Here are five amazing books that help educate children about people with special needs.
El Deafo by CeCe Bell
El Deafo is a graphic novel for young children. It is written and illustrated by Cece Bell. The book is loosely based on Bell’s own experience as a child growing up with needing the assistance of Phonic Ear hearing aid. The characters in the book are bunnies. The story presents a funny and light narrative about deafness. In the book, Bell treats the hearing aid as a superpower that gives her the ability to hear everything. Her superhero name is El Deafo and she can hear secret conversations, people from afar, etc. El Deafo is a remarkable book that will surely make kids appreciate and respect people with hearing aids.
Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability by Pat Thomas
Pat Thomas wrote Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability to explore questions and issues about physical disabilities in a simpler and more concise way. Children are generally inquisitive and it is important that children learn about disabilities and how to deal or assist people with disabilities. As a psychotherapist and counselor, Pat Thomas is very aware of the emotional issues that children encounter every day while growing up. Don’t call Me Special hopes to assist young readers, and even encourage children to ask questions about disabilities and how to treat people with such concerns. It serves as a very useful educational material both for parents and teachers at school. The book features full-color drawings that will surely interest children.
Mommy Mommy Look the Man Has One Leg by William Dalmas
Mommy Mommy Look the Man Has One Leg wasp published in 2015. This William Dalmas unique story book was written with the help of his wife Martine. In this book, they shared their experiences meeting people with special needs and how their children would always ask about the person and what happened to him. The book presents ideas on how to politely ask a person about his disability or condition. More importantly, Mommy Mommy Look the Man Has One Leg teaches young readers to always be sensitive to other people and to respect people who have special needs. It is a book that is also recommended for teachers and educators as they contain insights on how to teach kids on how to properly show empathy, respect and kindness towards people with disabilities..
We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Steve-Bodeen
Stephanie Steve-Bodden’s We’ll Paint the Octopus Red is a children’s illustrated book that tackles the story of a boy with Down Syndrome. The story begins with Emma, a six-year-old girl who is very excited to see her new baby sister or brother. When the baby is born, her father tells her that her baby brother has Down Syndrome, a condition that makes the baby different from other babies. We’ll Paint the Octopus Red is a heartwarming story about acceptance. In this book, Steve-Booden emphasizes that acceptance begins in the family. The book features a set of common questions about Down Syndrome, and how it affects siblings and family. It is recommended for children between the age of 3 and 7.
Ian’s Walk by Larie Lears
Ian’s Walk by Larie Lears features the story of a young boy with autism. As with other autistic children, Ian has the behavior typical of children with autism. This disappoints her sister Julie. Ian has another sibling named Tara. One day, Julie and Tara decide to take a stroll at the park, but their mother insists they bring Ian with them. During their walk, Julie describes her brother’s behavior, the way he walks, as well as her frustration and embarrassment of Ian. Ian then goes missing, much to the panic of her sisters. Julie then decides to think like Ian and deduce a spot where Ian is likely to go. They then found Ian and they take him home. The experience made Julie appreciate Ian and how unique he is.