Miya's Text Set by Miya Konishi https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e Children's Literature about Disabilities and Acceptance en-us 2017-02-22 17:37:33 UTC 2025-09-28 19:31:57 UTC hello@padlet.com Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155536459 Illustrated by: Tony Ross

Genre: Picture books for children

Publication Date: 1999

Approximate Interest Level: Pre-K - Grade 1

Lexie Measure: AD110L

Teaser: This story is told in rhyme. Susan swims with her dad, works hard in school, plays with her friends and even rides a horse. It is not until the end of the story that readers learn that Susan uses a wheelchair.

Teaching Idea: http://www.disabled-accessfriendly.com/pdf_daf/A1-B1.%20Willis,%20Jeanne%20&%20Ross,%20Tony.%20Susan%20Laughs.%20Adapted%20by%20Sanderson,%20Lesley%20(updated).pdf]]> 2017-02-22 17:47:56 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155536459 Looking after Louis by Lesley Ely konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155543140 Illustrated by: Polly Dunbar

Genre: Picture books for children

Publication Date: January 2004

Approximate Interest Level: 1 - 4

Accelerated Reader Level: IL: LG, BL: 2.8, AR Pts: 0.5

Teaser: "Louis has autism, but through imagination, kindness, and a special game of soccer, his classmates find a way to join him in his world. This powerful story highlights the advantages of inclusion for both children with autism and their classmates." http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/838201.Looking_After_Louis

Teaching Idea: This book could be read on the first day of school in an inclusion setting classroom. 

A lesson that can be taught using this book later in the year is through a character development lesson. After the story is read, students can be asked to brainstorm and list traits and behaviors of the main character, Louis. The students can then find similarities between themselves and Louis. This will create an inclusive atmosphere in a mixed classroom.

]]> 2017-02-22 18:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155543140 Just Because by Rebecca Elliott konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155546052 Illustrated by: Rebecca Elliott

Genre: Picture books for children

Publication Date: April 2011

Approximate Interest Level: PreK - 4

Accelerated Reader Level: IL: LG, BL: 2.1, AR Pts: 0.5

Teaser: "Amusing and often touching, this story encompasses the issue of disability in a charming celebration of sibling friendship.

My big sister Clemmie is my best friend. She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because."

Teaching Idea: This book would be beneficial for all young students to read! You could introduce this book by writing "Just Because..." statements as a class about themselves. To begin this activity, the students can brainstorm personal characteristics that are "just because..." as a class.]]> 2017-02-22 18:11:24 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155546052 My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155865303 Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans  

Genre: Picture books for children 

Publication Date: 2010

Approximate Interest Level: Grade 1-5

Lexie Measure: AD540L

Teaser: "Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." Charlie's sister narrates a story where we learn more about what Charlie is good at and ways he shows love.

Teaching Idea: With older students (5th grade) you can engage students in an activity where they challenge stereotypical norms. While engaging in a read aloud, students will be asked to fill in the chart with the following categories: character, behavior, norm being challenged. An example of this completed could be: "Charlie; Says "I love you", Individuals with autism will never say "I love you." By completing this activity students will able to see social stereotypes and, with that, examples proving them wrong! ]]> 2017-02-23 18:57:52 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/155865303 My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/157725507 Illustrated by: Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Genre: Picture books for children

Publication Date: Jan 2015

Approximate Interest Level: Pre-K - 3

Accelerated Reader Level: IL: LG, BL: 3.5, AR Pts: 0.5 

Teaser: "Zulay and her three best friends are all in the same first grade class and study the same things, even though Zulay is blind. When their teacher asks her students what activity they want to do on Field Day, Zulay surprises everyone when she says she wants to run a race. With the help of a special aide and the support of her friends, Zulay does just that."

Teaching Idea: A teaching idea for this picture book would be to use previewing as a whole class. Before read aloud, have each student make a prediction about what the book is about. The students would be required to make predictions that can be supported through the pictures. During reading, students can relate the story to their predictions. And after the read aloud you can talk about whose predictions were right. ]]> 2017-03-03 19:41:31 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/157725507 The Snow Rabbit by Camille Garoche konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/157729210 Teaser: This is a book made up of entirely pictures and no words. The pictures tell a story of two sisters. "Two sisters look longingly through their window at the snowy sky. One goes out and sculpts a little rabbit, but when she brings it back inside to her wheelchair-bound sister, it begins to melt. So they take it outside and into the forest where enchanted things begin to happen."

Teaching Idea: Each student can be assigned a page, as call is going through the pictures, the assigned student will come up with a story from that picture. As they are telling their story, a teacher will be writing the words that they are saying to make a class book. This will help students build their understanding of the relationship between pictures, spoken language and written words. 

Another idea is having each individual child write a narrative from the pictures. Students will draft, edit and revise there narratives as part of the writing process. After all of the students write a tory, the class can read each narrative as a read aloud to hear everyone's ideas and interpretations of the pictures! ]]> 2017-03-03 19:56:14 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/157729210 "I Am" Song konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/157732743 Teaser: This is an inspirational song that discusses everything that individuals are and offer to the world around them. Everyone has a dream! Everyone is special! 

Teaching Idea: This song could be played during times where the students need a "dance break." It does not necessarily have to be an "individual lesson" but can be added to a lesson to add in high self-esteem messages throughout the day!  ]]> 2017-03-03 20:11:17 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/157732743 Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/167927539 Illustrated by: Lesley Harker 

Genre: Picture books for children 

Publication Date: 2001

Approximate Interest Level: Grade 1 -2 

Lexie Measure: 820 Adult-directed text       

Teaser: "This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives."

Teaching Idea: Before reading, have students preview the cover and illustrations to predict what will happen in the book. Once students have made their predictions, read the story as a class. After reading, have students brainstorm one thing that they are good at and one thing that is difficult for them with a partner. Students can then discuss similarities in their strengths and areas of limitations and the characters in the story.]]> 2017-04-24 18:11:31 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/167927539 Can I Play, Too? by Mo Willems konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168000695 Illustrated by: Mo Willems

Genre: Picture books for children 

Publication Date: 2010

Approximate Interest Level: PreK-K

Lexie Measure: 70L

Teaser: Gerald and Piggie are best friends. The two friends meet a new snake friend who wants to play with them. "But don't you need arms to catch?" Gerald and Piggie learn how to play with other who are differently abled. 

Teaching Idea: Before the lesson, preview the book in order to pick out difficult words (excuse, know, again, idea), help students sound out words and decode there meaning. During the reading stop and ask the students, "What is the Snake's problem?" "How did Piggie solve Snake's problem?" to help guide comprehension. After reading, students can complete a Reading Response sheet where they are asked to draw a picture and write a sentence about the beginning, middle and end of the book. ]]> 2017-04-25 03:01:25 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168000695 Meet Julia! konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168001868 Teaser: This video introduces Sesame Street's newest muppet, Julia. Julia has autism. The video explains what autism means for Julia and shows the beautiful friendships that all the muppets share!

Teaching Idea: This video can be shown to young students when the class needs a "break." Students do not even need to be aware of the true reason behind why they are watching the video. By simply stating "It is time for a break. Would all of you like to watch Sesame Street? I want to show you Julia, my new favorite character!!" Most students will be excited by the thought of watching TV in school and will be happy to watch the video. With that, they will also be receiving such an important message and understanding.]]> 2017-04-25 03:18:55 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168001868 Sesame Street and Autism: We're Amazing, 1, 2, 3! konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168002377 Teaser: Almo teaches Abby about Autism. This helps Abby better understand Julia and the three play I-Spy together! 

Teaching Idea: Once students have been shown the first video of Julia, this video (and other Sesame Street videos) can be shown during short "breaks" embedded into the schedule to increase students exposer to the idea of autism, gain a better understanding of autism itself and how autism affects Julia. ]]> 2017-04-25 03:25:53 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168002377 Dan and Diesel by Charlotte Hudson konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168003432 Illustrated by: Lindsey Gardiner

Genre: Picture books for children

Publication Date: 1999

Approximate Interest Level: PreK-K

Lexie Measure: AD540L     

Teaser: Dan and his dog, Diesel, do everything together. Diesel is a very special dog; he can ride on planes and trains and draw pictures with his head! Together, Dan and Diesel conquer the world. Until one day, Diesel is whisked away in a big black van...

When the two are re-united, readers learn that Diesel is Dan's guide dog.

Teaching Idea: Before reading, students can do a picture walk to brainstorm what will happen in the story. After reading, students can complete a KWL chart about seeing eye dogs. Once they have generated questions about seeing eye dogs the class can do research on seeing eye dogs to gain more information and answer students questions.]]> 2017-04-25 03:38:33 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168003432 The Deaf Musicians by Pete Seeger and Paul Dubois Jacobs konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168004687 Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie

Genre: Picture books for children

Publication Date: 2006

Approximate Interest Level: K- 3

Accelerated Reader Level: IL: LG, BL: 3.1, AR Ptsd 0.5

Teaser: "When a jazz musician begins to lose his hearing he must find a new way of making music. Together with other deaf musicians he forms a new band, including Ellie, who is the sign language interpreter."

Teaching Idea: To begin a lesson with this picture book and engage students, begin a conversation about sign language, this can be done as a brainstorm on the board. Once students have discussed what they know about sign language, teacher can teach a short lesson teaching students about sign language and teaching students the ABCs in ASL. This video can also be shown to engage students. Once students have a better understanding of sign language and are excited about the topic, read The Deaf Musicians. After reading, students can complete a thought map of what they learned about sign language through the lesson and book.]]> 2017-04-25 03:54:56 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168004687 My Travelin' Eye by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168005251 Illustrated by: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Genre: Picture books for children 

Publication Date: April 2008

Approximate Interest Level: PreK- 4

Lexie Measure: AD570L

Teaser: "Jenny Sue's eyes are not the same as other people's eyes. Her right eye looks in one direction, while her left eye sometimes wanders. Jenny Sue has a travelin', lazy eye. Although it makes her different, it also helps her see the world in a special way. Here is a charming story about one very inspiring little girl who overcomes her disability and offers."

Teaching Idea: For this activity, before reading students can discuss predictions of the meaning of the word "travelin.'" After reading, students can be given the opportunity to define "travelin" in this context. To expand on this book, students can decorate glasses to resemble the glasses show on the cover of this book. By wearing glasses similar to Jenny Sue's, students will indirectly be drawing parallels between themselves and Jenny Sue.
]]> 2017-04-25 04:02:02 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168005251 Max The Champion by Sean Stockdale and Alexandra Strick konishi_miya https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168005884 Illustrated by: Ros Asquith

Genre: Picture books for children 

Publication Date: March 2014

Approximate Interest Level: Kindergarten- 2

Lexie Measure: N/A

Teaser: "With a sprinkle of fantasy, his bike ride to school is transformed into a high-speed bobsleigh descent. The story is packed full of visual references to disability and inclusion: children in wheelchairs, oxygen tubes, leg braces and eye patches can be spotted in the illustrations, as can a child with cherubism. Max himself wears a hearing aid and uses an asthma inhaler."

Teaching Idea: This website has many free resources to guide lessons about Max The Champion. One example is reading this book as well as the book Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio. After students have read both texts, students draw similarities between the two main characters. With that, students are given the opportunity to expand on their ideas by trying to relate to the characters by putting themselves in their shoes. 
]]> 2017-04-25 04:10:03 UTC https://padlet.com/konishi_miya/9ysndsmyq62e/wish/168005884