Kids see the world around them through the books they read. For children with disabilities and special needs, very few books portray their world and experiences. When they do, characters are often stereotyped as struggling, meek and agreeable.
Even for children without these differences, seeing disabilities and special needs portrayed realistically in children's literature can create empathy and understanding for others.
This Month's TVOParents Book Club explores books that deal with disabilities and special needs. Are there enough books out there that portray special needs and disabilities, and what books have really broken barriers?
This time our Book Club includes Author Christina Minaki, Canadian Children's Book News Editor Gillian O'Reilly and Kohai Educational Centre's Barbara Brown, who recommend great stories about and for special people.
Christina's Picks:
Waiting For No One
By Beverley Brenna
Red Deer Press, 2010
Accidents of Nature
By Harriet McBryde Johnson
Henry Holt, 2006
Willow and Twig
By Jean Little
Penguin, 2000
Christina's Works:
Zoe's Extraordinary Holiday Adventures
By Christina Minaki
Second Story Press, 2007
Read Christina's Article in the Canadian Children's Book News.
Barbara's Picks:
How To Talk To An Autistic Kid
By Daniel Stefanski
Free Spirit Publishing, 2011
Oh Brother!: Growing Up With a Special Needs Sibling
By Natalie Hale
Magination Press, 2004
Lisa and the Lacemake
By Kathy Hoopmann
Jessica Kingsley Publishing, 2002
Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability
By Pat Thomas
Barron's Educational Series, 2005
Quite Quiet Hannah
By Jill and Katherine Bobula
Wildberry Productions, 2010
Eagle Eyes
By Jeanne Gehret M.A.
Verbal Images Press, 1995
Gillian's Picks:
The Black Book of Colours
By Menena Cottin
Groundwood Books, 2008
Little By Little: A Memoir
By Jean Little
Penguin, 1989
The Losers' Club
By John Lekich
Annick Press, 2002
Gillian's Works:
Great Number Rumble
By Gillian O'Reilly and Cora Lee
Annick Press, 2007
Slangalicious
By Gillian O'Reilly
Annick Press, 2004
More Recommendations from Gillian:
Amazing Women Athletes
By Jill Bryant
Second Story Press, 2001
Forward Shakespeare!
By Jean Little
Orca Book Publishers, 2005
From Charlie's Point of View
By Richard Scrimger
Tundra Books, 2005
Lily and the Mixed Up Letters
By Deborah Hodge
Tundra Books, 2007
Mine For Keeps
By Jean Little
Puffin Canada, 1996
Sandbag Shuffle
By Kevin Marc Fournier
Thistledown Press, 2007
A Screaming Kind of Day
By Rachna Gilmour
Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 1999
The Smart Princess and Other Deaf Tales
By The Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf
Second Story Press, 2006
