The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a picture or chapter book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. I really like how these great picture and chapter books let kids walk in the shoes of another and I find the themes of “trying to fit in versus accepting themselves and their family members” to be universal for all children.
I have the entire list of winners below. What other books should be on this list? Please make suggestions!
24 Children’s Books about Disabilities
Middle School 2011 Winner
After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Tells the story of Jeffrey who is free of cancer, but not the fallout from the treatment. Tad, his cancer survivor buddy and he swap wisecracks as they cope with their “chemo-brain,” other cancer effects and typical 8th grade angst. I am personally a big fan of this YA chapter book!
2011 Winner Teen Book
Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
Dumb is not the name Piper, a high school senior who is Deaf, would have chosen for a heavy metal band, yet she volunteers to manage this disparate group of would-be musicians. In her attempt to make Dumb profitable, Piper learns a few things about music and business, striking a chord within herself.
2011 Winner Young Children’s Book
The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril
Ginny’s eyes play tricks and, in her world, there are two of everything. Reading, math, and kindergarten activities are a challenge. Wearing an eye patch turns her into the pirate of kindergarten, and glasses help bring her world into focus. Whimsical mixed media illustrations cleverly convey Ginny’s experiences first hand.
Anything but Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin 2010 – Winner
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
I wish there was a boy version of Pirate of Kindergarten! My son is a reluctant patch wearer. A Mango Shaped Space looks interesting too! Thanks for the list!
To Ann,
I will be on the lookout for a boy version of Pirate of Kindergarten for you. Right now, nothing comes to mind.
Great list. I will review some of these books on my children’s book review blog. Thanks so much!
Thanks April!!
This is a great list, I hadn’t heard of the Schneider Family book awards either. Thanks for sharing! #diversekidlit
Thanks so much Acorn Books!
So great! Growing up with a chronic illness I always felt like a bit of a freak – the only kid I ever knew who had asthma was Piggy in Lord of the Flies, and he wasn’t exactly a great role model! I’m so glad that today’s kids have more opportunities to see kids they can relate to getting to star in their own stories! 🙂
Hi Jane,
I’m surprised there aren’t more books about chronic illnesses like asthma actually. You bring up a great point! I will try to do a book list on asthma. Let me know if you have book suggestions because I am blanking on it and yet, there are tons of kids with asthma out there but you only really see books about food allergies!
This is such a great list! I’m always looking for books about kids with chronic illnesses, especially rare ones, this gives me some starting places.
Hi Sarah,
There aren’t so many books about chronic illnesses … I can’t even think of a book with Crohn’s disease. Can you Sarah? For either?
I’ve been looking for kids books about chronic illnesses lately and there are not many. Young adult have more, but too many of those are kids with an illness that is magically healed in a fantasy world which doesn’t really present a positive self image for kids with chronic illnesses, this is something I’m going to keep looking for though.
Hi Sarah,
Sounds like a list needs to be made. Want to guest post for me with it? I can help find books if you need more, though none come to mind.
These look fabulous! There are several that I’m not familiar with — thanks for bringing them to my attention!
I’m so glad your found the list helpful Beth! I’ll keep adding too as I find new ones!