Books About Intellectual Disabilities · 50 titles considered

The Best Intellectual Disabilities Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about intellectual 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
Forget Me Not
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Intellectual Disabilities

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

By Gillian McDunn

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%
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%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

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

262 pages· 48,376 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 38,976 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Forget Me Not

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

328 pages· 22,367 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 16,026 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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

226 pages· 61,939 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,624,946 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2004

Al Capone Does My Shirts

A boy navigates life on Alcatraz Island amidst notorious criminals and family challenges.

228 pages· 49,689 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 46,439 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 1970

The Summer of the Swans

Sara's search for her missing brother leads her to confront her fears and unexpected alliances.

Newbery Medal (1971)
142 pages· 25,178 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.6/5 Goodreads · 11,073 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1966

Flowers for Algernon

A man's quest for genius mirrors a lab mouse's fate. Will he face the same decline?

311 pages· 75,561 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 830,611 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

We'll Paint the Octopus Red

A family adjusts to unexpected challenges with a new baby.

25 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 320 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

How to Build a Hug

A girl who dislikes hugs invents a machine to feel embraced.

48 pages· 868 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 582 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
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Intellectual Disabilities Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

The Prince Who Was Just Himself

Ages 3–6 · 2011

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

Kids Like Me Learn ABCs

Ages 0–4 · 2009

Discover the ABCs with vibrant images and sign language hints.

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.

View all intellectual disabilities board books
Browse by age

Intellectual Disabilities Picture Books

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

Different--A Great Thing to Be!
Sale price
$1399

Different--A Great Thing to Be!

Ages 3–7 · 2021

Celebrate differences and embrace uniqueness in a world of kindness.

You Are Enough
Sale price
$1799

You Are Enough

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Celebrate uniqueness and embrace differences in a world where everyone belongs.

My Friend Isabelle

Ages 4–8 · 2003

A boy and his friend with Down Syndrome share unique adventures.

Perfect

Ages 3–6 · 2016

A boy learns to see perfection in his sister's differences.

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A boy struggles to understand and manage his big emotions until he finds friendship and acceptance with others who feel the same way.

Special People, Special Ways

Ages 5–10 · 1999

Discover the shared humanity beyond physical differences.

Ian's Walk

Ages 6–8 · 1998

A girl searches for her lost brother in a park.

I Can, Can You?

Ages 2–4 · 2004

Discover the amazing abilities of toddlers with Down syndrome.

Hansel & Gretel

Ages 4–6 · 2014

A boy with Down syndrome faces a witch, proving kindness and courage can change destinies.

The Chalk Rainbow

Ages 3–8 · 2017

A family learns to see the world anew through a chalk rainbow and a brother's unique perspective.

My Friend with Autism
Sale price
$1495

My Friend with Autism

Ages 7–9 · 2002

A child learns to appreciate a friend's unique abilities and challenges with autism.

My Brother Otto

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A sister learns to embrace her brother's unique world, fostering love and understanding.

Browse by age

Intellectual Disabilities Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about intellectual disabilities for developing and independent readers.

Bat and the Waiting Game

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk named Thor and navigates the challenges of family and friendship

Bat and the End of Everything

Ages 6–10 · 2019

A young boy struggles to cope with the impending departure of his beloved class pet and the challenges of caring for a wild animal at home.

The Space We're In

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A tragedy forces Frank to mend his bond with his autistic brother, Max.

Everybody Is Different

Ages 7–12 · 2001

Discover answers to siblings' questions about autism.

Team Players

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Can Cassie learn that fixing others isn't the answer, or will her stubbornness cost her everything?

Scarlet Ibis

Ages 9–14 · 2014

Separated by foster care, a girl follows a bird to reunite with her brother.

A Corner of the Universe

Ages 9–12 · 2002

A shy girl meets her enigmatic uncle, unraveling family secrets and changing her world forever.

A Storm of Strawberries

Ages 10–14 · 2017

A storm threatens Darby's farm and family bonds. Can she save what matters most?

Nobody's Perfect

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A deaf girl faces unexpected challenges when a seemingly perfect new classmate arrives.

Rules

Ages 9–12 · 2006

Catherine's quest for normalcy is upended by unexpected friendships and self-discovery.

The Dollhouse Murders
Sale price
$899

The Dollhouse Murders

Ages 8–12 · 1983

Dolls move mysteriously, hinting at dark family secrets and past murders.

My Louisiana Sky
Sale price
$799

My Louisiana Sky

Ages 9–12 · 1998

A girl faces a life-changing decision after uncovering a family secret.

Keep exploring
Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about family problemsBooks about movingBooks about amusement parksBooks about disabilitiesBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about experimentsBooks about feelings and emotions

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