Inclusive Ann Arbor
As a disabled parent, it’s really important to me that my child learns about disability and is an ally to the disabled community. Reading, I feel, is the best way to introduce it to her. Below you’ll find a guide of the first ten books I’m choosing to introduce my child, with synopses and explanations.
As your child reads through, don’t shy away from questions. If there’s something you don’t know, you can look it up together. Disability isn’t scary, and the more curious your child is, the better they can understand the disabled children in their community
Look at me, look at what I can do
This book is so fabulous. First, it has real photos of disabled children, which allows your child to understand that these children aren’t just in stories. The book showcases different disabilities and the dreams that these children have.
Marky the Magnificent Fairy
This book is about a fairy who gets teased for being different. Through it, she teaches the others that everyone is different and special in their own way. I like this one because it discusses visible and invisible disabilities, and I appreciate the fantasy lens adding a bit of fun to the education.
What Happened to You?
This book is all about the questions that disabled children often get asked, and how it is up to the child to answer what they want. Disability requires an immense amount of vulnerability, and though curiosity is expected, respecting boundaries and teaching children not to question when someone doesn’t want to share is equally important.
My Ocean is Blue
This book showcases a girl with cerebral palsy using mobility aids. What I love about this book is it’s not about disability, it simply features it. This helps teach that disabled children have fulfilling lives outside of their disability.
My Brain is Magic
My brain is magic is all about sensory exploration and neurodivergency. It’s so important to learn early on that not everybody thinks the exact same way you do, but they are just as special and magical.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
This story is about a sick child who is told if she makes 1000 paper cranes she’ll get better. It’s based on a true story. I like this book for a few reasons. It delves into childhood illness, and illness goes hand in hand with disability. It is rather sad, but it also shows the importance of community.
This is not a book I would read as a sole introduction to illness and disability, due to its ending. However, I still think it’s important to talk about the difficult parts of this.
Bertie the Very Blind Bat
This book is about a bat who has vision issues, but has other heightened senses. I love that this book highlights visual disabilities, and that there’s a version in braille. I would encourage buying it in braille to teach your children about different ways people read.
Just Ask
In this book, children build a community garden and ask each other questions. Disabilities are discussed as powers and differences, and the book encourages asking questions and learning from each other.
This is How We Talk
“We sign, write, clap! We tap, stim, scream! So many ways to talk and joke, play and learn and dream.” This book is all about how people communicate differently. I adore this because it teaches that communication can look different, and that’s more than okay.
Let It Shine!
This book is unique because it’s sung! You read the lyrics to the tune of “This little light of mine.” It shows that anyone can achieve their dream and showcases multiple people with disabilities.
Once you’re done with these, here are a few more pages I recommend following for further recommendations:
Local bookstores
I go to a lot of different bookstores, but here are a few favorites for finding these books. Call ahead, or ask one of these stores to order the books for you!
Enchanted Depot. 11506 Jackson Rd., Dexter.
Serendipity Books. 119 S. Main St., Chelsea.
Schuler Books Ann Arbor. 2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor.
Booksweet. 1729 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor.
2 Dandelions. 428 W. Main St., Brighton.
Elephant Ear Books. 449 S Harvey St., Plymouth.
