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We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, & Eduardo Trejos (2021)

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We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, & Eduardo Trejos (2021)

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We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, & Eduardo Trejos (2021)

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We Move Together introduces children to disability justice by highlighting everyday experiences of people with diverse bodies, abilities, and access needs. The book fosters understanding by showing children using mobility aids, navigating city spaces, and collaborating with friends and family. Rather than presenting disability as something unusual or separate, it normalizes it as part of community life.

This book also emphasizes cooperation, belonging, and problem-solving, for example, working together to make a playground or sidewalk accessible. This helps children understand that disability is not just about individual differences but about creating fair and supportive environments for everyone. The illustrations also showcase diversity in race, ethnicity, and gender, making the book a mirror for many children’s lived experiences and a window for others to learn empathy and inclusion. By centering joy, community, and everyday routines, We Move Together helps young readers appreciate the strengths and perspectives of people with disabilities while challenging stereotypes. It encourages children to see accessibility as a shared responsibility and to value differences as part of what makes communities strong.

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This book follows a similar story about a boy named Augie from the Wonder Series. This book is called. We’re all wonders, and it follows the little boy in the story and talks about how he is not ordinary, but he does ordinary things, how he wants people to see him as a wonder, and not just see him as different because of how he looks. It also goes on to say that we are all wonders, and if people can look past each other’s looks and personality differences, then we will all realize that we are all wonders of the world. It also shows how he protects himself and makes himself feel brave when he doesn’t feel like a wonder and when people make fun of him. It also says things about how children react to people who look different, like they point or they laugh or even say mean things. All in all, the story really just shows how this little boy just wants everyone to see him as a wonder and to see themselves as a wonder.

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This book follows a similar story about a boy named Augie from the Wonder Series. This book is called. We’re all wonders, and it follows the little boy in the story and talks about how he is not ordinary, but he does ordinary things, how he wants people to see him as a wonder, and not just see him as different because of how he looks. It also goes on to say that we are all wonders, and if people can look past each other’s looks and personality differences, then we will all realize that we are all wonders of the world. It also shows how he protects himself and makes himself feel brave when he doesn’t feel like a wonder and when people make fun of him. It also says things about how children react to people who look different, like they point or they laugh or even say mean things. All in all, the story really just shows how this little boy just wants everyone to see him as a wonder and to see themselves as a wonder.

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A young girl named Susan, who, like many children her age, enjoys running around, splashing in the water, dancing, misbehaving, attending school, and, of course, laughing, is the subject of the children's picture book "Susan Laughs." One of the things that sets Susan apart from other people is the fact that she uses a wheelchair. The book's theme—that children with impairments and their classmates go through many of the same things—is communicated through lively graphics and engaging rhymes.

"Susan Laughs" provides a straightforward but powerful method of demonstrating to children that children with disabilities are essentially the same as their peers. The book presents Susan's daily activities and feelings in a way that is inclusive and positive.

I love how this book portrays Susan doing daily activities like any other child, even complex ones such as riding a horse. The illustrations in this book reveal Susan as a happy, busy little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap and is never portrayed until the ending of the story.

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Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas (2002)

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This 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. This book explains how children with disabilities are not that different from everyone else, even though they may look a little different on the outside; on the inside, they are just like everyone else. They are capable and we can all learn something from each other by including everyone. This book helps children understand and appreciate people with disabilities. It encourages children to include them just as they would any other child they encounter, and not to treat them differently or make fun of them.

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This is a beautifully illustrated book about a visually impaired girl interacting with her city. She is seen throughout the book using her walking cane; and the book shows things like the tactile paving (the bumps at the entrance of a cross walk), the sounds she hears, and things she feels, etc. In the beginning of the book it says "this is our city, but this is MY city"; the book then goes on to describe the city in ways that the young girl understands it. I think this book is wonderful for helping young children learn about kids with blindness or vision impairment; it shows the young girl using special tools and shows how she gets along in her daily life. Books like these are so important for children in general, not just ones with disabilities. For children with disabilities, it allows them to see other kids like them in the media surrounding them; this makes them feel confident in themselves and proud of who they are. For children without disabilities, it allows them to see other people from a different view, and gives them an understanding of what some of their peers may be experiencing in daily life. This helps to foster kindness and understanding. Some children may not know what blindness is, it is very possible that they have never interacted with it before, and reading books like this is a great way to foster positive questions and answers. Teaching children at a young age how to be kind and inclusive is so very important, and these kinds of books are crucial in doing so.

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This book is a deaf man. Him and his band mate were playing in a band. The man was afraid to tell all of them. They all knew that he was off in his playing so they covered for them. Then the band leader noticed that his music didn't sound good. Then He was just a playing over their music all there playing. He saw the school for the deaf he hope he could learn something new. This book lets us know that its ok to be different and they everyone has issues but we learn new thing.

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The book I Am A Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong fosters understanding of the everyday experiences of people with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome. The story is presented through the happy and confident narration of a little girl who celebrates her individuality. Rather than focusing on limitations, this book highlights her regular experiences such as school, friends, and expressing creativity, allowing the reader to see that children with disabilities can share the same feelings, interests, and dreams as other children. This book also acknowledges that people sometimes stare or misunderstand, letting readers recognize how those moments can feel and we must work towards showing kindness and that inclusion makes a difference. This book encourages empathy, acceptance, and appreciation for diversity.

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Some Bodies Need A Little Help by: S.F Harris, helps children find an understanding of the everyday experiences of people with disabilities by showing them that every one's body works differently. Even if it's different than ours it still works it just need a little extra help and that's okay! Through simple language and warm welcoming pictures, the story highlights children who may use wheelchairs, braces, or other forms of assistance (being deaf, being blind etc.) While also showing them doing all the things all children do such as playing, learning and having fun! This book helps normalize differences and encourages empathy rather than pity. The book also emphasizes inclusion by showing how friends can support one another and show kindness in a respectful way. Overall, it helps teach children that disabilities are just part of a person and that everyone deserves to be valued, included, and loved in everyday life.

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Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

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Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

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Rescue and Jessica is based on the authors' true experience and is told through the journey of the two main characters; Rescue-a black Labrador service dog and Jessica- a girl whose injury leads to the amputation of her legs. The book serves as a way to introduce children to the concept of service animals as well as those who are differently abled. The book has a really great message about how the two characters truly rescue each other. Rescue helps Jessica navigate her world by helping her with her daily activities and Jessica gives Rescue a purpose. The book is very effective in fostering understanding of everyday experiences of people with disabilities especially for younger emergent readers. The story gives the readers many examples of how Jessica's life is affected by being an amputee and how her service dog helps her with day to day things like opening doors, getting dropped items such as her phone, and even helping Jessica learn to walk again with her prosthetic legs by providing a stead presence. Along the way, children are introduced to vocabulary and equipment such as mobility aids-wheelchair, prosthetic legs- that help demystify the terms and show young children that those things are just tools that she used to help her move. It also teaches children the importance of not distracting a service dog in a vest. Overall the book does an excellent job of reframing disability into not just IF Jessica can accomplished a task by HOW she can do with a little assistance.

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Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

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Emmanuel's Dream: the True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah (2015) written by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Sean Qualls

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Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

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Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

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WOW! This book is powerful and I would suggest it to anyone of you looking into books to include in your classroom that are inclusive and display an array of racial, cultural, and ability differences. As important as it is to expose children to all different kinds of people-- especially those experiencing disabilities-- I think we must take it a step further: it is not enough to see and include people with disabilities, but we must also recognize that disability DOES NOT mean inability, and I think Emmanuel proves that point through his lived experience!

Emmanuel was born with only one leg and by most-- except his mother-- he was deemed a curse, subject to a life of begging and living in the shadows. His mother, however, had hope. She reminded her son there would be adversity, but not impossibility. Emmanuel would need to work twice as hard to walk, play sports, make friends, and gain respect from people, but it is never impossible. As his mother grew sick, Emmanuel knew he must keep going and provide love, support, and hope for his family, himself, and people around the world. After his mother's death, Emmanuel took it upon himself to live up to his mother's last words, "Be respectful, take care of your family, don't ever beg. And don't ever give up." In living up to these words Emmanuel was determined to show people that disability does not mean inability. Emmanuel took up collection, sponsorship, even royal blessings and rode his bike 400 miles around Ghana in just ten days, gaining national and international attention! He wanted everyone to listen and to witness his message.

I love this book, it serves as inclusive literature, promotes empathy and understanding to the everyday experiences of people experiencing disabilities, and shows everyone-- able and differently - abled-- that people experiencing disabilities are not statistics, are capable, and can do anything!

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Yes, I Can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair (2021) by Kendra Barrett, Jacqueline Toner, and Claire Freeland. Illustrated by Violet Lemay.

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Yes, I Can! A Girl and Her Wheelchair is about a first-grade student, Carolyn, and her everyday experiences of being disabled. Carolyn cannot use her legs to walk, so she must use a wheelchair. Even though Carolyn is different from her classmates, she can still do almost everything at school. When her teacher or classmates ask her to do something, she says “Yes, I can!” Carolyn joins in during reading time, passes out papers for the teacher, and sits with her friend during lunch time. When the class took a field trip to the bowling alley, Carolyn had to use a special bus made for wheelchairs. When they arrived at the bowling alley, the teacher set up a ramp at the end of the lane. A classmate carried a bowling ball to the ramp, and Carolyn pushed it down the alley. The main character faces a few challenges throughout the story. At one point, the kids decided to have a running race at recess. Carolyn felt sad and left out, because she couldn’t participate. However, her classmates wanted to include her in the activity. Someone suggested that she could be the referee. “Carolyn is glad when she can be a part of things, even if she can’t do everything the other kids can.”

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Every Body: A Celebration of Diverse Abilities (2023) Shelley Rotner

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This book helps readers understand the daily lives of people with disabilities. It shows real individuals playing, learning, using supportive tools, and participating in their communities. What I appreciate most is that the book does not make disability seem special or separate. It presents disability as a natural part of human experience, which I wish more children’s books would do. On a personal level, this book relates to my experiences working with children who use various adaptive tools or communication methods. I remember one child in a classroom where I worked who used a communication device. At first, some of the other kids were not sure how to interact with him. They were not being unkind; they just did not understand. Books like this one would have made a big difference because they give children a framework for seeing these tools as normal parts of everyday life. When the author shows kids using wheelchairs, hearing aids, or sensory supports, it reminds me of the times I have seen children naturally find ways to play together when they have the right language and understanding. The book also made me realize how important representation is. Growing up, I did not see many books that showed disability positively and in everyday situations. I think if I had, I would have grasped the idea of inclusion much sooner. Now, as I prepare to work in education, I am drawn to books like this because they help create the kind of classroom environment I want where children feel seen and where differences are met with curiosity and respect instead of discomfort. Overall, this book not only teaches children about diverse abilities but also reinforces what I’ve learned through personal experiences: when we treat disability as normal and discuss it openly, children are much more willing to include, support, and understand one another.

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IIn Mighty Mila, the book fosters understanding of everyday experiences, especially for deaf children, by normalizing the use of assistive devices. It also demonstrates how teachers can facilitate discussions about empathy and understanding, acknowledging that children may have different needs. The book normalizes hearing technology, educating children about its purpose and benefits. The central narrative focuses on universal childhood themes such as the desire for independence, common challenges like tying shoes, problem-solving, and the acceptance of seeking assistance. Mila's hearing loss is not the central conflict; rather, the story emphasizes her everyday adventures and struggles, highlighting the shared experiences and emotions between deaf children and their hearing peers.

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Exploring the outside world is supposed to be exciting for children. Exploring is different for every child. In "The Beach is Loud" a boy discovers that he may not like the beach as much as he thought. He finds the sand to be annoying, the planes to be too loud, and when he sees other children building sand castles right next to him, he is ready to roll! There are a lot of children I'm finding who have difficulties with over stimulation. This young boy's father reminds him of a calming technique he can use to calm himself. Children who also have difficulty in situations like this boy is in, may find comfort that he made it through! This young boy found his own way of exploring, on his own schedule. He ended up enjoying the beach so much, that he already wants to go back to the beach while they're on their way home!

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This Beach is Loud! | A story about new experiences

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This book shows disability as a normal part of everyday life. It shows children with disabilities participating in everyday activities such as playing, learning, communicating, solving problems, and interacting with the people around them. This helps children see that disability is part of human diversity. Many people with disabilities can do the same activities as everyone else. This book reduces the stigma and encourages acceptance to people with disabilities. The book also included adaptive strategies, mobility devices, and communication tools. Allowing readers to learn what these tools are and why they are used.

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This book fosters understanding the everyday experiences of people with disabilities because you are able to go on the young boy's journey as the book continues. Often times people think that disabilities make people 'stupid.' We see that in this story as the little boy discusses how red he gets when his classmates here him talk because he doesn't sound normal. It's important that children are aware that we were are not all the same, we are deserve respect and to be treated with kindness.

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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You Sonia Sotomayor 2019

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This book tells a story of children with different disabilities building a garden that showcases everyone's beauty. Each flower in the garden is different and represents a different disability. It also teaches children that these differences make us unique and that instead of judging, they should just ask questions. This book helps explain some disabilities and also provides children with the words to ask questions. I think this is a beautiful story to have in the class library and to read to the class.

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Every Body is Different by Miriam Moore-Keish and illustrated by Alejandra Ruiz. Published in 2024. 

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Every Body Is Different helps children understand the everyday experiences of people with disabilities by showing disabled characters doing regular, daily things like playing, learning, celebrating, and spending time with friends and family. The book explains differences in a calm, friendly way so kids see disability as a normal part of life, not something unusual. It shows how people use different tools like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or communication devices to do the same activities everyone else does. The illustrations highlight many types of bodies and abilities, helping children recognize that people move, learn, and communicate in different ways. The book teaches that disabled people have everyday lives just like anyone else, and that differences are simply part of being human.

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Special People Special Ways By Arlene Maguire

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This book brings understanding that differences are all around, but we are unique in our own way and that makes each of us special in our own way. It brings understanding that everyone wants to be cared for.

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Although not technically a physical disability, I thought this book, My Friend Has Autism by Amanda Doering Tourville was a great option. This book builds empathy, understanding and inclusion for children toward other people with disabilities, particularly autism. The way that this book is written is the first thing that stands out to me in regards to fostering understanding. It is not written from the perspective of the little boy with autism, but instead, from the perspective of the boy who has a friend with autism. This is so powerful to me! The boy describes what his friend does, likes, and needs in ordinary ways, like going to school, playing outside, or sensory activities. It situates autism with typical "child" things to highlight that it is not something that should be looked down upon or isolating, but just a little different. It normalize autism and promotes acceptance. This book does not just highlight differences, but it focuses on the boys strengths and what makes him fun and special. It also models inclusive language and behavior, which is so important for children to learn as early as possible. It shows the boy listening to what his friend needs, adapting games to help, and showing patience.

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I'm not sure what kind of hearing disability Gracie has but saying that her ears are sleeping is a kind way for children to think about children who cannot hear. Instead of explaining what kind of hearing disability Gracie has, saying her ears are sleeping makes the story light and not so heavy. The word "disability" can scare people in general so this story keeps it positive and happy. This was comforting to me :)

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"Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You." written by US Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor

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"Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You." written by US Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor

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This book starts off by talking about how flowers and trees are different to get children ready to talk about children and adults with Diverse abilities. There are many different people that are not the same. One person might be in a wheelchair, one might have diabetes that wears a pump. Others may have something that don't work so great. This doesn't mean that they should be treated in a different way.

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A Friend for Henry is a wonderfully inclusive and honest children's book. It promotes emergent literacy and inclusive understanding in preschool and early elementary students. The narrative centers on Henry, a young boy with autism who enjoys routines, order, and trains, as he makes an effort to become friends with Naomi, a classmate. Bailey uses straightforward, succinct, and predictable language to assist young readers understand the story's emotional transition and event sequence, this book is especially effective in providing emergent literacy. Throughout the narrative, important words and phrases are repeated, which helps with memory, phonological awareness, and language acquisition. The child's prediction and inferencing skills are strengthened by the characters facial expressions, which function as visual scaffolding that enable them to find meaning in the characters actions and facial expressions. Children's spoken language abilities and narrative understanding are enhanced by the storylines natural invitation to discussion, which encourages adults to pose open ended questions about Henry's motivations and feelings. Children can learn and use exact language from descriptive, sensory rich phrases within the book. in their own writing and speech. By depicting Henry as capable, multidimensional child rather than reducing him to a diagnosis, the book also succeeds in anti bias representation; peers learn to modify their play in inclusive, respectful ways, and Henrys perspective on the world is normalized.

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I chose this book because I enjoy working with children who have disabilities, such as Autism. This book tells the story of Autism through the eyes of a sibling. It presents Charlie as a typical boy who happens to have a disability and explains how he experiences the world—for example, needing space or sometimes seeming distant. It also highlights how Callie’s family expresses love through actions and presence, even when Charlie cannot verbally say “I love you.” I really enjoyed reading this book because it promotes empathy and inclusion, both of which are especially important in the context of Autism. Callie adapts her play to connect with Charlie by playing quietly beside him. This story promotes kindness, patience, and inclusive behavior toward those who may communicate differently.

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A Friend for Henry shows an understanding of the everyday experiences of people with disabilities by showing what a typical school day can feel like for a child with autism. The story focuses on Henry’s thoughts, routines, and emotions as he navigates the classroom and tries to make a friend. This helps children understand that school experiences can feel different for different people, even when everyone is in the same environment.

The book shows how Henry pays close attention to details, follows routines, and sometimes struggles with social interactions. These moments are shown in a calm, respectful way that helps readers see the world from Henry’s perspective without labeling his behavior as “wrong.” The story shows how small supports and understanding from others can make a big difference in helping him feel comfortable and included.

I like this book because it focuses on everyday moments rather than dramatic challenges. It helps children understand that disabilities are part of daily life and that people with disabilities have the same desire for friendship and connection as anyone else.

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It shows children with a wide range of physical , learning developments, and sensory differences. They show the children participating and everyday activities and use real pictures of them using accessibility tools/supports. It normalizes the differences and encourages to be empathetic.

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Every Body (2019) by Shelley Rotner and this book helps children understand the everyday experiences of people with disabilities by showing that everyone’s body is different and special. It includes people with different abilities, sizes, and ways of moving, which helps kids see that everyone can do things in their own way. It teaches children to notice differences without judging and to respect and appreciate everyone. I chose this book because it shows that all bodies are valuable and different in important ways. This book supports children’s engagement in reading by encouraging conversation, helping them practice describing things, and connecting the story to real life. It’s a great way to teach kindness, acceptance, and understanding while also enjoying a book together.