Disability Pride Month for Kids

July is Disability Pride Month! The celebration is in its 33rd year and recognizes the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including (but not limited to) ensuring all public spaces are accessible and the right to a public education. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, but all with disabilities deserve inclusion and the assurance of their civil rights.

El deafo

Bell, Cece.

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Bell

The author recounts in graphic novel format her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid, learning how to lip read, and determining her "superpower."

The storm runner

Cervantes, Jennifer, author.

jFICTION Cervantes, Jennifer

To prevent the Mayan gods from battling each other and destroying the world, thirteen-year-old Zane must unravel an ancient prophecy, stop an evil god, and discover how the physical disability that makes him reliant on a cane also connects him to his father and his ancestry.

Rolling warrior : the incredible, sometimes awkward, true story of a rebel girl on wheels who helped spark a revolution

Heumann, Judith E., author.

jBIOGRAPHY Heumann, Judith E.

"One of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her story of fighting to belong in school and society--a powerful role model for young adults with a passion for activism"--

Disability visibility : 17 first-person stories for today : adapted for young adults

305.908 /Disability

"A young adult adaptation of Alice Wong's Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century"--

The disability experience : working toward belonging

Leavitt, Hannalora, author.

362.4 /Leavitt

"This nonfiction book for teens provides a history of disability, describes types of disabilities and examines the challenges faced by people living with disabilities."--

Demystifying disability : what to know, what to say, and how to be an ally

Ladau, Emily, 1991- author.

305.908 /Ladau

"A guide for how to be a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) and how you can help make the world a more accessible place"--

All the way to the top : how one girl's fight for Americans with disabilities changed everything

Pimentel, Annette Bay, author.

j323.37092 Keelan

"Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jennifer Keelan grew up battling--and overcoming--the limitations others set for her. From a lack of cutaway curbs and bus lifts to being denied enrollment at her neighborhood school, Jennifer was continually blocked from living the life she wanted. But after discovering the world of disability rights activism, she knew she had to use her voice to change things. When Jennifer was just eight years old, she participated in the Capitol Crawl. The deeply affecting image of Jennifer crawling up the steps of Capitol Hill went viral and helped pressure Congress into passing the Americans with Disabilities Act. A powerfully illustrated biography of Jennifer's life and a celebration of youth activism, All the Way to the Top will teach all children that they have the power to make a difference"--

We want to go to school! : the fight for disability rights

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann, 1958- author.

j323.370973 Cocca-Leffler

"There was a time in the United States when 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 public education. Janine Leffler, one of the millions of kids who attended school as a result of these laws, tells the true story of this landmark case"--

I am not a label : 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present

Burnell, Cerrie, author.

j305.9080922 Burnell

This book brings together 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present. Find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them. These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges which have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sport, science, maths, art, breakdance or the world of pop. Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people.

Zion unmatched

Clark, Zion, author.

j796.812 Clark

"This stunning photographic essay showcases Zion Clark's ferocious athleticism and undaunted spirit. It features striking, visually arresting images and an approachable and engaging text cowritten by New York Times best-selling journalist James S. Hirsch, including pieces of advice that have motivated Zion toward excellence and passages from Zion himself. The book explores Zion's journey from a childhood lost in the foster care system to his hard-fought rise as a high school wrestler to his current rigorous training to prepare as an elite athlete on the world stage. Included are a biography and a note from Zion. This first in a trilogy of books to be written by Zion Clark, subject of an award-winning Netflix short documentary, focuses on his quest for Olympic and Paralympic gold and is publishing in time for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games"--

Not so different : what you really want to ask about having a disability

Burcaw, Shane, author.

j617.482 Burcaw

A picture book answering the questions young children ask Shane Burcaw about his wheelchair and life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with equal parts optimism, humor, and empathy.

Moonwalking

Elliott, Zetta, author.

jFICTION Elliott, Zetta

In 1980s Brooklyn, new student JJ Pankowski, an autistic punk rock lover, befriends Pie Velez, an Afro-Latinx math geek and graffiti artist.

Al Capone does my shirts

Choldenko, Gennifer, 1957-

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Choldenko, Gennifer

A twelve-year-old boy named Moose moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 when guards' families were housed there, and has to contend with his extraordinary new environment in addition to life with his autistic sister.

Can you see me?

Scott, Libby, author.

jFICTION Scott Libby

Eleven-year-old Tally is starting sixth grade at Kingswood Academy and she really wants to fit in, which means somehow hiding her autism, hypersensitivity to touch, and true self, and trying to act "normal" like her former best friend, Layla, who is distancing herself from Tally and her fourteen-year-old sister, Nell, who is always angry with Tally for being different; but as she records her thoughts and anxieties in her coping diary, Tally begins to wonder--what is "normal" anyway?

Out of my heart

Draper, Sharon M. (Sharon Mills), author.

jFICTION Draper Sharon

Because she loves horses but is scared of them, Melody wants to conquer her fears, so she hopes a summer camp will be the place to welcome someone with cerebral palsy who wants to learn to ride.

Planet earth is blue

Panteleakos, Nicole, author.

jFICTION Panteleakos, Nicole

Autistic and nearly nonverbal, twelve-year-old Nova is happy in her new foster home and school, but eagerly anticipates the 1986 Challenger launch, for which her sister, Bridget, promised to return.

Save me a seat

Weeks, Sarah, author.

jFICTION Weeks Sarah

Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems--but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and the need to take control of their lives.

Bouncing back

Ostler, Scott, author.

jFICTION Ostler Scott

Orphaned thirteen year-old Carlos learns what it truly means to be a teammate when he must help save his new wheelchair basketball team's gym from destruction.

The miscalculations of Lightning Girl

McAnulty, Stacy, author.

jFICTION McAnulty, Stacy

A lightning strike made Lucy, twelve, a math genius but, after years of homeschooling, her grandmother enrolls her in middle school and she learns that life is more than numbers.

A sporting chance : how Ludwig Guttmann created the Paralympic Games

Alexander, Lori, author.

j796.0456 Alexander

"Telling the inspiring human story behind the creation of the Paralympics, this chapter book biography artfully combines archival photos, full-color illustrations, and a riveting narrative to honor the life of Ludwig Guttmann, whose work profoundly changed so many lives"--

Fastest woman on Earth : the story of Tatyana McFadden

Cavallo, Francesca. author.

j796.0456 McFadden

"This is the story of 17-time Paralympic medalist Tatyana McFadden. Born with spina bifida in Russia, Tatyana was raised in an orphanage where she walked on her hands for the first six years of her life. In 1994, she was adopted and moved to the United States, where she started racing and breaking records; and is now considered the best female wheelchair racer of all time, and the fastest woman on Earth." - Amazon.com.

Roll with it

Sumner, Jamie, author.

jFICTION Sumner Jamie

Twelve-year-old Ellie, who has cerebral palsy, finds her life transformed when she moves with her mother to small-town Oklahoma to help care for her grandfather, who has Alzheimer's Disease.

Ellen outside the lines

Sass, A. J., author.

jFICTION Sass, A. J.

"Ellen, an autistic thirteen-year-old, navigates a new city, shifting friendships, a growing crush, and her queer and Jewish identities while on a class trip to Barcelona, Spain"--

Fish in a tree

Hunt, Lynda Mullaly.

jFICTION Hunt Lynda

"Ally's greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesn't know how to read"--

Six dots : a story of young Louis Braille

Bryant, Jennifer.

jE Bryant

Hello, universe

Kelly, Erin Entrada, author.

jFICTION Kelly Erin

Lives of four misfits are intertwined when a bully's prank lands shy Virgil at the bottom of a well and Valencia, Kaori, and Gen band together in an epic quest to find and rescue him.

The girl who thought in pictures : the story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Mosca, Julia Finley, author.

jE Mosca

Describes the life and accomplishments of the animal scientist and designer of cruelty-free livestock facilities, from her early life and autism diagnosis through her journey to become a livestock expert.

This beach is loud!

Cotterill, Samantha, author, illustrator.

jE Cotteril

"A sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach, but his dad has a trick to help his son face these unexpected obstacles"--

Benny doesn't like to be hugged

Elliott, Zetta.

jE Elliott

"A little girl uses rhyming verse to describe the unique traits of her autistic friend."--Back cover.

I am odd, I am new

Giroux, Benjamin, author.

jE Giroux

Ten-year-old Benjamin Giroux's iconic poem conveys what it's like to live with autism.

We can : portraits of power

Gordon, Tyler, author, artist.

jBIOGRAPHY 920 Gordon

"Fifteen-year-old Tyler Gordon's journey from a regular kid growing up in San Jose, California, to a nationally recognized artist wasn't without its challenges. For the first six years of his life he was fully deaf, which led to a stutter and bullying. Art gave him a creative outlet for his pain. Then, after painting a portrait of Kamala Harris and posting it on social media, he received a call from the vice president herself! Soon his art was everywhere. He had an interview with the The Today Show. He was the youngest artist featured in the Beverly Center. His portrait of LeBron James graced the cover of TIME Magazine. And that was only the beginning!"--

I talk like a river

Scott, Jordan, 1978- author.

jE Scott

When a child has a "bad speech day" at school, his father gives him a new perspective on his stuttering.

Aven Green, baking machine

Bowling, Dusti, author.

jFICTION Bowling Dusti

"Aven knows she's an expert baker of cakes and cookies since she's been baking with her mom for a really long time. Plus no one bakes quite like her. She cracks eggs with her feet and measures sugar and flour with her feet (plus measuring cups) since she was born without arms. And now Aven has her eye on the prize: a beautiful blue ribbon for baking at the county fair. So she teams up with her friends Kayla, Emily, and Sujata. But It turns out they all have very different tastes and a lot of opinions about baking. Talk about a recipe for disaster!"

A tulip in winter : a story about folk artist Maud Lewis

Stinson, Kathy, author.

j759.11 Lewis

"A celebration of a beloved folk artist, and her artistic expression of joy and beauty. Known for her vibrant and cheerful paintings of landscapes, plants, and animals, Maud Lewis' iconic folk art is celebrated around the world. Despite her beautiful art, she spent much of her life living in poverty with rheumatoid arthritis. In this stunning picture book, author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Lauren Soloy bring Maud's world to life: how she captured in her art what she loved most, while navigating the mobility issues caused by her condition. From bright paintings of the sea and countryside, to the flowers and birds she painted on the walls of the small house she shared with her husband, Maud's work continues to delight and inspire viewers young and old."--

Unbound : the life + art of Judith Scott

Scott, Joyce (Joyce Wallace), 1943- author.

jBIOGRAPHY Scott, Judith

"An introduction to the life and art of Judith Scott, a renowned artist"--

How to be a disability advocate and ally

Evans, Nicole (Nicole Lynn), author.

j362.4 Evans

"This series explores disability in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. This book explores how to be an ally and advocate, and how to be inclusive in everyday life. Engaging inquiry-based sidebars encourage students to LOOK, THINK, MAKE A GUESS, ASK QUESTIONS, and CREATE. Books are authored by writers with disabilities and the series has been developed in partnership with Easterseals who is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Books include table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, and sidebars"--

Fighting for yes!: the story of disability rights activist Judith Heumann

Cocca-Leffler, Maryann, 1958- author.

jBIOGRAPHY Heumann, Judith E.

In the 1970s an important disability rights law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was waiting to be signed. Judy [Heumann] and other disability rights activists fought for YES! They held a sit-in until Section 504 was signed into law. Section 504--established thanks in large part to the ongoing work of Judy and her community--laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act."--

What happened to you?

Catchpole, James, author.

jE Catchpol

Imagine you were asked the same question again and again throughout your life... Imagine if it was a question that didn't bring about the happiest of memories... This is the experience of one-legged Joe, a child who just wants to have fun in the playground... Constantly seen first for his disability, Joe is fed up of only ever being asked about his leg. All he wants to do is play Pirates. But as usual, one after the other, all the children ask him the same question they always ask, What happened to you? Understandably Joe gets increasingly cross! Until finally the penny drops and the children realise that it's a question Joe just doesn't want to answer... and that Joe is playing a rather good game... one that they can join in with if they can stop fixating on his missing leg... Because children are children, after all.

When Charley met Emma

Webb, Amy, 1977- author.

jE Webb

Five-year-old Charley gets teased for daydreaming and drawing more than his friends, but when he meets Emma, who is physically different, he needs help remembering that being different is okay.

I will dance

Flood, Bo, author.

jE Flood

Eva's cerebral palsy makes it difficult for her to do many things, but she longs to dance and, finally, her dream is realized. Includes author's note and information about Young Dance Company.

Lucas at the Paralympics

Plohl, Igor, author.

jE Plohl

"Lucas the Lion discovers the Paralympics--where physically disabled world-class athletes exemplify strength, determination, and courage"--

Best day ever!

Singer, Marilyn, author.

jE Singer

A sweet dog-loves-kid/kid-loves-dog story, in which the kid uses a wheelchair, from an award-winning children's poet and talented debut illustrator.

Ali and the sea stars

Stroker, Ali, 1987- author.

jE Stroker

"Ali loves to dance, sing, and act. But she had never thought of putting on her own show until her neighbor asks, 'Why wait?' Immediately energized, Ali gets to work. There's so much to do before showtime--choosing the right musical, auditions, rehearsal, costume and set design--but Ali can do anything with her family and friends. When a storm threatens to undo all their hard work, Ali must use her imagination and adapt so the show can go on"--

Rolling warrior : the incredible, sometimes awkward, true story of a rebel girl on wheels who helped spark a revolution

Heumann, Judith E., author.

jBIOGRAPHY Heumann, Judith E.

"One of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her story of fighting to belong in school and society--a powerful role model for young adults with a passion for activism"--

A life of service : the story of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Soontornvat, Christina, author.

jBIOGRAPHY Duckworth, Tammy

Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of "firsts" during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But while she dreamed of serving her country from a young age, Tammy's path was not without its challenges. In this dramatic account, award-winning creators Christina Soontornvat and Dow Phumiruk chronicle Tammy's journey. From her childhood fight to keep her family from homelessness, to her service in the US Army, to her recovery from grievous injuries sustained in the line of duty, Tammy never lost her determination to keep going against staggering odds. Evoking Tammy Duckworth's spirited nature with sensitivity and joy, this uplifting account of a groundbreaking military veteran and rising political star will inspire readers to dream and achieve. Includes a time line and suggestions for further reading.

The fastest girl on Earth! : meet Kitty O'Neil, daredevil driver!

Robbins, Dean, 1957- author.

jE Robbins

A picture book biography follows the life of Kitty O'Neil, the stuntwoman and racecar driver who broke the women's land speed record, becoming a hero to fans everywhere.

Aniana del Mar jumps in

Méndez, Jasminne, author.

jFICTION Mendez Jasminne

A novel-in-verse about a 12-year-old Dominican American girl who must keep her love of swimming a secret from her mother, is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis, and is forced to reimagine the person she is to become.

Anybody here seen Frenchie?

Connor, Leslie, author.

jFICTION Connor Leslie

Eleven-year-old Aurora Petrequin's best friend has never spoken a word to her. In fact, Frenchie Livernois doesn't talk. Aurora is bouncy, loud and impulsive. Making friends has never come easily. When Frenchie, who is autistic, silently chose Aurora as his person back in third grade, she chose him back. They make a good team, sharing their love of the natural world in coastal Maine. In the woods, Aurora and Frenchie encounter a piebald deer, a rare creature with a coat like a patchwork quilt. Whenever it appears, Aurora feels compelled to follow. At school, Aurora looks out for Frenchie, who has been her classmate until this year. One morning, Frenchie doesn't make it to his classroom. Aurora feels she's to blame. The entire town begins to search, and everyone wonders: how is it possible that nobody has seen Frenchie?