Literature
Inclusion Begins with Acceptance
Acceptance begins with example and education
Written by Lisa Mantchev
Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
Strictly No Elephants
The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.
Written by Jack Foreman
Illustrated by Michael Foreman
Say Hello
SAY HELLO evokes the joy and relief of finding a new friend just when it’s needed the most.
Written by Lori DeMonia
Illustrated by Morique Turchan
Leah's Voice
Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.
Written by Elizabeth Gerlach
Illustrated by Yip Jar Design
Ben's Adventures A Day at the Beach
Ben uses a wheelchair, but that doesn’t define him. Strong messages of acceptance and inclusion, friendship, and family make the Ben’s Adventures series perfect for introducing the concept of disabilities, and for teaching young kids that people are more similar than they are different.
Written by Jeanne Willis
Illustrated by Tony Ross
Susan Laughs
Here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap.
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Written by Alice Reeves
Illustrated Phoebe Kirk
Roxy The Raccoon
By working together, the friends are able to make the forest an inclusive place for everyone. Even including those with a disability.
Written by Arlene H. Maguire
Illustrated by Sheila Bailey
Special People Special Ways
Teachers and parents love to read this book aloud. Additionally, it promotes understanding and tolerance at school and at home.
Written by Alexandra Penfold
Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
All Are Welcome
A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity. And, gives encouragement and support to all kids
Written by Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, and Mary Birdsell
Marco and I Want To Play Ball
In a true story of inclusion, Isiah and Marco share their love of baseball.
Written by Cari Best
Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
Zulay and her three best friends are all in the same first-grade class and study the same things, even though Zulay is blind.
Written by Dawn Kohler
Why I Laugh
A first-person account of living with autism.
Written by Pete Seeger & Paul DuBois Jacobs
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
The Deaf Musicians
A great story book on the power of music, overcoming obstacles, and all the different ways to hear the world. Written by Kennedy Center honoree Pete Seeger, renowned poet Paul DuBois Jacobs, and Coretta Scott King honor winner R. Gregory Christie.