FAQ: Tags

What is Own Voices?*

Own voices, as used on this website, means that the story has been written by an author who has the disability present in the graphic novel, comic, manga or webtoon. #OwnVoices was created by writer Corinne Duyvis.

*As of 06/06/2021, We Need Diverse Books is no longer using the term "Own voices" to describe children's literature or their authors. If you would like to read more, please visit the article on We Need Diverse Books website.

What is the difference between series and one-shot?

A series indicates that the resource is one of a multiple part story that may have multiple volumes. A one-shot is a resource thats story is wrapped up in one volume.

What are graphic novels, comics, manga and webtoons?

As defined by Oxford Languages:

Graphic novel is a novel in comic-strip format.

Comics is a magazine that presents a serialized story in the form of a comic strip told in pictures.

Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels.

Webtoon is an animated cartoon or series of comic strips published online.

What is an invisible disability?

An “invisible,” “non-visible,” “hidden,” “non-apparent,” or "unseen" disability is any physical, mental, or emotional impairment that goes largely unnoticed, (Invisible Disability Project).

What is a learning disability?

Learning disabilities affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention, (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke).

Why does the tag just say mental/physical disability?

If a tag just states mental health or physical disability without specifying, this is because the book has not made it apparent what disability the character has.

What is the difference between being deaf and hard of hearing?

Deaf, as used on this website, refers to someone who has very little to no hearing while hard of hearing refers to someone who has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, (National Association of the Deaf). Reminder: this is not indicative to all people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What does "_____ is featured" mean?

This usually means that there is a device that supports disabled people featured in the story. However, there is a case that hearing aids are featured but the character is not hard of hearing.

There is also a tag for Dyslexia Friendly Font Featured which indicates that the book features dyslexia friendly font.

There are also tags for American Sign Language Featured to show that ASL is featured within these resources since it is not featured in every story with a deaf or hard of hearing character.