This list of books contains many picture books and novels that have main characters with SEND. Books like Wonder and Out of My Mind deal directly with the issues faced by the characters as a result of their disability. Others tell a story where the main characters just happen to have a disability of some kind.
Books like these are a great way for children to see themselves or members of their family reflected in print in a positive way. They also go a long way towards educating all children and adults about disability, empathy and kindness. I have used some of these novels in Key Stage 2 as a class read, or as a stimulus for PSHE discussions. The children connect with these stories on a personal level and many reflective discussions have arisen from reading them.
Jump to: Picture books featuring characters with SEND
Chapter books and novels featuring characters with SEND
Picture books featuring characters with SEND
Characters with Physical Disabilities
Deaf Characters
Blind Characters
Sept 2020
Dyslexic Characters
Autistic Characters
Characters with Down's Syndrome
Characters with a stutter
Chapter books and novels featuring characters with SEND
Wonderstruck written and illustrated by Brian Selznick. (Deaf characters)
This may be my favourite book by this amazing author-illustrator. It tells the story of two deaf children, 50 years apart. Rose's story is told entirely through images, Ben's through prose, until the two interwoven stories come together at the end. A great read for KS2 children or to read to younger children, this is another Brian Selznick book that will draw you in an remain with you for a long time.
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K Arnold (Asperger Syndrome)
Bat, a young boy on the autistic spectrum, who faces daily challenges at home and at school. One day his mum brings home a skunk from her veterinary practice and Bat instantly bonds with it.
This book is ideal for younger or reluctant readers aged 6 - 10. If they enjoy it, there are more in the series for them to get their teeth into!
Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Wescott (autism)
Co-written by author Rebecca Wescott and 11 year old Libby Scott - a young girl with autism, this is a touching and uplifting read. It tells the story of Tally, a ten/eleven year old autistic girl as she begins secondary school and tries to make sense of her new surroundings. Tally's diary entries, written by Libby and based on her own experiences, add realism and authenticity to this story of kindness and empathy. A great book to read with upper Key Stage 2, leading to many discussions and insights.
Do You Know Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Wescott
Libby and Rebecca have teamed up once again to pen the sequel to Can You See Me?
Tally is back, this time as she embarks on a school trip.
The London Eye Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd (Asperger's Syndrome)
Ted, a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome, and his sister Kat embark on an investigation to find out what happened to their cousin, Salim, who seemingly disappeared from the London Eye. Written from Ted's point of view, this book provides many twists and turns to keep 9 years + turning the pages.
The Guggenheim Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd
The second mystery in the series, but the one that I came across first. ted and Kat are back, this time solving the mystery of a stolen pai
Wonder by R. J. Palacio (Facial disfigurement)
'My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.'
This is the story of Auggie, a ten year old boy who is starting school for the first time. Auggie was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues of the face.
His story is told from the different points of view of the main characters in the book; Auggie, his family and children in his new school.
I read this with my upper Key Stage 2 class and it proved a page turner for them all, sparking a lot of self-reflection and debate.
Auggie and Me by R. J. Palacio
This sequel offers Auggie's world through three new points of view.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (Cerebral Palsy)
Melody has a brilliant mind and a photographic memory. But she is trapped in her body, unable to talk or take care of herself. Those around her assume that she has profound learning difficulties and she has no way of telling them otherwise. That is until she is given a 'talking computer' that enables her to speak for the first time.
The author's own daughter has cerebral palsy, making this feel like a very personal story which offers a valuable insight into the prejudices and frustrations that people with disabilities may face. It is a story that stays with you long after the last page has been turned.
Recommended for year 6 and upwards,
The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher (Wheelchair user)
William Trundle is a ten year old boy whose life is turned upside down when a mean girl starts at his school. Meanwhile in the North Pole, the Christmasaurus is also having a tough time. When the two cross paths, they embark upon a magical adventure.
Reading age 7 - 9, but can be enjoyed by a wider age range.
The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher
William Trundle and the Christmasaurus are back. This year they are introduced to the North Pole's best kept secret - the Winter Witch. Can they save Christmas?
Wheelchair User
Age 9 - 13
Autism
Age 9+
Cerebral Palsy
Age 10+
Non Fiction books for children
Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder
This book delves into the biographical stories of famous figures such as Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey, Wassily Kandinsky and Lewis Carroll to name a few. Each story explains their difficulties and their achievements.
Did you know, for example, that Albert Einstein did not talk until he was 3 and that when he went to school, his teachers thought that he was not very smart?
A fantastic book of positive role models and inspirational people..
Views From Our Shoes Edited by Donald Mayer
45 siblings, aged between 4 and 18 years old, share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability.
This is a great book for other siblings to help them to understand that they are not alone in their sometimes conflicting feelings. It is also a vital read for parents, teachers and other children to understand some of the challenges that siblings may face and some of the qualities they develop that really need to be celebrated.
Can I tell you about...
This illustrated series features friendly characters that invite readers to learn about their experiences of living with a particular condition and how they would like to be helped and supported.
These books serve as excellent starting points for family and classroom discussions.
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak
A fantastic book to promote a growth mindset and to help children understand how their brains work. I have found it particularly good for helping children understand differences in brain development and to identify their strengths.
Sign About Series
A series of signing guides for hearing and deaf children to support early communication
Books for parents and educators
