Disabilities

Contributor's Form (list #95)

Attention Deficit Disorder
• Smith, Mark. Pay Attention, Slosh! (Illustrated by Gail Piazza. Eight-year-old Josh hates being unable to concentrate or control himself, but with the help of his parents, his teacher, and a doctor, he learns to deal with his condition, known as ADHD or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.)

  Autism

• Watson, Esther. Talking To Angels. (1996 (PreK-2). This is told from the point of view of a young child describing a girl named “Christa.” Christa is autistic. She “hears what I say, only she answers back in her head. She doesn't speak to me out loud.” The simple language explains exactly how a child might understand autism.)
• Amenta, Charles A., III. Russell is extra special: a book about autism for children. (As the title implies, this book is very straightforward and informative. It tells the story of Russell,who is autistic, and his family. We learn about autism from his brothers and father, who is a doctor and the author. Dr. Amenta explains that all autistic children display varying symptoms.)

  Learning Disabilities

• Konigsburg, E. L. Altogether, One At A Time. (1971 (gr. 9-11) “Inviting Jason,” the first narrative in this collection of four short stories, introduces Stanley, whose mother tells him he must invite Jason to his birthday party. Stanley fears that Jason, who has learning disabilities, will ruin the games he had planned. A guest with some influence improves everybody's understanding and tolerance of dyslexia. All four short stories show that even a good situation may have its bad aspects, and that good can come from bad situations.)
• Roby, Cynthia. When learning is tough : kids talk about their learning disabilities. (Photographs by Elena Dorfman. Children describe their learning disabilities, talents, learning techniques, and misconceptions associated with learning disabilities.)
• Smith, Doris B. Kelly's Creek. (1979 (Gr 2-5) Nine-year-old Kelly can't ride a bike, catch a football or even write his own name because his learning disabilities make it hard for his eyes, hands, and brain to coordinate. Kelly's parents and teacher think he isn't trying. Only at the creek does Kelly, with the help of his friend, Phillip, study the fascinating creatures who live there. When he has to prove the importance of what he has learned in the marsh, Kelly is able to take an important step in conquering his problems.)

  Physical Disabilities

• ? Why do some people use wheelchairs? : questions children ask about disabled people. (Explores the subject of disabilities through questions and answers, such as “Why does my friend wear a hearing aid,” “Why do some people read with their fingers,” and “Why do some buildings have ramps as well as stairs?”)
• Stein, Sara Bonnett. About handicaps: an open family book for parents and children together. (Photographs by Dick Frank. 1974. (Ages 3-6) As the title suggests, some of the terminology in this book is dated. But that should not detract from the purpose of the author: Children need “simple ways to explain the way complicated things are.” There are two parallel texts in the book, one for parents, one for children. The story is of two friends, one with a physical disabliliy, and how they learn to talk about themselves openly.)

  Cerebral Palsy

• Bergman, Thomas. Going Places: Children Living With Cerebral Palsy. (1990 (Gr 2-6) One in the Don't Turn Away series of books by Bergman, Going Places is a photo essay about Mathias, a six-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. We enjoy meeting Mathias and his family, and the question- and-answer section and index in the back are especially helpful and informative for the inevitable questions that arise. Striking photographs accompany the text.)
• Prall, Jo. My Sister's Special. (1985 (Gr K-4) Although some of the terminology and some of the assistive technologies are dated, this story of a brother and sister is full of love and affection.)
• Emmert, Michelle. I'm The Big Sister Now. (1989 (Gr 1-6) A moving story about deep love and commitment of two sisters, one with special needs. Some equipment and terminology is dated, but the story is heartfelt.)
• Adler, C.S. Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon. (1988 (Gr 4-7) A sixth grader with cerebral palsy becomes the owner of a brass dragon which helps him out in some of the battles he faces due to his handicap.)

  Deafness

• Levi, Dorothy. A Very Special Friend. (1989 (Gr preK-2) This story is cute and predictable. Introduces some sign language.)
• Walker, Lou Ann. Amy, the story of a deaf child. (1985 (Gr 2-5) This is Amy's story, told by Amy in her own words. Amy is likeable, engaging, and spunky.)

  Epilepsy

• Bergman, Thomas. Moments that Disappear: Children Living With Epilepsy. (1992 (Gr. 3-6) Part of the Don't turn Away Series, this is the story of Joakim, a twelve year-old boy who has epilepsy. The story follows his daily routine and explains his medical condition. Excellent photographs accompany the text. Contains index, glossary, and appendices.)

  Blindness

• Thomas, William. The New Boy is Blind. (1980 (Gr 2-6) Told from the point of view of a boy who is telling the reader about a new boy named Ricky in his class. Ricky is blind. The story rings true, as if it was written by a child. Sometimes factual, sometimes funny, it is the story of a friendship. Some technology that Ricky uses is outdated, but the story is enjoyable.)

  Mental Retardation

• Brightman, Alan. Like Me. (1976)
• Carrick, Carol. Stay Away from Simon! (1985)
• Clifton, Lucille. My Friend Jacob. (1980)
• O'Shaughnessy, Ellen. Someone Called me a Retard Today..And my Heart Felt Sad. (1992 (Gr K-2) The message in this book is moving and simple and could appeal to many ages. May help children discuss feelings and kindness.)
• Sobol, Harriet Langsam. My Brother Steven is Retarded. (1977)

  Special Needs

• Brown, Tricia. Someone Special, Just Like You. (1984 (PreK-K) The preface explains the book well. A little girl in the author's son's nursery school class had a disability, so the author looked for a book to “help him understand that we should accept one another for the love we have to share with the world, and not judge on the basis of physical appearances or limitations.” She could not find such a book, so she wrote one. The result is a success. The text is simple, illustrated by photographs of many beautiful children with and without physical and mental challenges.)
• Senisi, Ellen. Just Kids: Visiting a Class for Children with Special Needs. ((Gr. 2-5) This is a real-life story about two girls, one of whom has epilepsy and is in a class for children with special needs. After calling Ashley a “retard,” Cindy has to go visit the special needs class every day for a month so she can open her mind and change her attitudes. Very imformative. Lots of photographs and text.)

  Website

• Fiction Books for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Original List assembled by Susan Murray.