Special Collections
Heroes with Disabilities
Description: Learn about the experiences of children with disabilities. This list is a collection of fiction and nonfiction books for children and teens. #kids #teens #disability
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Mama Zooms
by Jane Cowen-FletcherA boy's wonderful mama takes him zooming everywhere with her, because her wheelchair is a zooming machine.
Meeting Mimi
by Francie DolanIntroduce your child to the magic of reading, friendship, and inclusion with Meeting Mimi: A Story About Different Abilities. The 24-page book features pictures and simple language to practice early reading comprehension skills.
My Friend Suhana
by Shaila AbdullahA True Story of Friendship and Winner of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this 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.
My Ocean Is Blue
by Darren LebeufA young girl's poetic exploration of the enchanting ocean she loves.“This is my ocean,” the young girl begins as she heads over the dunes with her mother. Then, as they pass the whole day at the seaside, she lyrically describes her ocean in simple, sensory detail. It's both “slimy” and “sandy,” “sparkly” and “dull.” It has wonderful sounds, as it “splashes and crashes and echoes and squawks.” And it contains so many colors, from “rusted orange” to “runaway red,” “faded white” to “polished green.” Though “mostly it's blue.” Nothing the girl experiences escapes her careful observation and appreciation. And at day's end, she can't wait for her next trip to the beach. Author Darren Lebeuf, an award-winning photographer, uses spare text and a rhythmic style to create an evocative read-aloud. The vivid adjectives, both concrete and abstract, will inspire children to try to capture in words what they notice not only at the ocean, but in any natural setting. The bright, richly colored cut-paper collage illustrations by Ashley Barron add a captivating visual texture and depth to the story. The portrayal of a girl with a physical disability enjoying and actively participating in a day at the beach encourages all children to do the same in their own lives, while also offering a character education lesson in adaptability. This book has strong curriculum ties to primary nature units and life science lessons on oceans and the seaside, and it offers a perfect focus for nature-based education and outdoor classrooms.
The Push
by Patrick GrayJohn is on a wheelchair and is unable to use his arms and legs. Then he meets Marcus who becomes his best friend.
Susan Laughs
by Jeanne WillisRhyming couplets describe a wide range of common emotions and activities experienced by a little girl who uses a wheelchair.
We're Amazing 1, 2, 3!
by Leslie KimmelmanThis story stars Elmo, Abby, and their friend Julia, who has autism. Together, the three pals have a delightful playdate.
Why Are You Looking At Me
by Lisa TompkinsThis story is about the life of a child with Down Syndrome that wants to be your friend. Lynn may look different than most children, but has many of the same likes and dislikes. Help your child discover what it means to accept and embrace a relationship with people who are different.
Why Johnny Doesn't Flap
by Clay Morton & Gail MortonJohnny is different. He is never exactly on time, he can't seem to stick to a routine and he often speaks in cryptic idioms. Johnny is neurotypical, but that's OK. A picture book with a difference, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap turns the tables on common depictions of neurological difference by drolly revealing how people who are not on the autistic spectrum are perceived by those who are. The autistic narrator's bafflement at his neurotypical friend's quirks shows that 'normal' is simply a matter of perspective.
A Different Way of Seeing
by Patricia SouderKyla passed the ball to her teammate, then raced up the court. Somehow, she lost track of the orange globe and didn't see it again until right before it smashed into her left cheek. Kyla's head snapped. At courtside, a paramedic asked her to close her left eye and see with her right. "How's everything look?" "Just fine." The paramedic instructed her to close her right eye and look with her left. "How about now?" "I see bright, flashing lights, some black specks, and a dark cloud right where you should be." "In that case, you win some eye shields and a trip to the emergency room." In A Different Way of Seeing: Youth with Visual Impairments and Blindness, you will learn about many different visual disorders, what can cause them, and resources to help deal with the challenges visual impairments can bring. As you follow Kyla's story, you will learn what it is like to be visually impaired. Along the way, you will also learn about the resources and adaptive devices - like white canes, guide dogs, Braille, blind camps, music programs, and sports opportunities - available to help youth with blindness or vision impairment. People with vision impairments have many stories to tell - stories of determination, hope, and accomplishment.
Extraordinary People with Disabilities
by Deborah Kent and Kathryn A. QuinlanThis book tells the stories of 54 historical figures with disabilities. From people who were known for their disability like Helen Keller, Stevie Wonder and Heather Whitestone to people who made an impact on the world and not just amongst the disabled community, like FDR, Harriet Tubman and Thomas Edison. In addition to the biographies there are short histories of legislation that changed history for Americans with Disabilities.
The Story of My Life
by Helen KellerEnriched Classics offer readers accessible editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and commentary. Each book includes educational tools alongside the text, enabling students and readers alike to gain a deeper and more developed understanding of the writer and their work.Left blind, deaf, and mute after an illness in infancy, Helen Keller overcame her disabilities with the help of Anne Sullivan, her inspired teacher. Her classic autobiography, first published in 1903, covers her first twenty-two years, including the memorable moment at a water pump when she first made the connection between the word "water" and the cold liquid flowing over her hand. She also discusses her friendships with Oliver Wendell Holmes and other notables, her education at Radcliffe, her joy at learning to speak, and above all, her extraordinary relationship with her teacher. This deeply moving memoir, full of love and compassion for others, offers an unforgettable portrait of one of the twentieth century's most remarkable women. Enriched Classics enhance your engagement by introducing and explaining the historical and cultural significance of the work, the author's personal history, and what impact this book had on subsequent scholarship. Each book includes discussion questions that help clarify and reinforce major themes and reading recommendations for further research. Read with confidence.
What I Learned in America
by Jalil MortazaviAMERICA, THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY EVEN FOR A BLIND JOURNALIST FROM IRAN Throughout the world, millions of people believe if you are blind that this prevents you from traveling too far from home. Others, of course, may have these same beliefs but have just kept them to themselves. Thus begins Jalil Mortazavi's engaging and baffling experience as he tries to overcome such odd thinking. In his book, he tries to cover much of what he has learned in the hope that it will inspire, delight, and amuse his audience. Mortazavi is an Iranian-American journalist who lives in Brookline, Massachusetts. He works for the Persian-American Media Watch. He has also been associated with Persian Voice of Boston, 24-Hour Persian Radio based in California, and 24-Hour Persian TV [NI TV]. He has appeared on Imus in the Morning, and he has done some news commentary on National Public Radio's All Things Considered and on Talk of the Nation. In addition, Jalil enjoyed being a guest on a number of different television and radio talk shows WCV TV, American Radio Network in Baltimore, and radio stations WBZ, WHDH, WRKO, WROR, and WTTP. Mortazavi has also written for such publications as The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, and The Brockton Enterprise.
Disabled, Female and Proud!
by Harilyn Rousso and Susan Gushee O'Malley and Mary SeveranceThis book contains stories of ten women with disabilities who are out doing it, raising families, working, and being active in their communities. Woven through this book is the history of the Disability rights movement. This book is directed towards teen women, but is a good read for all.
Arts, Culture, and Blindness
by Simon HayhoeThis book explores one of the most powerful myths in modern society: the myth that blind people are incapable of understanding and creating visual arts.
Deaf Child Crossing
by Marlee MatlinMegan is excited when Cindy moves into her neighborhood -- maybe she'll finally have a best friend. Sure enough, the two girls quickly become inseparable. Cindy even starts to learn sign language so they can communicate more easily.
But when they go away to summer camp together, problems arise. Cindy feels left out, because Megan is spending all of her time with Lizzie, another deaf girl; Megan resents that Cindy is always trying to help her, even when she doesn't need help. Before they can mend their differences, both girls have to learn what it means to be a friend.
A sensitive depiction of childhood friendship with its fragility, jealousies, and joys" - Booklist
The Imprisoned Guest
by Elisabeth GitterDid you ever wonder what inspired Helen Keller's mother to have such high hopes for her daughter? The answer is Laura Bridgman, the original deaf-blind girl who inspired Charles Darwin to visit her and also write about her in American Notes.
Out of Darkness
by Russell FreedmanA biography of the 19th century Frenchman who developed Braille. The book spans Braille's life from childhood through his days at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth and into his final years, when the alphabet he invented was finally gaining acceptance.
50 Impressive Kids and Their Amazing (and True!) Stories
by Saundra MitchellFrom Stevie Wonder to Emma Watson, and Pocahontas to Pablo Picasso , 50 amazing kids who shaped history!A collection of biographies profiling some of the most influential kids in history and today. Prodigies, proteges, and kids with huge ambition, these youngsters prove that fulfilling your dreams and making a difference in the world isn't just for grown-ups. Some of the most phenomenal musicians, inventors, athletes, authors, actors, and even world leaders achieved greatness during their childhood years, beating the odds and making their mark on history. With loads of facts and trivia, activities, jokes, and a complete glossary, discover fifty of the most inspiring, impressive, incredible kids!
Freak the Mighty
by Rodman PhilbrickTwo boys - a slow learner stuck in the body of a teenage giant and a tiny Einstein in leg braces - forge a unique friendship when they pair up to create one formidable human force. (Made into the film, The Mighty. )
Blind Man Running
by Michael McintireAutobiography of a blind man's journey through life as a traveling musician
A Brief History of Dog Guides for the Blind
by Nelson CoonThis small book originally an article written by the reference librarian at the Blindiana Library at Perkins School for the Blind highlights the varied and long history of dog guides for blind people. From Pompae, to Japan, from the 15th centure to biblical times the author depicts and writes about dogs guiding blind people. Illustrated with descriptive paintings and texts from various books, this book is a treasure for anyone who loves dogs, and or history.
A Brush With Darkness
by Lisa FittipaldiWhen Lisa Fittipaldi went blind at the age of forty-seven, she descended into a freefall of anger and denial that lasted for two years. In this moving memoir, she paints a vivid picture of the perceptual and emotional darkness that accompanied her vision loss, and her arduous journey back into the sighted world through mastery of the principles of art and color.
Helen Keller
by Katharine E. WilkieFocusing on her childhood years, this biography is about Helen Keller who overcame her handicaps with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan.
Hello Goodbye Dog
by Maria GianferrariFor Zara's dog, Moose, nothing is more important than being with her favorite girl. So when Zara has to go to school, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side. Hello, Moose! Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed at school and Moose has to go back home. Goodbye, Moose. But Moose can't be held back for long. Through a series of escalating escapes, this loyal dog always finds her way back to Zara, and with a little bit of training and one great idea, the two friends find a way to be together all day long.