A Kids Book About Disabilities

A Kids Book About Disabilities

I read this book with my daughter, who is a 9-year-old sprite and who has a disability. There were a lot of positive, affirming aspects to the book, but I *really* wish the author referred to people with disabilities as just that: people, first. and “with a disability” second. I’m working really hard to be thoughtful and help my daughter see herself as a wonderful, funny, and caring kiddo — not a disabled kiddo. My kiddo isn’t a “disabled kid” — she’s a kid, first and foremost, and she has a disability. : ) If this book gets a re-printing, I’d ask for this change.

This book is an excellent introduction to not only disabilities, but to normalizing these challenges that many people face.

My daughter has an intellectual disability, and I’ve been looking for something that I could use to talk to her and give her some language for her own differences, but this book wasn’t what I was looking for. The lack of illustrations and busy (albeit attractive) graphic design makes it unlikely that I’ll read it with her anytime soon.

That said, the book seems like a great option for helping more mature kids understand disabilities, it gave me some language for my conversations with my daughter, and I will likely share it with friends and family.

This book is written in plain language, with a warm, compelling voice, and clear guidance for parents trying to start a conversation their parents never had with them. Highly recommend.