There are many resources for Philly kids with special needs, but reading inclusive children’s books is another kind of resource — one that builds understanding and empathy, while giving kids with disabilities a chance to see themselves in the pages.

Stories about characters with differences can help all kids be more inclusive in their actions and behavior. For kids with special needs, seeing a positive representation of another kid just like them can be empowering. And for all kids, following the adventure of a character in a story gives them s a chance to experience life from a different perspective.

Visit the Free Library of Philadelphia to browse the titles featured below or visit a local bookstore, like Head House Books in Queen Village.

Why Read Books About All Kinds of Kids?

These inclusive children’s books introduce kids to peers with disabilities like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and hearing or vision loss. They give kids with disabilities a mirror for their own experience. And they give other kids a window into someone else’s — building real understanding and kindness.

Different is Awesome

In “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

In “Just Ask!” 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.

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.

Katie Can: A Story About Special Needs

The story, “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, it 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,” by Clarabelle Van Niekerk and Liezl Venter 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. However, 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,” by R.J. Palacio 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, but these ten inclusive books for kids are a great starting point for Philly families. Please share other excellent inclusive titles for all kinds of kids in the comments section below. After all, every child deserves to see themselves in the books they read.

Lead photo by cottonbro studio courtesy of Pexels