Fiction books are very powerful. They can help you learn more about yourself and the world. But it is hard to understand your place in the world when you can’t see yourself in it.
For a long time, disabled characters were not portrayed in books, and when they were, they were minor characters or defined by their disability.
Fortunately, those narratives are changing.
Here are 4 Young Adult fiction books with disabled main characters who are portrayed as more than just their disability.
The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten
On top of dealing with his divorced parents and his step-siblings, 14-year-old Adam is trying to manage his OCD. One person who believes in him is Robyn, who he meets in a support group for young people with OCD.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
In this modern version of Beauty and the Beast the main character, Harper, has cerebral palsy. People are constantly underestimating her because of her disability, but she’s tough and corrects anyone who thinks her limp was caused by an injury.
Harper is a strong character and could be a role model for many readers.
How to Be Luminous by Harriet Reuter Hapgood
This book is about the bond between three sisters, and how they each cope with their mother’s mental illness. Niko, the oldest sister, is Deaf and the sisters communicate using British Sign Language.
Niko is an artist. She is also a protective older sister and has a crush on their neighbour.
Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens, edited by Marieke Nijkamp
This collection of short stories was written for and by people with disability! There are different kinds of stories, from romance to science fiction, and they are a great read for all young people.
Thank you to the YDAS social media community for your suggestions!