May 28, 2026 By CDHD 10 children's books with disability representation You may remember last year’s summer reading list for kids. Well, the school year is wrapping up and summer is just around the corner … there’s no better time than now for a fresh 2026 list! We’ve put together 10 more books with disability representation, with reading ages ranging from two to 12+. Each one features a main or secondary character with a disability. Some feature disability as a main plot point. Others don’t. And, as always, we strive to focus on books in which people with disabilities tell their own stories. All of these books were written by authors with lived experience. My Dinosaur Shoes by Eleni Tassopoulos Wehner and Danamarie Hosler (illustrator) Age group: 2-4 years This picture book, published in 2025, is part of the Roscoe and Ivy series. Like all books in this series, it focuses on the daily life of a neurodivergent family. This particular story follows Roscoe as he transitions to a new pair of shoes. With the help of his big sister Ivy, of course! Along with a heart warming and highly relatable tale, it offers parents gentle guidance on introducing kids to new things. Too Much!: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez and Angel Chang (illustrator) Age group: 4-6 years Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, Jolene Gutierrez has created a rhyming picture book that helps children understand and handle sensory overload. It follows a child overwhelmed by sounds, lights and textures, providing easy coping strategies that young children can use when they’re feeling overwhelmed. It also offers an extensive author’s note for caregivers who support children with sensory sensitivities. You are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Margaret O'Hair, Sofia Sanchez and Sofia Cardoso (illustrator) Age group: 3-7 years Inspired by Sofia Sanchez – a young actress and model with down syndrome – this empowering picture book is all about celebrating individuality and embracing the unique differences of people of all abilities. Themes cover self-acceptance, courage and perseverance, with information about down syndrome that promotes awareness. A When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb and Merrilee Liddiard (illustrator) Age group: 3-6 years This book was written as an introduction to the topic of disability for kids. It’s meant for children and adults to read together to open the discourse on this important topic. It offers clear explanations of what disabilities are and how to tackle conversations about them, with easy-to-read and understand text and language. Wanda Hears the Stars by Amy S Hansen, Wanda Diaz Merced and Rocio Arreola Mendoza (illustrator) Age group: 6-9 years A 2026 Schneider Family Book Award winner, this book is the true story of Wanda Diaz Merced. It follows her on her journey to become an astrophysicist while losing her eyesight. Wanda learns sonification (turning data to sound) to study the stars. It’s an inspiring look at overcoming challenges, determination and making science more accessible to all. Fighting for YES! by Maryann Cocca-Leffler and Vivien Mildenberger (illustrator) Age group: 6-9 years This picture book follows the life and achievements of disability rights pioneer Judith Heumann. It showcases her lifelong activism, from being denied a teaching license because of her disability, to leading the movement for equal access. This includes the famous 1970s sit-in that led to Section 504 being signed into law. The book also includes a personal reflection by Heumann herself. Bat and the Business of Ferrets by Elana K Arnold Age group: 6-10 years This is the fourth installment of the “Bat” series, which follows Bixby “Bat” Alexander Tam – a boy on the autism spectrum who navigates different life circumstances while discovering social-emotional learning, problem solving and more. In this story, Bat is starting fourth grade and, together with his best friend Israel, he is trying to convince his new teacher to get a classroom pet. Where Only Storms Grow by Alyssa Colman Age group: 8-12 years This Schneider Family Book Award winner is a historical fiction set in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. It focuses on Howe and Joanna Stanton – twins who must save their family farm from ruin after their father leaves to find work in California. It paints a rich picture of the Dust Bowl era along with themes of family, responsibility, inner strength and personal challenges. The Poetry of Car Mechanics by Heidi E Y Stemple Age group: 9-12 years This middle-grade novel has been nominated for a slew of awards, including A School Library Journal Best Book and 2026 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers. The story focuses on Dylan, a 15-year-old outsider in his small town, who seeks relief from his hectic life by writing poetry and birdwatching in the woods behind his grandfather’s shop. It touches on themes of mental health, bipolar disorder, grief, masculinity, family dynamics and more. King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin Age group: 12+ This young adult novel is all about Pernell, a teen with ADHD, as he undertakes summer school, expecting the same academic struggle. Things are different, though, as Pernell embarks on a journey to become the “Cypher King” and find his voice. This unique novel uses a clever rhythmic format inspired by hip-hop, which helps to make it more accessible to neurodivergent readers while celebrating neurodiversity, creativity and self-expression.