Books About Intellectual Disabilities · 50 titles considered

The Best Intellectual Disabilities Books for Kids

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.

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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,571 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

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.

Sale price

$1597

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 · 3,267 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

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.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

By Dusti Bowling · Life of a Cactus series

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 · 39,092 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Aven Green, born without arms, moves to Arizona when her dad takes over a failing western theme park. At her new school, she fears unwanted attention but finds an unexpected ally in Connor, a classmate with his own challenges. Together, they stumble upon a hidden room in the park, revealing secrets that could change everything. As Aven navigates friendship, mystery, and her deepest fears, she must decide if she can rise to the occasion and embrace her unique strengths. Can she solve the mystery and support her friend, all while confronting her own insecurities?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Forget Me Not

By Ellie Terry

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 · 16,039 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Calliope June, a girl with Tourette syndrome, struggles to fit in at yet another new school. As she hides her quirks, only her neighbor, the popular student body president, sees her true self. But will he stand by her publicly? As Calliope faces her mother's new relationship and the threat of moving again, she must decide if she can embrace her differences and find her place. This heartfelt story, told through verse and prose, explores friendship, courage, and the journey to self-acceptance.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Sale price

$1520

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Mark Haddon

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 · 1,626,984 ratings

$16.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Christopher, a boy with autism, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog's death. Armed with his love for facts and numbers, he navigates a world that often confounds him. As he delves deeper, Christopher uncovers unexpected truths about himself and the world around him. Can he piece together the clues without unraveling his own carefully structured life? This journey of discovery challenges his perceptions and reveals the complexities of human emotions, making for a poignant and humorous tale.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1966

Flowers for Algernon

By Daniel Keyes

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·4.3/5 Goodreads · 833,626 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Charlie Gordon, once limited by a low IQ, undergoes a groundbreaking surgery that transforms him into a genius. As his intelligence soars, he surpasses even the scientists who altered his life. But when Algernon, the lab mouse who underwent the same procedure, begins to deteriorate, Charlie faces a haunting question: will his newfound brilliance be fleeting? As he navigates the complexities of his enhanced mind, Charlie must confront the possibility of losing everything he has gained. Can he find meaning in his transformation, or is he destined to follow Algernon's tragic path?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 1970

The Summer of the Swans

By Betsy Byars

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 · 11,079 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Sara Godfrey's summer is a whirlwind of emotions and self-doubt, overshadowed by the mysterious swans that captivate her brother Charlie. When Charlie vanishes, Sara's world shifts. Desperate to find him, she joins forces with Joe Melby, a boy she never thought she'd trust. As they navigate dense woods and fields, Sara faces her fears and discovers strength she never knew she had. Will finding Charlie change everything she believes about herself and those around her?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2004

Al Capone Does My Shirts

By Gennifer Choldenko · Book #1 in the Tales from Alcatraz series

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

Newbery Honor (2005)

228 pages· 49,689 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 46,461 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1935, twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan moves to Alcatraz Island, where his father works at the infamous prison. Surrounded by notorious criminals, Moose must adapt to this unusual environment while caring for his autistic sister, Natalie. As he grapples with the island's dangers and mysteries, Moose discovers unexpected friendships and challenges that test his courage and resilience. Can he find a way to balance his responsibilities and uncover the secrets of Alcatraz? This historical fiction tale blends humor, heart, and intrigue, inviting readers to explore a world where the line between right and wrong blurs.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1998

We'll Paint the Octopus Red

By Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen, Pam DeVito (Illustrator)

A family adjusts to unexpected challenges with a new baby.

25 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 320 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Emma eagerly awaits her new sibling, but when her baby brother is born with Down syndrome, her family must navigate a new reality. How will they adapt and embrace this change?

Sale price

$1348

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2021

Different--A Great Thing to Be!

By Heather Avis, Sarah Mensinga (Illustrator)

Celebrate differences and embrace uniqueness in a world of kindness.

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 422 ratings

$13.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Meet Macy, a girl who stands out with her unique charm. Through kindness and bravery, she discovers her place, inspiring others to celebrate what makes each person special. As children navigate their diverse world, Macy's journey offers them the tools to understand and appreciate differences, fostering a kinder, more inclusive community. Will Macy's story change how we see ourselves and others?

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Intellectual Disabilities Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$1600

The Prince Who Was Just Himself

Ages 3–6 · 2011

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

Series

Sale price

$1195

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.

Series

Sale price

$1295

Kids Like Me Learn ABCs

Ages 0–4 · 2009

Discover the ABCs with vibrant images and sign language hints.

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.

Sale price

$1899

How to Build a Hug

Ages 4–8 · 2018

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

Sale price

$1799

You Are Enough

Ages 4–8 · 2021

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

Sale price

$1495

My Friend Isabelle

Ages 4–8 · 2003

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

Sale price

$1499

Perfect

Ages 3–6 · 2016

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

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1899

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.

Sale price

$1495

Special People, Special Ways

Ages 5–10 · 1999

Discover the shared humanity beyond physical differences.

Sale price

$1699

Ian's Walk

Ages 6–8 · 1998

A girl searches for her lost brother in a park.

Sale price

$1695

A Walk in the Rain with a Brain

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A brain in a puddle teaches a girl everyone is smart in their own way.

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.

Series

Sale price

$1699

My Brother Otto

Ages 3–5 · 2019

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

Series

Sale price

$2795

Hansel & Gretel

Ages 4–6 · 2014

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

Series

Sale price

$1095

I Can, Can You?

Ages 2–4 · 2004

Discover the amazing abilities of toddlers with Down syndrome.

View all intellectual disabilities picture books

Browse by age

Intellectual Disabilities Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about intellectual disabilities for developing and independent readers.

Series

Sale price

$699

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

Sale price

$2195

Everybody Is Different

Ages 7–12 · 2001

Discover answers to siblings' questions about autism.

Sale price

$1799

The Space We're In

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

#3 in Series

Sale price

$999

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.

Series

Sale price

$899

Team Players

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$1799

Scarlet Ibis

Ages 9–14 · 2014

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

Sale price

$899

A Corner of the Universe

Ages 9–12 · 2002

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

Sale price

$1699

A Storm of Strawberries

Ages 10–14 · 2017

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

Sale price

$1595

Nobody's Perfect

Ages 8–12 · 2006

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

Sale price

$899

The Dollhouse Murders

Ages 8–12 · 1983

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

Sale price

$1999

Rules

Ages 9–12 · 2006

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

Sale price

$799

My Louisiana Sky

Ages 9–12 · 1998

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

View all intellectual disabilities chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about family problems Books about moving Books about amusement parks Books about disabilities Books about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilities Books about experiments Books about feelings and emotions

Our 10 Favorite Books About Intellectual Disabilities

Great books, picked for their age.

Intellectual Disabilities Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Intellectual Disabilities Picture Books

Intellectual Disabilities Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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