Books are wonderful and can be a fantastic way for children and young people to escape everyday life. It can be hard when there are no characters they can relate to. We have found numerous books that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities can find relatable. They are also a great educational tool to help all children and young people learn about one another’s differences in a healthy and positive way!
What to do When You Worry Too Much - This book guides children and parents through the cognitive-behavioural techniques most often used in the treatment of anxiety. (6 to 12 years)
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures - This book tells the story of world-renowned scientist Dr Temple Grandin, who defied expectations of what autistic people could accomplish. (5 to 10 years)
Just Ask – This is a story about a new friendship between two children, Charley and Emma, as well as how Charley learns disability etiquette. (4 to 7 years)
Fish in a Tree - Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. (children and young people)
A Curse So Dark and Lonely- This book focuses on its main character Harper, who doesn’t let anything hold her back, not her cerebral palsy or her mother’s deteriorating health. When she is sucked into another world where nothing is as it seems she must come up against dark forces. (12 to 18 years)
A Different Sort of Normal- In this warm, important and immensely moving book, writer and illustrator Abigail Balfe charts her experiences of growing up neurodivergent, offering candid and powerful insights into autism. (9 to 12 years)
Susan Laughs - This book focuses on its main character as they enjoy a number of everyday activities like swimming, playing and going to school. Only at the end of the story does the reader learn she uses a wheelchair. (2 to 6 years)
A Boy and a Jaguar - Zoologist Alan Rabinowitz wrote this book inspired by his childhood experience as an animal-loving boy with a stutter. (3 to 7 years)
Wonderfully Wired Brains - An informative and inclusive children's guide to neurodiversity for those not in the know and to inspire children who are neurodivergent. (7 to 10 years)
Our Daddy is Dyslexic – Written by a Kent local this book helps explain to children about dyslexia. (2 years plus)
The Asperkid’s Secret Book of Social Rules - Reveals the essential secrets behind the baffling social codes surrounding making and keeping friends, dating and catastrophic conversation pitfalls, with content on social media and talking about neurodiversity. (10 to 17 years)
All Cats are on the Autistic Spectrum – This book takes a playful look at the world of autism and these fun feline friends will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with typical autistic traits, bringing to life common characteristics such as sensory sensitivities, social issues and communication difficulties. (3 years plus)
Freddie and the Fairy - Freddie wants nothing more than a pet, so when the fairy Bessie-Belle offers to grant his wishes, he knows just what to ask for. But Bessie-Belle can’t hear very well and Freddie tends to mumble, which means the wishes aren’t turning out as planned!
You can find and reserve these books at Kent Libraries.
The SEND Information Hub website boasts a huge amount of information and guidance around special educational needs and/or disabilities. If you want more information around some of the needs referenced in the books above why not visit our types of special educational needs page.
