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Diverse Children's Literature: Exceptionalities

Topic information

Be careful not to box yourself into a concrete search term for your topic. Think of synonyms for your subject - broader terms, related terms, and narrower terms. Using this strategy will guarantee a wider selection of materials. Be aware, too, that some search terms may be uncomfortable to think or say out loud - but could yield possible results.

"Exceptionalities" is a broad term that doesn't even begin to capture the myriad experiences of individuals of have differing abilities. Take a look at winners of the Schneider Family Book Award as an initial search and for keyword ideas. 

Possible search termswheelchairs, children with disabilities, physical disability, people with disabilities, deaf, blind, cerebral palsy

Picture Books and Early Readers

All the Way to the Top
Different Abilities
Django
Emmanuel's Dream
Janine and the Field Day Finish
Not So Different
Kami and the Yaks
Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog
My Friend Suhana
Just Ask!
Rescue and Jessica
Saltypie
Six Dots
The Sound of All Things
Tuesday Tucks Me In

Middle Grade

All He Knew
As Brave As You
Book of Boy
The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree
El Deafo
Feathers
I Am Not a Label
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Lila and Hadley
Roll with It
Show Me a Sign
Sincerely, Harriet
The Sound of Silence
Wonderstruck
You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!

Young Adult

Because You'll Never Meet Me
Cursed
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin
Finding Balance
I, Claudia
Jerk, California
Just Breathe
Laughing at My Nightmare
Love from A to Z
Med Head
Opposite of Always
The Oracle Code
Reaching for Sun
The Running Dream
Unbroken