The best things to teach our kids about being around a differently abled person is to not pity their disability but to empower them by showing them that they are no different than others. And the best way to empower our kids is to accept people with special needs. One way you can do that to connect with the kids is through books that have protagonists with certain disabilities that help teach the kids.
It doesn’t matter how big or small a book is. What is important however is its ability to encourage acceptance and celebrate diversity! We know of a number of International authors who have done this, but what is even more heartening is Indian publishers taking a lead on this as well.
Scroll down to read my list of 15 plus books featuring differently-abled kids, celebrating their diversity and applauding their strength and perseverance
These books eal with central characters battling certain disabilities and how they tide through it forms the story- must add to your collection, right away.
Why Are You Afraid To Hold My Hands by Sheila Dhir
This Gem from Tulika is in verse and answers to common doubts and misconceptions about disability. The sweet drawings are done as if they are drawn by a little kid, which is really empowering because this book looks like it is written by a little kid through and through is always important to remember that disability doesn’t define who they are! Buy here
Welcome To The Forest by Bhavna Menon
Tulsa has heard wonderful stories about forests and longs to go there! When Tulsa gets a chance, she is excited and goes with her friends to Kanha Tiger Reserve. Along with the forest officials, the students experience the jungle in a unique and exciting way. A book with visually impaired students in the lead, it is a beautiful read! Buy here
One of the most beautiful stories about “different ability”! Such a remarkable uplifting and empowering book from Tulika Books! Kanna is a quiet little boy who keeps to himself until one incident changes everything. This truly celebrates the power of the differently abled and reminds us that being ‘normal’ isn’t all that great. Also, you don’t have to have superpowers to come to the rescue, just willingness Buy here
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Ayesha’s favourite day is Sunday, for it’s her Abba’s day. On Sunday, Abba takes over, and Ayesha along with her Abba do everything together! It is such an endearing book, only towards the end will you realize that Ayesha is special. (Read Kidsstoppress review of Abba's Day here)
Catch That Cat by Tharini Vishwanath
Dip Dip’s friend has lost her cat so she takes it upon herself to find that cat. She looks everywhere! Until she finds the cat perched upon a tree. Dip Dip is just like any normal kids only she is in a wheelchair but this doesn’t stop her from trying her level best to find her bestie’s cat! Adorable illustrations and an empowering story. Buy here
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When a new girl joins the narrator’s class, the teacher asks the narrator to mentor her and be her friend! The problem The book actually takes into account how kids feel about kids with disabilities. The questions they have and the way they “ react”. Written as a letter format or diary entries, it is a great perspective on how little minds work! Buy here
Wings to fly by Sowmya Rajendran
Wings to fly is inspired by the remarkable life of disabled athlete Malathi Holla! Little Malathi longs to run, and jump but she is confined to her wheelchair. This story follows the inspiring story of young Malathi, how she overcame the obstacles and still found a way to follow her dreams! An inspiring book Buy here
Neel On Wheels by Lavanya Karthik
Neel’s wheelchair transforms itself to fight dragons and monsters and chase away scary creatures of the night. A whimsical journey into the imagination and fun world of Neel! Buy here.
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Published by Duckbill book, the book talks about Magesh who is different from other children. He’s no good with words. And when he’s misunderstood he gets upset and his movements get jerky. But there are two things he loves: playing with his brother Vignesh, and his Vibhuti Cat. But what will happen when Magesh starts going to school? Buy here.
Manya Learns To Roar by Shruti Rao
There is a school play about to happen in school and Manya wants to be Sher Khan, but she stammers! She has to overcome the challenge and go after her dream and is she able to do it? This is an empowering book to say the least! Buy here
Flute In The Forest by Leela Gour Broome
I downloaded a sample of this books on to my Kindle App, hoping to give it a Read before buying it. I did read the sample, loved it and bought the book too! Flute in the forest talks about a teenaged girl named Athiya. She lives with her dad, a forest officer. An only child, affected by polio, Athiya loves the jungle and finds her haven there, often exploring it on short treks. On one such occasion, she hears the haunting notes of a flute in the woods. She vows to play it much against the wishes of her dad’s wishes. Atiya’s journey opens up a world of exciting new possibilities. Buy here
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Simply Nanju by Zainab Sulaiman
Zainab Sulaiman’s Simply Nanju (Duckbill) is a triumph of a book not only because it is set in a school for disabled children but because it is a wonderfully warm story with an immensely endearing motley crew of characters. Tanvi Bhat’s loveable cover of Nanju sets the tone for this school story which weaves together themes of social inequalities while evoking the innocence of childhood. Buy here
I think I haven't read a book that hasn't had us love the main protagonist! But meet Akriti, who has lost her ability to walk recently and is a bitter and angry young woman. So despicable that her family is afraid to even be around her and spend all day walking on eggshells if she is present. And she has quickly lost most of her friends and is in extreme danger of losing the remaining two. Buy here
Kittu’s very mad day by Harshika Udasi
In a mad book full of laugh-out-loud moments is a hero you will fall in love with albeit laughing! His zest for life is contagious! And there are strings of characters who are loveable and there are some scenes where we laughed non stop. It is simply unputdownable. Buy here
Big Bully And M-Me by Arti Sonthalia
Big Bully and M-me is a great read. This book touches upon the subjects of bullying and the disability of stammering in a touching manner. sensitive subjects have been handled with humour and still, the underlying message is loud and clear. Buy here
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Susie Will Not Speak by Shruti Rao
Jahan’s best friend Susie has a lisp. The boys in the park tease her and call her Thoothie and the kids at school laugh at her. Fed up, Susie decides to stops speaking. What is Jahan to Susie has a lisp and the kids in the park tease her. But a boy decides to be her friend! The story follows her struggles, the beautiful support of her friend and she finallymadeg it! Buy here
Against All Odds by Ramendra Kumar
Karthik and Kavya have to move to a new town and join a new school. Karthik is especially not looking forward to it partly because in there olf school in Kolkata, no one paid much attention to the fact that he was one-armed, but here things are different. What makes things worse, is the football coach who won’t even give him a chance. Both of them LOVE football! Will Karthik against all odds be able to join the football team and play and be accepted? We just are always ready to give up when the odds are against us, but not Karthik! An inspiring read! Buy here.
Which one of these books is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
Mansi Zaveri
Rhea Punjabi
KSP Team
