Different Ability Awareness
October is Disability Awareness Month!
We are asking our readers to support Disability Awareness through the month of October. We propose the simple act of sharing and reading a children’s book that 
[1]discusses differences, disabilities and being unique in order to help others better understand about different abilities and/or having a disability. We encourage everybody to get involved! Teachers, parents and students can be asked to read and share children’s books with this theme during the month of October! There are many lesson’s that can be learned (for young and old alike) when taught through the simplicity of a children’s book…..lessons that can be learned to embrace differences! The goal is to have all involved gain exposure to and awareness of different disabilities; thereby learning that disabled means differently-abled….not “unable”. We are confident that this simple idea would work throughout our communities & school districts. In the elementary, middle and high schools levels alike. Parenting Special Needs Magazine put together a list of books recommended by parents and teachers. Share books you have or purchase some of these books to donate to your child’s classroom or school library. Thank you for your consideration, we look forward to your support!
Parenting Special Needs Magazine Team
Knowledge is Power…. But, to create change requires Understanding!
What’s wrong with Timmy?
Author Maria Shriver
[2]When 8 year old Kate meets Timmy, she becomes aware that he is different. Kate wants to know why. Her Mom helps Kate learn about children with “special needs”. Timmy may not run or walk like Kate, and it takes him longer to learn things, but, like her, he wants to make friends, go to school, and he dreams about what he wants to be when he grows up.
From Little, Brown & Company Available on Amazon.com [3].
I’m not weird I have SPD
Author Chynna T. Laird
[4]Jamie, the author’s daughter, has SPD. This book helps children with SPD explain this disorder to others and to explain what they go through in order to help their peers be aware of others with “special needs”, understand them, and to help make them seem less different.
From OutskirtsPress.com [5]
Available on Amazon.com [6].
Chrissie’s Shell
Author Brooke Keith
[7]Chrissie is a little turtle who believes her shell is empty. She compares herself with other animals imagining what it would be like to be them.
When Chrissie is ready to give up all hope, she has a conversation with God. She begs him to make her into a 
[8]creature like the wonderful animals she has seen, but God has something better in mind.
From warnerpress.org [9] Available on Amazon.com [10].
[11]
Zack the Prairie Dog
Author S. Charles Decker
[12]One small Daschund and one prairie dog with Autism learn that being different comes with many good qualities. This heart-warming tale is about Autism awareness, prejudgment and accepting differences of yourself and others.
Available on Amazon.com [13].
The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Author Jen Wojtowicz
[14]Rick Bowagon is different he is shy, quiet and sprouts flowers from his body during a full moon. At school everyone stays away from him. Then sweet, kind, Angelina Quiz joins his class. Rick asks her to the school dance. Angelina has a short right leg and Rick creates a pair of party shoes for her to wear to the dance.
From Barefoot Books
Available on barefootbooks.com [15]
Available on Amazon.com [16].
Views from Our Shoes
Edited by Donald J. Meyer
[17]Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs. Boys and girls whose essays are featured in this collection share their experiences of growing up with a brother or sister with a disability.
Available on woodbinehouse.com [18]
Available on Amazon.com [19].
Leo the late Bloomer
Author: Robert Kraus
[20]Leo is a tiger cub who isn’t reading, writing, drawing or speaking. His father is worried that Leo won’t catch up. Leo’s Mother knows that he is a late bloomer and when he is ready, he will do all those things and more.
Available on Amazon.com [21].
Wendy on Wheels
Author Angela M. Ruzicka
[22]The adventures of a loveable ten year old in a wheelchair, who has a blast enjoying many activities. Wendy enjoys the beach, horseback riding, dancing and painting, her live-life attitude motivates children of all ages.
From wendyonwheels.com [23]
Available on Amazon.com [24].
Squirmy Wormy
Author Lynda Farrington Wilson
[25]How I Learned to Help Myself
Squirmy Wormy is a charming children’s book about a boy named Tyler, who has autism and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). Together with Tyler, the reader learns what everyday therapies he can do by himself to feel better.
From lyndafarringtonwilson.com [26]
Available on Amazon.com [27].
[28]
Recommendations From Parents
My Friend with Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings [Paperback]
Author Beverly Bishop
My Brother is Very Special.
Author Amy Glorioso
Be Good Eddie Lee
Author Virginia Filling
What’s Wrong With Timmy
Author Maria Shriver
Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability
Author Leslie Harker
All Kinds of Friends, Even Green
Author Ellen B. Senisi
Andy and his Yellow Frisbee
Author Mary Thompson
My Friend Isabelle
Author Eliza Woloson
Everyone is Special
Author Regina Burch
Leo the late Bloomer
Author Robert Kraus
I’m a Big Sister Now
Author Michelle Emmert
Trevor Trevor
Author Diane Twachtman-Cullen
Howie Helps Himself
Author Joan Fassler
Danny’s Song
Author Betsy P. Nadas
Recommendations From Schools /Teachers
Elementary School Books
Grades 2nd – 6th
Adam and the Magic Marble
Author Adam & Carole Buehrens
Pre-k-3rd
Andy and His Yellow Frisbee
Author Mary Thomson
Pre-k-3rd
Be Good Eddie Lee
Author Virginia Filling
Pre-k-3rd
Arnie & the New Kid
Author Nancy Carlson
Pre-K-3rd
Danny and the Merry-go-round
Author Nan Holcomb
1st – 2nd
Fair & Square
Author Nan Holcomb
Pre-k-3rd
Ian’s Walk (Autism)
Author Laurie Lears
1st – 2nd
I’m like you, you’re like me
Author Cindy Gainer
Pre-k-3rd
Let’s Talk about It –Downs
Author Jennifer Morre-Mallinos
Pre-k-3rd
Leo the late Bloomer
Author Robert Kraus
1st-2nd
We can do it!
Author Laura Dwight
1st -5th
Rolling Along: Taylor and his
Author Jamee Heelan
Middle/High School Books
5th-12th
Views from our shoes
Author Donald Meyer, Ed.
5th-12th
Wish on a Unicorn
Author Karen Heese
6th-12th
Don’t Stop the Music
Author Robert Perske
Helpful Articles
List and Explanation of Disabilities for Disability Awareness Month [29]
Disabilities Shouldn’t Define Individuals Awareness and Dialogue Promote Acceptance [31]
Sister & Children’s Author Aims to End Discrimination [32]
Kids’ Books Essentials: Supporting Different-Ability Awareness [33]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2010 Magazine [34]