Miss Debby's Best-Loved Books: Children's Books About Persons With Disabilities

Charlotte Jewish News February 2022

By Debby Block

February is Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). It is essential that every parent and grandparent help children empathize with others who have abilities that are different from their own. Fortunately, books provide a perfect jumping-off point for a discussion about persons with disabilities, and there are currently many quality children’s books on this topic.

Peter H. Reynolds is one of my favorite authors because his books promote individuality, including his popular children’s book “The Dot,” “Be You,” and “Ish.” For JDAIM, I highly recommend “I’m Here,” a charming picture book about a dreamy loner boy playing with a paper airplane. One little girl finally makes a connection and says,

“I’m here.” The book clearly illustrates that it only takes one person to make a difference. Peter Reynolds wrote this book to help everyone “reach out, embrace, and appreciate children on the autism spectrum, as well as anyone who differs from us.” Recommended for ages 2-6.

“Zero” by Kathryn Otoshi, recently recommended to me by Bentzion Groner of the Friendship Circle, is a simple rhyming book that delivers a powerful message about what it feels like to be different and inconsequential. In the book, the number Zero looks different from all the other numbers and believes that she does not count, and, of course, a zero, by itself, has no value! Zero realizes that she is not empty inside but rather “open,” and Zero learns that combined with other numbers, they can help each other count a great deal. The message in this best-loved picture book is for all ages but is particularly geared for children ages 3-7.

Leo is different from all the other animals. Little tiger Leo does not write, speak, or even draw. “Leo the Late Bloomer” by Robert Kraus tells us in simple, yet comprehensible language that not everyone develops the same way and that is perfectly OK. The positive message accompanied by the bold illustrations by Jose Aruego makes this a classic children’s tale. Recommended for ages 2-5.

“Beep Beep Bubbie” by Canadian writer and filmmaker Bonnie Sherr Klein tells the story of a Bubbie (grandmother) who recently started using a motorized scooter to get around. Granddaughter Kate is upset and thinks that Bubbie will no longer be able to share the same fun activities with her anymore. Happily, Kate’s fears turn out to be unfounded! Recommended for ages 3-6.

“Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin” by Tracy Newman is a picture book biography of violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman. A PJ Library selection, this award-winning book tells the story of Itzhak Perlman contracting polio as a boy and having to wear leg braces for the rest of his life. The book beautifully tells how Itzhak followed and accomplished his dreams of becoming a musician despite his disability. Recommended for ages 5-8.

“The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin” is the first children’s book written by Julia Finley Mosca. Written in rhyming text, this charming book tells the story of Temple Grandin, a young girl with autism who eventually becomes one of the most important voices in modern science. Temple’s strength as a visual thinker and innate connection to animals help her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms worldwide. I love the text and the accessible illustrations by Daniel Rieley. Recommended for ages 5-10.

Last, but certainly not least of my best-loved books about people with disabilities, is a new book by renowned children’s author Maryann Cocca-Leffler and her daughter Janine called, “We Want to Go to School!: The Fight for Disability Rights.” This picture book tells the true story of how seven children and their families fought to have the laws of the United States changed so that all children with disabilities could receive a free public education. Not only does this children’s book teach about inclusion, but also it teaches about advocating and fighting to change the law. I was inspired and moved by this book, and I think you will be too! Recommended for children ages 5-10.

Miss Debby’s best-loved books and many other wonderful books can be found at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library. Books may be reserved by calling (704) 944-6783 or by emailing library@jewishcharlotte.org. You can pick up your requested item(s) by visiting us in the library. Hours are Monday-Thursday 9-4, Friday and Sunday 9-1, Saturday closed. Curbside pickup is also available upon request.