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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

Bibliography of children books about learning disabilities

Jon Castleberry
Weatherford College

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

Bodeen, S. A., and Pam DeVito. We'll paint the octopus red. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine
House, 1998. Print. Six year old Emma isn't very happy about the idea of having
a new brother or sister but when Emma and her dad start thinking of all the
things that they can do with the new baby, Emma becomes excited at the
prospect of being a big sister. When her dad comes home and tells Emma that her
new brother, Isaac, has Down syndrome, Emma worries that he won't be able to
do any of the fun things that she has imagined. As Emma and her dad think back
over all the things they wanted to do with the new baby, they realize together that
as long as they are patient and helped him when he needed it, there wasn't
anything he couldn't do. This is a reassuring story for young children bewildered
by Down syndrome and what it means for their relationship with their new
sibling. This is truly a wonderful story.
Bryant, A. (2008). Worst enemies/best friends. New York: Aladdin Mix.
This is the first of many books in the popular Beacon Street Girls series about
five middle-school girls, one of whom, Maeve, has dyslexia. Maeve, who has a
math tutor and is consistently disorganized, joins her friends in stories created
to help girls build self-esteem and coping skills
Cottin, Menena, Rosana Faria, and Elisa Amado. The black book of colors. Toronto:
Groundwood Books, 2008. Print. Plan to use this awesome book to increase
students' awareness of blindness. This book shares a blind person's
interpretations of colors and what they mean to him. Text is in both print and

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

braille form. Pictures are raised so a blind child can feel the shape of the pictures
and sighted children can feel what this would be like for a blind child.
Fisher, Antwone Quenton, and Mim Eichler Rivas. Finding fish. New York, NY:
HarperTorch, 2002. Print. Baby Boy Fisher was raised in institutions from the
moment of his birth in prison to a single mother. He ultimately came to live with
a foster family, where he endured near-constant verbal and physical abuse. In his
mid-teens he escaped and enlisted in the navy, where he became a man of the
world, raised by the family he created for himself .Finding Fish shows how, out
of this unlikely mix of deprivation and hope, an artist was born -- first as the
child who painted the feelings his words dared not speak, then as a poet and
storyteller who would eventually become one of Hollywood's most sought-after
screenwriters. A tumultuous and ultimately gratifying tale of self-discovery
written in Fisher's gritty yet melodic literary voice,
Gantos, J. (1998). Joey Pigza swallowed the key. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
The first book in an award-winning series about a boy with ADHD, this story
shows an out-of-control Joey being transferred to a special education
classroom in another school. A perceptive teacher recommends further medical
evaluation, and Joey returns to his former school. These funny, compassionate
books are written from Joeys point of view in a sharp, worried style that veers
out of control when Joey does.

Griffith, J. (1998). How dyslexic Benny became a star: a story of hope for dyslexic

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

children and their parents. Dallas, Tex.: Yorktown Press.

Fifth grader Benny is frustrated and embarrassed about his struggles with
reading. When he becomes a star on the football field, and when he is
diagnosed with dyslexia, he discovers he has a powerful support system with
his family.
Gehret, Jeanne, and Michael LaDuca. The don't-give-up kid and learning disabilities. 4th
ed. Fairport, N.Y.: Verbal Images Press, 2009. Print. This story is about Alex, a
child with learning disabilities has been updated with completely new
illustrations and reflects the use of the latest tactile techniques used in schools. In
this story, Alex is inventing a cookie snatcher, but his lack of reading skills and
impatience means that he needs extra help. There are new discussion starters for
parents and professionals, and positive solutions are presented to help build a
positive image for the learning-disabled child.
Hallinan, P. K.. A rainbow of friends. Nashville, Tenn.: Ideals Children's Books, 1994.
Print The subtitle on earlier editions was "A Book to Celebrate Diversity".
Hallinan subtly covers many aspects of diversity through his rhyming words and
colorful illustrations. This book is not preachy nor is it cheesy. I like that the
book does not just focus on ethnicity, disability and differences. A Rainbow of
Friends touches on views, interests, dress, strengths and weaknesses; it
emphasizes acceptance, understanding, friendship and working together. A great
book for all ages.
Janover, C., & Fremaux, C. M. (2000). How many days until tomorrow?. Bethesda, MD:

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

Woodbine House.
2001 Parents' Choice Award winner, this book is about Josh, a twelve-year-old
with dyslexia who spends the summer on a remote island in Maine with
grandparents he hardly knows and his older brother Simon, who is a terrible
tease. In a dramatic and life-threatening situation, Josh learns he is just as
smart as his older brother.
Kraus, R. (1971). Leo the late bloomer. New York, New York: Windmill Books, Inc.
Leo is a tiger who doesnt do what the other animals his age do. His father is
worried but his mother just says he is a late bloomer. So much time passes, but
still Leo stays the same. One day though, everything comes. Leo could draw, talk,
read and write. His first sentence to his parents was, I made it! this book shows
children that it is okay not to be able to do everything that their peers can do, it
will all come in time.
Lewis, Beverly, and Laura Gibbons Nikiel. In Jesse's shoes: appreciating kids with
special needs. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany Backyard, 2007. Print. What parent
hasn't urged their son or daughter not to stare or tease a child who is "different"
or disabled in some way? Jesse's sister struggle to understand her brother--and to
deal with the kids who make fun of him. All families will benefit from this
sensitive yet realistic story about learning to understand and befriend a child with
special needs.
Lovell, P. (2001). Stand tall, Molly Lou Melon. New York, New York: Scholastic, Inc.
Molly Lou Melon is a very small girl with big teeth and a loud voice, but

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

growing up her grandmother always told her to be herself. More importantly,

Molly Lou was taught to love being herself. So when Molly Lou gets bullied at
the new school she attends, she takes her grandmothers words and puts them to
action, ultimately becoming friend with everyone while still staying true to
herself.
Maguire, Arlene H., and Sheila Bailey. Special people, special ways. Arlington, Tex.:
Future Horizons, 2000. Print. This book has beautiful words and illustrations
that are important for all children to hear. It sends the message that all kids are
unique and special in their own way. I think this would be good to read to
children so that they could see how disabilities affect people, but do not make
them "different." This book teaches children in a fun way, with wonderful
illustrations and truly thoughtful, rhyming text! I highly recommend this to all
parents and children.
Mallinos, Jennifer, and Marta Fabrega. My friend has Down's syndrome. Brighton:
Book House, 2011. Print. This story is great for young children! The story is
from the perspective of a young girl at camp who gets partnered up with a girl
named Tammy who has Down syndrome. Before Tammy begins camp, the
counselor talks to the other campers and about the new friend who will be joining
them. The children get nervous when they find out that she is different, and are
afraid that they will "catch" what she has. The counselor discusses the situation
and explains that Tammy is just like them yet she may need some help with
certain activities. When she finally arrives the narrator and Tammy start to

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

become great friends. This book is an excellent demonstration of how even

though children have disabilities it does not mean that they have to be separated
from the rest of their peers. I really think this would be an excellent story to read
to children since it covers many questions and concerns that children would have
if they were first being introduced to a child with Down syndrome. In the back of
the book there is a parent guide that goes more in depth about Down syndrome,
which I think is an excellent addition to the book.
Martin, D. (2012). They call me fat Zoe. Far Hills, New Jersey: New Horizon Press.
This book shares the message of being overweight through the eyes of a dog,
Zoe. In it the veterinarian explains about eating healthy, exercising and getting
the heart strong. The dogs owner, Kate, ends up telling her mom that she is made
fun of at school for being overweight as well. This book shows how hard it can
be to be overweight to children who might not think about their remarks.
Moss, D. M., & Schwartz, C. (1989). Shelley, the hyperactive turtle. Kensington, MD:
Woodbine House.
Shelley is a turtle who happens to have a very hard time sitting still. During a
visit to the doctor, he learns that he is hyperactive, and that he can take
medicine to control his wiggly feeling. The colorful illustrations help to
explain the physical and emotional aspects of having a disability in a
reassuring and positive way.

Petrillo, G. (2007). Keep your ear on the ball. Gardiner, Maine: Tilbury House

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

Publishers.
In this book, the main character, Davey, is blind. He feels as though everyone
teats him like he cant do anything himself. There are some students who bully
and others who just stand by and watch. But when he discovers he cant play
kickball, his class bands together to find a way to include him in the fun. This
book has a great moral and show children that while someone may be different
on the outside, they still just want to be treated like normal and included.
Polacco, P. (1998). Thank you, Mr. Falker. New York, New York: Scholastic, Inc.
This is a book I believe that every child should read. In the beginning, I did not
have high expectations, but as the story progressed, the deeper I feel into the plot.
Trisha, a young girl, is taught from a very early age that education and
knowledge are the most important thing is life. She cant wait to start school so
she can begin to read. But as the years progress she can never get the hang of
books. Reading becomes her biggest fear. All the children laugh at her. But in the
fifth grade Trisha gets a new teacher. He doesnt favor anyone and he sticks up
for everyone. He makes Trisha realize that she is not stupid, that reading is just
different for her. After months of working with Mr. Falker and a reading
specialist, Trisha begins to read. Finally, she can do the one thing she loves most.

Rotner, S., & Kelly, S. M. (2000). The A.D.D. book for kids. Brookfield, Conn.:
Millbrook Press.

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

An A.D.D. book for kids with A.D.D.! A photographic essay designed to help
those living with Attention Deficit Disorder to explain it to others and to feel
proud of their successes. Quotations from kids who are coping with A.D.D. are
included.
Stern, J. M., Ami, U., & Chesworth, M. (1996). Many ways to learn: young people's
guide to learning disabilities. New York: Magination Press.
This book provides easy-to-use tips, information, and strategies to help
children with learning disabilities feel better about themselves. The guide
includes information on how to involve counselors and parents as a supportive
"climbing team," and ways for children with various kinds of learning
disabilities to set goals.
Sornson, Robert, and Shelley Johannes. Stand in my shoes: kids learning about empathy.
Golden, CO: Love and Logic ;, 2013. Print. This book is absolutely what all
children need to read or have read to them. Empathy or rather the lack of it is a
major problem in our society today. If this concept can be understood by our
children from early on, it could have a major impact on families and schools.
Bob Sornson had great insight into writing this book for children. I highly
recommend it for all families and schools.

Tourville, Amanda Doering, and Kristin Sorra. My friend has autism. Minneapolis,
Minn.: Picture Window Books, 2010. Print. I really enjoyed this book. It's short,

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

but it has a lot of good information and tells a story that children will relate to.
This story is told through the perspective of a boy, probably around the age of 8
or 9. The boy has a friend that has autism. The boy describes what it's like having
a friend that has autism and all the differences they share, but also the
similarities. The boy explains that he and his friend enjoy playing with planes,
building model planes and doing other things that many boys that age like to do.
He also talks about the way his friend with autism acts and how he knows that it
is okay because he understands that it's just the way his friend is. This book
shows children what autism looks like and shows them how to be understanding
and kind to others that may have this disability. The boy in the story explains that
sometimes his friend may walk away from him when he is talking to him, but
that it's just the way his friend is. The boy says that sometimes it hurts his
feelings when he does this, but he is understanding of his friend because he
knows about his disability.
Tunis, S. (2004). Why cant Jimmy sit still? Far Hills, New Jersey: New Horizon Press.
Jimmy is always moving. He never sits still and is always causing mischief. His
mom worries about him so she takes him to the doctor where he explains about
ADHD. This is a good book that can help other kids in the class learn and
understand something from which their peers may suffer.

Weninger, B. (1996). What have you done, Davy? New York, New York: Scholastic, Inc.
This is a book about a bunny that causes trouble everywhere he goes. He really

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Bibliography of children books about learning disabled

doesnt mean to do anything bad, it just happens to him. But after causing so
much mischief, he learns how to make it all better and is ultimately forgiven.
Woloson, Eliza, and Bryan Gough. My friend Isabelle. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House,
2003. Print. My Friend Isabelle is the story of two young friends that have lots
of differences, but manage to find some common ground in which to build a
friendship. Though Isabelle is a child with Down Syndrome, it is never
mentioned in the text of the book. The wonderful illustrations only give a hint to
why Isabelle and Charlie are different. This book is a great addition to any
preschool classroom library because it celebrates the differences in all people.
The amount of text is perfect for a young audience to listen to and is written at
the appropriate age level. This book is a great tool for teaching young children
about the differences in people and helping them to understand that they can be
friends with people who are different from them.