There are many resources for Philly kids with special needs, and these books about all kinds of kids highlight unexpected similarities among all kids. Although other children may have abilities the same as theirs, others may be less familiar. Reading about differences can help Philly kids be more inclusive in their actions and behavior.

Reading books with characters who have the same or different special needs and abilities could help Philly kids better learn about themselves — and others. Visit the Free Library of Philadelphia to browse the titles featured below or visit a local bookstore.

Why Read Books About All Kinds of Kids?

Reading books aloud has countless benefits. It can improve listening skills, expand vocabulary, and teach kids valuable lessons. But reading to kids has a powerful side benefit: It can also help increase empathy and understanding.

Following the adventure of a character in a story gives kids of all kinds a different way to experience life. For kids with special needs, seeing a positive representation of another kid just like them can be empowering.

Different is Awesome

A little boy brings his older brother, born with one hand, for show-and-tell. The students ask his older brother questions about how he does things with one hand. He can do anything they can do, he just does it differently. Along the way, they notice that everyone is different in some way.

The students realize that differences make people unique and awesome.

Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability

This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about disability in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out what a disability is, and learn how people deal with their disabilities to live happy and full lives.

Even though children with different abilities may sometimes look different on the outside, inside they are just like you.

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

Feeling different can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.

In “Don’t Call Me Special,” United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges and looks at the special powers those kids have, too.

Katie Can: A Story About Special Needs

“Just Ask! Katie Can” introduces Katie, a young girl who has Down Syndrome. Readers follow Katie at home, at the grocery store, and at school, where she learns to write a new word.

The book deftly explores Down Syndrome and shows how kids are more alike than they realize..

My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy

Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teamed up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to write, “My Friend Suhana.” It’s a heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy.

The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana.

Super Hearing

What’s it like to have a hearing aid? “Super Hearing” celebrates life for kids with hearing aids. This book aims to educate and encourage acceptance in every form.

A kind and inclusive story, “Super Hearing” combines a child’s first-person experience living with hearing aids, with beautiful illustrations to connect kids of all hearing ranges.

Tom’s Special Talent

Tom isn’t sure if he has any talents at all when he sees how good his friends are at writing and reading. But a school competition soon helps him to find his own very special talent.

“Tom’s Special Talent” highlights that a kid doesn’t need to excel at everything to be excellent at something.

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome

“Understand Sam and Asperger Syndrome” is a sweet story that addresses the challenges of living with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. This firsthand view of the life of an undiagnosed child presents behaviors and characteristics common among children with this disorder. 

Sam doesn’t like his pancakes to touch, his sister is annoyed with his repetitive song, and his new coat hurts his skin, but once he is diagnosed, teamwork-based support helps Sam’s life become a little easier. “Understanding Sam” includes 10 helpful tips for kids.

We’re All Wonders

Over 15 million people have fallen in love with “Wonder,” and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy. 

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children.

What’s Cool About Braille Code School?

Gracie Benedith-Cane wrote “What’s Cool About Braille Code School?” in honor of her son, Wani, who is legally blind. Readers learn what it’s like to navigate the world with vision impairments and learn about the importance of Braille.

Kelly, Charlie and Bobby attend a school that teaches them how to adapt and grow. Note: This book is not written in Braille.

Inclusive Picture Books for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list of titles featuring special needs kids. Please share other excellent inclusive titles for all kinds of kids in the comments section below.

Lead photo by cottonbro studio courtesy of Pexels.