OverviewMatching children with special needs to books and stories that will motivate and engage them, this book is a valuable collection for any parent, grandparent, caregiver, or teacher who lives or works with young people who have disabilities. This vast and varied selection of books offers individuals who may be isolated by their differences the security and companionship of stories they can identify with. Describing more than 100 stories featuring characters who have disabilities—from physical handicaps, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome, and dyslexia to survivors of psychological or physical trauma—the guide points to narratives that can help make these conditions understandable and familiar. Selecting books that dissolve limitations and spark the imagination, this resource helps all kinds of adults and children empathize and truly connect.
Reviews"I heard myself say, "I must reread this, and read that, and..."A terrific guide and the commentary is to the point and spot on." —Jack Gantos, author, The Rotten Ralph, Jack Henry, and Joey Pigza
"This book is a wonderful resource for teachers and school librarians!" —Laurie Halse Anderson, bestselling children's author, Speak
“'You can’t depend on the media or the publicity generated from trendy best sellers to routinely highlight special needs protagonists; such books may need your special delivery,' writes Follos, a middle school librarian [...] I enjoyed the introductory chapters, which reminded me that young people with special needs are just people, and they read for the same reasons all of us do – for escape, motivation, and empowerment." —Sarah Loughlin, Director, Monroe County Public Library
Author BiographyAlison Follos is the author of Reviving Reading, and has contributed to numerous publications, including Library Media Connection, School Library Journal, and Voice of Youth Advocate. She lives in upstate New York.