowing his house key, Joey's problems are getting worse. In fact, his behavior is so off the wall that his teachers are threatening to send him to the special-ed center downtown.
Joey knows he's really a good kid, but no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, something always seems to go wrong. Will he ever get anything right?
This engaging and sensitive look at the problems associated with dyslexia revolves around main character Oliver, showing how the disorder adversely affects his school performance, worries his parents, and makes him a target for school bullies. Flow, the puppy he's been hiding from his parents, is the only joy in his life; but when Oliver and Flow take part in a magnificent rescue, attitudes on all sides begin to change. (dyslexia)
In the ten years since Rachel Simon first invited the world to board the bus with her and her sister, Cool Beth, readers across the globe have been moved by their story. Now, in an updated edition with fifty pages of new content, Rachel Simon reflects on changes in her life, Beth's life, and the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The highlight is Beth's update, which is in her own words. Join these two unforgettable sisters on their journey, this time in an even deeper and richer way.
A sequel to the popular storybook WE'LL PAINT THE OCTOPUS RED. This endearing and realistic picture book looks at how a relationship evolves between a typically developing older sister and her younger brother with a developmental disability. It also shows how sign language can help a child that acquires speech more slowly. Beautiful realistic illustrations on every page. (Down Syndrome, Developmental delay, sign language)
Everyone has bad days, and children are no exception. When a black cloud descends on a little girl at school, support from a classmate with a great deal of imagination helps to brighten up everyone's lives. The atmospheric illustrations really tell the story in this delightful picture book from a new author/illustrator. (Depression/anxiety)
Sean likes to pretend he's a lion, roaring in the jungle. But this lion starts to cough, his chest hurts, and it's hard to breathe. This lion has asthma. So Sean's mother gives him his medicine to help him breath. Now Sean imagines he's a jet pilot.
Broken Bird only has one wing, but he refuses to believe he will never fly. He puts his best foot forward and sets off to explore the world from the ground and finds a happiness he could never have imagined.
Elmer the elephant is bright-colored patchwork all over. No wonder the other elephants laugh at him! If he were ordinary elephant color, the others might stop laughing. That would make Elmer feel better, wouldn't it? The surprising conclusion of David McKee's comical fable is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter.
Elmer the elephant, a colorful character because of his patchwork hide and sense of humor, tries to blend in with the herd, but soon realizes that he's happiest just being himself.
Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.
With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
Ringo the flamingo isn't quite like the other flamingos: his legs don't work. His mum and dad help him lots, and as he gets older, so do his friends and the rest of the flock. Life is mostly good for Ringo, but there are times when he wishes he could fly like the others. One day, as danger approaches, Ringo gets the opportunity to be a hero.
Ringo The Flamingo is a sweet and uplifting read, with a positive portrayal of disability. Whilst clearly a book with a message, it's appropriately pitched at its young audience. The issues that Ringo faces are delivered in a matter-of-fact manner, that help to build acceptance and understanding.