July is Disability Pride month. We have so many wonderful books about characters with disabilities in our Children's collection that it was hard to choose which titles to spotlight! In my blog post last year, I shared a little bit of background about the history of Disability Pride month, as well as some of my favorite children's books about sensory, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. This time, however, I'll keep it short and sweet, sharing my four favorite reads from NPL staffer Katelyn's 2024 Childrens Disability Pride Month book list! 

Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull & Sally Rippin

This fantastic picture book welcomes readers into the homes of many different families with diverse abilities! Some families have children or a parent with a disability, and this is embraced and celebrated! Each household offers us a list of fun activities that everyone could participate in, as well as some insights into what it is like living with disabilities. One family offers up lessons in Sign Language, another uses Noise-cancelling headphones, and one mom reads to her children in braille. Filled with vibrant colors and dynamic characters, this story is sure to capture any child's heart! I love how inviting this book is, as it presents readers with a variety of different homes and shows them the in's and out's of how different families live, play, and communicate.

You're SO Amazing!  by James & Lucy Catchpole

The sequel to What Happened to YOU?, this picture book confronts the unwanted attention that children with disabilities are often subjected to. Little Joe loves playing with his friend Simone on the playground, inventing all sorts of imaginary games, such as "Doctor Crokchops vs. Señor Sharkface Pirate Grudge Fight". His friends never call attention to the fact that Joe has one leg, but many of the other children and parents on the sidelines are constantly calling him "amazing", "inspiring", and "brave". Joe doesn't appreciate being singled out, however, and one day he pretends to be invisible. This is great, until a dad passes by and gives him a pep talk, urging Joe to run and jump with the other kids. When he finds himself surrounded by the right friends, Joe is able to play like a normal child, without all the extra attention. This book stresses the importance of normalizing disabilities, and changing the way we talk about and treat children with disabilities. Every child deserves to play and have fun, without having to explain themselves or be called exceptional! 

Midnight & Moon by Kelly Cooper & Daniel Miyares

This gorgeous book tells two parallel stories, of a girl named Clara and her family's horses, Midnight and Moon. Moon is blind, with a heightened sense of hearing that allows her to hear even the tiniest of noises: "the eggshell crack of a meadow lark hatching, the glide of a salamander into the pond". While Moon sometimes falls behind the other horses, his friend Midnight serves as a guide, whinnying to give directions and allowing him to lean against her for support. Meanwhile, the little girl Clara, whose family keeps the horses, struggles to find community at school, as she does not speak. She is befriended by a kind child named Jack, who invites her to play ball with her and accompanies her on walks to and from school. When a snowstorm causes the horses to be separated from their home, Moon is the only one able to hear Clara calling, and leads the other horses all the way back home. I adored this book for its tender story, beautifully painted illustrations, and characters who are celebrated for their abilities. 

Obioma Plays Football by Chika Unigwe

This story is about a girl named Obioma, who loves to play soccer with her friends at school, despite the fact that she uses a wheelchair. After sneaking out of the schoolhouse to pick oranges with her best friend, Mmeri, she sits in her living room, awaiting her parents' scolding. However, her parents surprise her with news of a big move. At her new school, Obioma is ridiculed for trying to join the soccer game because she is a girl and she uses a wheelchair. Saddened, she sulks through the school days and longs for her old school and Mmeri. One day, however, she makes a new friend, Ayana, who invites her to play soccer together, without making any mention of her wheelchair. Obioma is over the moon, and quickly proves herself to the other children, who are amazed at her skills! The book ends on a high note, as Obioma is lifted from her chair and carried through the field, as the other kids cheer her name. 

Why is it Important to Read Stories About Children with Disabilities?

So many of these stories share a common thread: that children with disabilities deserve a childhood free from exceptionalism, discrimination, and ableism. While it is important not to invisibilize disabilities (treating children like their differences do not exist), reading books about people with diverse gifts and abilities helps to expose kids to the spectrum of human bodies and learn how to be respectful and kind to all bodies. For more titles for Disability Pride month, check out the 2024 Childrens Disability Pride Month book list, created by NPL staff member Katelyn Alderidge.