Children’s Books on Disabilities: Top 10 Best Books

Reading can be a powerful tool for children to understand and empathize with different experiences. Children’s books on disabilities offer a unique opportunity for young readers to learn about diversity, acceptance, and inclusion. Here, we rank the top 10 best children’s books on disabilities, each with a compelling narrative and essential lessons.

Top Children’s Books on Disabilities

By Jane Smith

10. Jessi’s Secret Language: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-Sitters Club #12) (The Baby-Sitters Club Graphix)

Ann M. Martin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,959 ratings)

Jessi’s Secret Language is a heartfelt graphic novel that introduces readers to Jessi, a young girl who learns American Sign Language to communicate with a hearing-impaired friend. This book beautifully illustrates the importance of communication and understanding.

Buy Jessi’s Secret Language here

9. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin (Amazing Scientists, 1)

Julia Finley Mosca
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 out of 5 stars (1,412 ratings)

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures tells the inspiring story of Dr. Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist who revolutionized animal husbandry. This book encourages children to embrace their unique abilities and think outside the box.

Buy The Girl Who Thought in Pictures here

8. The War That Saved My Life

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 out of 5 stars (9,613 ratings)

The War That Saved My Life follows the journey of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot, as she escapes her abusive home during WWII. This touching narrative highlights resilience and the power of self-discovery.

Buy The War That Saved My Life here

7. A Day With No Words

Tiffany Hammond
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars (1,135 ratings)

A Day With No Words offers a poignant look at non-verbal communication through the eyes of a child. This beautifully illustrated book emphasizes the value of patience and alternative ways of expressing oneself.

Buy A Day With No Words here

6. The Boy with Big, Big Feelings (The Big, Big Series, 1)

Britney Winn Lee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,936 ratings)

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings tells the story of a boy who feels emotions intensely. This book helps children understand and manage their emotions, promoting emotional intelligence and empathy.

Buy The Boy with Big, Big Feelings here

5. Freak the Mighty (Scholastic Gold)

Rodman Philbrick
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (5,728 ratings)

Freak the Mighty is a tale of an unlikely friendship between Max, a boy with a learning disability, and Kevin, a boy with a physical disability. Together, they embark on adventures that highlight the strength of their bond and the power of teamwork.

Buy Freak the Mighty here

4. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus (Volume 1)

Dusti Bowling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (3,472 ratings)

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus features Aven, a spirited girl born without arms. Her story is one of adaptation and overcoming challenges with humor and determination.

Buy Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus here

3. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

Sonia Sotomayor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 out of 5 stars (3,990 ratings)

Just Ask! encourages children to embrace their differences and ask questions. Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this book is a celebration of diversity and bravery.

Buy Just Ask! here

2. Out of My Mind (The Out of My Mind Series)

Sharon M. Draper
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (17,186 ratings)

Out of My Mind is a powerful story about Melody, a girl with cerebral palsy who is determined to find her voice. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of inclusion.

Buy Out of My Mind here

1. Fish in a Tree

Lynda Mullaly Hunt
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (11,829 ratings)

Fish in a Tree tells the story of Ally, a girl with dyslexia who learns to embrace her differences with the help of a supportive teacher. This inspiring book emphasizes the value of understanding and perseverance.

Buy Fish in a Tree here

Discover More Inspiring Books

Exploring children’s books on disabilities can be a rewarding journey, fostering empathy and understanding in young readers. These top 10 selections offer compelling stories and valuable lessons that will resonate with both children and adults.

Check out some more Top10 categories here.


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Tags: children’s books, disabilities, top 10 books, empathy, inclusion, diversity, best children’s books, learning disabilities, inspiring stories, young readers