Summary: "What Happened to You?" by James Catchpole is a funny story inspired by the author's own childhood experiences. The book follows Joe, a young boy with a physical disability, as he navigates the many intrusive questions of others on the playground. With each inquiry, Joe responds with increasing creativity, showcasing his resilience and wit.

Recommended Audience: K - 2

Review: This empowering book is a must-read for kids with disabilities and a valuable resource for readers of all ages. It tackles the sensitive topic of physical differences with humor and sensitivity, making it an excellent conversation starter.

The included back matter provides helpful guidance for adults, offering tips on how to address differences and when to keep wondering thoughts to oneself. However, I wish the author took the opportunity to speak more directly to children and placed less responsibility on individuals with disabilities.

Despite this critique, I highly recommend "What Happened to You?" as a five-star book. Its unique blend of humor and heart makes it a standout in the genre, and its impact will be felt by readers of all ages.

Summary: Quiet as Mud is a simple and deep book about a kid who is an introvert and likes to be quiet and experience the world around them. The kid's family embraces that they are quiet and that is ok.

Recommended Audience: K - 3rd grade

Review: Powerful illustrations that go along with the poem that inspired the book by Margaret Wise Brown about being your true self.

Extra: The author is local in Hatfield, MA.   Read-A-Loud by the author.

Summary: This book is about how to have a conversation about disabilities. The book talks about how disabilies are normal and disabled people should be treated normally. It goes into details of appropriate behavior and questions for people with disabilities.

Recommended Audience: Anyone

Review: This book is written by Kristine Napper who is a wheelchair user. It has a lot of good information on how to ask someone if they need help and what kinds of questions are appropriate to ask. It also discusses inclusion and lack of representation. One thing to keep in mind is that this book does not have any pictures or illustrations.

Summary: "How Are You, Verity?" is a children's book about a neurodivergent child named Verity who is fascinated by marine life and takes a literal approach to the greeting "How are you?", often sharing detailed facts about sea creatures when asked, leading them to experiment and learn the social nuances of the question and how to appropriately respond in different situations; the story explores the challenges of navigating neurodivergence in a neurotypical world. 

Audience: Ages 4-8

Review: This is a sweet book about a child(they/them) trying to figure out the best way to interact with their neighbors. Their brother is supportive in teaching them the nuances of the question "how are you?" Although disability and neurodivergence is not identified outright in the story, it is clear that Verity is neurodivergent. The story is positive and Verity's struggle comes from a place of curiosity and learning instead of deficit.

Summary: There was a time in the United States when millions of children with disabilities weren’t allowed to go to public school. But in 1971, seven kids and their families wanted to do something about it. They knew that every child had a right to an equal education, so they went to court to fight for that right. The case Mills v. Board of Education of the District of Columbia led to laws ensuring children with disabilities would receive a free, appropriate public education. Told in the voice of Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who went to school because of these laws, this book shares the true story of this landmark case.

Recommended Audience: Ages 4-8

Review: This book tells the story of how laws were created to ensure that children with disabilities received a free public education. The author tells the story clearly in a way that children will understand and be inspired.

 Summary: In this book, the Curiosities choose Miro and bring him on a variety of adventures helping him discover that he sees and feels things differently than everyone else around him or maybe others have been chosen to.  It is an exciting celebration of neurodiversity and shows the many perspectives and emotions that neurodivergence can bring throughout a day.  At times, shrieking and roaring, other times quiet and lonely, sharing all the nuanced emotions that one may experience.  The author Zana Fraillon writes this book for their child who was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at five years old and the illustrations by Phil Lesnie are beautiful and unique pulling from the legends from his Filipino heritage really showcasing those who experience and see the world differently.

Recommended Audience: Ages 5-8

Review: A unique book that helps capture the feelings of the character through creativity. The author Zana Fraillon writes this book for their child who was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at five years old and the illustrations by Phil Lesnie are beautiful and unique pulling from the legends from his Filipino heritage really showcasing those who experience and see the world differently. This book was shortlisted for the 2023 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Award in the 5–8 years category. This book would be a valuable resource for discussions on diversity and inclusion.

Summary: Next Level is told from the heartfelt perspective of a mother of a child with autism.  It’s a story that invites us all to ‘level up’ and see and learn from people who communicate in unique and different ways.  It tells a story of young boy with autism and shows how people’s reaction to his way doesn’t go unnoticed.  His mother’s understanding and empathy and joy she finds meeting her son where he is and with what he needs is uplifting.

Recommended Audience: Ages 7-10 years

Review: This is a much needed book that is the story of a mother who sees her autistic child as a gift and helps him move through the world in his own unique way. It portrays neurodivergence in a family full of love. A great resource to share with families, educators, classmates to help encourage empathy and kindness towards neurodiversity.

Summary: Can I Play Too? is a heartwarming story about two friends building a train track together. However, one friend doesn't pick up on social cues, leading to frustration and upset. Fortunately, an adult intervenes, explaining that friends, like trains, have their own "traffic signals." This valuable lesson teaches children the importance of checking in with others and being mindful of their feelings.

Recommended Audience: K - 2

Review: This book is part of The Little Senses series, written by Samantha Cotterill, an author on the autism spectrum. Cotterill's personal experience and insight make this series a unique and valuable resource. While the series is designed for children who experience sensory overload or sensory issues, its themes and lessons are universally applicable.

One of the strengths of this series is its emphasis on good practices for all humans, regardless of ability. By highlighting the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and communication, Can I Play Too? demonstrates the principles of universal design. This approach recognizes that strategies that benefit some individuals can, in fact, benefit everyone.

Summary: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez is a fun and adventurous middle-grade novel about Sal Vidón, a teenager with the extraordinary ability to create rifts in time and space, allowing him to access alternate realities. He’s trying to cope with the loss of his mother and the struggles of fitting in, all while attending a special school for gifted students. Sal's life takes a wild turn when he meets Gabi, a smart and determined classmate who becomes his ally. Together, they navigate the chaos that Sal’s powers create, forming a strong friendship and dealing with the moral complexities of tampering with the universe. The novel mixes humor, science fiction, and heartwarming moments, exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery.

Recommended Audience: Ages 8-12

Review: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez combines humor, heart, and a thrilling adventure across alternate realities. The story centers on Sal Vidón, a brilliant but troubled teenager with the unique ability to break through the fabric of the universe and step into alternate dimensions. What makes Sal stand out, though, is his relatability — not only is he a gifted and complex character, but he’s also a diabetic, which adds a layer of depth and realism to his journey. His condition is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. 

The heart of the story, though, lies in Sal’s bond with Gabi. Gabi is a fantastic character — strong, smart, and unapologetically herself. Together, Sal and Gabby are a dynamic duo, with their friendship and teamwork taking center stage. The novel also shines in its portrayal of diverse characters, from Sal’s Cuban heritage to the varied backgrounds of their classmates. This rich diversity makes the world feel vibrant and real, offering readers a window into different cultures and experiences.

Hernandez blends science fiction, humor, and heartfelt moments seamlessly, crafting a story that’s not only fun but also deeply meaningful. The novel touches on important themes of family, identity, and the weight of responsibility, all while keeping readers entertained with its quirky adventures. I highly recommend Sal and Gabi Break the Universe.

Summary: Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya follows Emilia Torres, a Cuban American girl with ADHD who feels out of place at school and home. When her military father returns and they bond over fixing a car, Emilia begins to notice injustice in her community. As she finds her voice, she learns that even small actions can lead to big change.

Recommended Audience: 8-13 years 

Review: This book has a little bit of everything: complex family relationships, neurodiversity, a compelling main character, and larger societal issues. There is something for every reader to enjoy and connect to. 

Summary: Effie Galanos, a high school senior who uses a wheelchair, dreams of attending a college in New York City to study Mass Media & Society, envisioning a future in digital media far from her Minneapolis roots. As Effie prepares for college applications, she faces unique challenges related to accessibility that her peers don’t encounter. Her secret excitement about her dream school grows when she learns her longtime crush, Wilder, is applying there too. However, senior year unfolds with unexpected twists, including admissions visits, confronting ableism, and experiencing both the joys and uncertainties of major life transitions. Effie’s journey is one of growth and realization—learning that chasing dreams often means embracing unforeseen possibilities. Along the way, she explores the potential for love and friendship, discovering the happiness she truly deserves.

Recommended Audience: 7th - 9th Grades; 770L

Review: In many ways, this is a typical high school realistic fiction story about navigating the teen years. It’s well written and portrays the characters as multi-dimensional, highlighting all of the mixed emotions that come with being a teenager. Additionally, this book is written from the perspective of the main character who is in a wheelchair by the author, Claire Forrest, who is also in a wheelchair. It not only feels authentic, it is authentic Though Forrest says the majority of the story is fiction, she used some of her real life experiences as a basis for the book, and, perhaps most importantly, she drew from her emotions to write it.

I highly recommend listening to this as an audiobook. It is read by actress Ali Stroker, who also uses a wheelchair. In an interview after the book concludes, Stoker talks with Forrest about the book and about their experiences with disabilities and in wheelchairs. It is a very touching and eye opening discussion that really enhances the book. 

Awards: A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book