Books About Disabilities · 529 titles considered

The Best Disabilities Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about disabilities? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Caterpillar Summer
Squint
Graphic Nov.
Song for a Whale
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Disabilities

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,321 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,218,556 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12

The Secret Garden

A lonely girl discovers a hidden garden with a mysterious key.

352 pages· 80,729 words· Est. 11 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,194,235 ratings
Summary: Mary Lennox, orphaned and alone in her uncle's dreary mansion, discovers a key to a forbidden garden. As she unlocks its secrets, she steps into a magical world that changes everything. What mysteries lie within, and how will they alter her life forever?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,558 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

Out of My Mind

A voiceless girl finds a way to be heard.

295 pages· 56,928 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 193,335 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: A brilliant fifth-grader with cerebral palsy, long misunderstood, discovers a device that could finally let her speak. As she navigates a world that underestimates her, will her voice change everything?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Caleb and Kit

A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.

Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2017)Cybil Award (2017)Diverse Books Club (2018)
272 pages· 57,771 words· Est. 8 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 553 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Caleb, a twelve-year-old with cystic fibrosis, lives a sheltered life under his mom's watchful eye. When he meets Kit, a spirited girl who turns every day into an adventure, his world shifts. Kit's magic and daring spirit make Caleb question the rules he's always followed. But as their friendship deepens, Caleb faces a choice: embrace the thrill and risk of Kit's world or protect himself from potential harm. Can their bond survive the challenges they face, or will it lead to unforeseen consequences?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

The Someday Birds

By Sally J. Pla, Julie McLaughlin (Illustrator)

A boy's cross-country journey to spot birds may heal his fractured family.

327 pages· 62,765 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,262 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Charlie's life unravels after his father is injured in Afghanistan. On a cross-country trip with his siblings and a mysterious friend, Charlie believes spotting birds he and his father dreamed of will mend their world. As they journey from California to Virginia, Charlie, an autistic boy, navigates family chaos and self-discovery. Will this madcap adventure bring healing and understanding, or will it reveal deeper truths about family and resilience? Join Charlie in a tale of humor, heart, and hope as he seeks solace in the skies.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Squint

A boy races against blindness to finish his comic, while a new friend risks popularity to discover her own talents.

256 pages· 51,448 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,152 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Flint, nicknamed Squint, is racing against time to complete his comic before losing his sight. At school, he meets McKell, the new girl who defies her popular friends to befriend him. As Flint battles his eye disease, McKell faces her own fears of sharing her hidden talents. Together, they navigate the challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to be true to themselves. Will they find the strength to reveal their true selves and see what truly matters? Discover the inspiring journey of two unlikely friends who learn to trust and believe in each other.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Song for a Whale

A deaf girl seeks to connect with a whale whose song goes unheard.

304 pages· 56,953 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 14,894 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Iris, a tech genius and the only deaf student at her school, discovers Blue 55, a whale whose song is silent to his kind. Determined to bridge their shared isolation, Iris devises a plan to communicate with him across three thousand miles. Can her invention reach the lonely whale and make a difference? This poignant tale explores the power of connection and the courage to be heard.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Mason's friend vanished. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?

352 pages· 66,043 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,608 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Mason Buttle struggles with learning disabilities and grief after his best friend Benny's mysterious death. As the investigation stalls, Mason and his new friend Calvin face relentless bullying. They find solace in a secret hideout, but when Calvin disappears, Mason is thrust into a desperate search for answers. Can he unravel the mystery of both disappearances and prove his innocence, or will his story go unheard?
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Disabilities Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about disabilities for the youngest readers and listeners.

A Christmas Carol

Ages 2–4 · 2012

Journey with Christmas ghosts to transform a miser's heart.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Ages 0–3 · 2002

Unlock communication with sign language before speech begins.

I Calm Down
Sale price
$899

I Calm Down

Ages 2–4 · 2020

A child learns to manage overwhelming emotions with calming strategies.

The Prince Who Was Just Himself

Ages 3–6 · 2011

A prince's compassion disarms a feared enemy, revealing his unique strength.

On-the-Go
Sale price
$999

On-the-Go

Ages 0–5 · 2022

Celebrate movement and mobility with kids using aids, fostering empathy and diversity awareness.

Julia (Sesame Street Friends)
Sale price
$799

Julia (Sesame Street Friends)

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Discover what Julia, a muppet with autism, loves to do with her Sesame Street friends.

Llama Llama Hooray for New Friends!

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Llama Llama navigates new friendships and learns about acceptance.

I Can Take A Bath
Sale price
$999

I Can Take A Bath

Ages 0–12 · 2019

Master the art of bathing with simple, step-by-step guidance.

I Like Berries, Do You?

Ages 2–4 · 2013

Discover new foods with engaging photos and playful questions that inspire young children to try healthy bites.

Kids Like Me Learn ABCs
Sale price
$1295

Kids Like Me Learn ABCs

Ages 0–4 · 2009

Discover the ABCs with vibrant images and sign language hints.

Kids Like Me... Learn Colors
Sale price
$1195

Kids Like Me... Learn Colors

Ages 2–4 · 2009

Discover colors with children who share your world.

The Secret Garden (Adapted)

Ages 3–6 · 2019

Discover a hidden garden that transforms lives and friendships.

View all disabilities board books
Browse by age

Disabilities Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about disabilities for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Thank You, Mr. Falker

Ages 5–8 · 1998

A young girl struggles to learn to read despite her love for books and learning.

The Art of Miss Chew

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A young artist battles a teacher's doubt to pursue her passion for art.

We're All Wonders

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child who feels like they don't fit in embarks on an imaginative journey to explore their identity.

I am Helen Keller
Sale price
$1599

I am Helen Keller

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A young girl overcomes deafness and blindness to become a powerful advocate for change.

Just Ask!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A group of children with different abilities and health conditions share their experiences and how they adapt to their challenges.

Hello Goodbye Dog
Sale price
$1799

Hello Goodbye Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A determined dog escapes to reunite with her girl at school.

Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll
Sale price
$1995

Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A flat rock's friends unite to help him roll and join their fun.

Susan Laughs

Ages 4–7 · 2000

A lively girl navigates life's ups and downs, revealing her wheelchair only at the end.

We'll Paint the Octopus Red

Ages 4–8 · 1998

A family adjusts to unexpected challenges with a new baby.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
Sale price
$1799

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

Ages 5–10 · 2017

A young girl's journey with autism shapes her life and inspires her to help others.

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets
Sale price
$1799

Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets

Ages 4–8 · 2008

A boy's struggle with focus leads to a creative solution for his restless mind.

You're SO Amazing!
Sale price
$1899

You're SO Amazing!

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A child seeks normalcy amid constant praise for everyday actions.

Browse by age

Disabilities Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about disabilities for developing and independent readers.

What Stars Are Made of

Ages 10–14 · 2020

Libby makes a cosmic deal to help her sister's unborn baby.

Fish in a Tree

Ages 10–13 · 2015

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

The War That Saved My Life

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A girl escapes wartime London, seeking freedom from her mother's cruelty.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl without arms uncovers secrets in a mysterious theme park while facing new challenges and friendships.

El Deafo

Ages 7–12 · 2014

A girl discovers her hearing aid grants her unexpected powers at a new school. Can she find friendship amidst her newfound abilities?

Forget Me Not

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A girl with Tourette syndrome navigates a new school, friendship, and self-acceptance amid constant change.

Save Me a Seat

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Two boys unite against a school bully, discovering unexpected friendship.

As Brave As You

Ages 10–14 · 2016

Two brothers' quest for bravery unravels secrets and challenges their beliefs.

A Christmas Carol

Ages 8–12 · 1843

A miser's ghostly journey reveals his past, present, and future.

Paperboy
Sale price
$1699

Paperboy

Ages 8–12 · 2013

A boy's stutter challenges him during a life-changing summer paper route in the segregated South.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Ages 12–18 · 2003

A boy with autism investigates a dog's murder, uncovering hidden truths.

Anything But Typical

Ages 12–15 · 2009

An autistic boy fears his true self won't be seen by a potential friend.

Keep exploring
Books about bullyingBooks about communicationBooks about diseasesBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about family problemsBooks about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about contestsBooks about cystic fibrosis

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