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INCLUSIVE BOOKS:
Welcome to our recommendations of inclusive books focused on limb loss, limb difference and diversity. Here, you'll find valuable stories and resources that celebrate diversity and foster understanding. Each book aims to empower readers and promote acceptance, making a positive impact on our community.
CHILDREN'S
Click on each title to learn more and find them on Amazon!
"Roxy and Maliboo" by Hillary Sussman
In this super cute and playful read-aloud picture book, Roxy is a lovable dog who has lost a leg because she was sick, and is now faced with accepting this difficult new change. She sleeps on the couch and dreams of going to the dog park to play. When she is healed, she finally gets to go. Once there, she sees a dog sitting all alone, looking sad. His name is Maliboo and he is different too. Roxy goes over and tells him about her own experiences and insecurities, which helps Maliboo to overcome his fears. He and Roxy go and play with the other dogs, who accept them just fine despite their unique features. The lesson they both learn is that it's okay to be different.
Roxy's story is meant to give children the confidence to be themselves and not let any differences dictate their self-worth.
Roxy's story is meant to give children the confidence to be themselves and not let any differences dictate their self-worth.
"Alf's Power" by Mina Minozzi
When children are hurt and upset, they are reactive but what if they could learn to be thoughtful and considerate? The story of Alf’s power helps children develop their sense of self-awareness. This interactive book shows children how to reflect on their actions before communicating how they feel.
"Buddy Mooney From Zappa Looney" by Alex Barone
Welcome to the delightful world of "Buddy Mooney from Zappa Looney," where we follow Buddy, a brave and curious blue alien, as he navigates the challenges and wonders of Earth. This story by Alex Barone celebrates friendship, diversity, and the magic of being different. Join Buddy and his new friends on an unforgettable journey that teaches us all the true value of uniqueness and acceptance. Enjoy the adventure!
"Why Me Mama" by Katherine Lockwood
This children's book about differences is set in the Public Garden in Boston, MA. Each animal in the park has a difference and as the mama and baby owl visit their friends in the park, they will learn about these differences - helping the baby owl to understand the different disabilities represented by the other animals, normalizing disability as a part of everyday life, and provide a foundation for acceptance and empathy for others and within themselves.
"Brooklyn's Lucky Fin" by Jenna Regan
Brooklyn was born with a limb difference and is determined to do everything just like everyone else. We call her special hand her lucky fin just like in the movie Nemo who was born with one small weak fin, but he quickly finds out it is his " lucky fin." Brooklyn was made this way and her difference makes her special! Brooklyn is fierce, strong, and charismatic. The purpose of this story is to show that no matter what a person looks like, we are all the same. Everyone has differences and challenges; some you can see and some you cannot. Remember to build each other up and make everyone feel included, supported, and loved.
"Airick Flies High" by Eric Gaffney
Airick wished he had two wings like the other planes. I often felt this way, too, and would sometimes hide my arm when I was younger. My parents were always my biggest supporters and were always there for me, like Airick’s parents were for him.In my flight training and throughout my career I faced many obstacles. At different times I had to find my own ways to perform certain tasks. Like Airick in the book, I persevered and overcame these challenges to become a restriction free airline pilot today!”
"Ouch" by Katherine Lockwood
Join Harrison the chipmunk on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment in 'OUCH!' As he grapples with bullying at school, Harrison learns valuable lessons in self-advocacy and empathy with the guidance of Counselor Dan. Through heartfelt storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this picture book teaches young readers the importance of standing up for oneself and fostering understanding and friendship.
"Awesomely Emma" by Amy Webb
Amy Webb's follow-up to When Charley Met Emma, Awesomely Emma will have all kids cheering as they learn to see the inner awesome in themselves and those around them.
"Everyone's Invited" by Katherine Lockwood
Join Rose the owl as she learns about kindness, friendship, and self-love in 'Everyone's Invited!', the first installment of the multiple award winning 'A World of Difference' series. As Rose plans her birthday celebration, she worries that her friends won't come because she's different. But as she delivers invitations, she discovers that everyone has something that makes them unique.
"Baking Up a Storm" Jessica Parham
Grandma Janet's cupcakes are the best cupcakes in town. I couldn't figure out why until Mom and I baked them the other day. We were literally BAKING UP A STORM. Don't believe me? Just look inside this book and see! But tie your shoes extra tight and bring your umbrella--you'll need it.
"Bionic Man" by Michel Fornasier
Whether young or old, Bionicman extends a helping hand to everyone.
His «Handicap» symbolizes all the peculiarities that make up a person. You too can discover your speciality and make it your superpower. With marvel and DC Comics we have created a comic series that inspires courage.
The superhero campaigns for bullying prevention and inclusion. Immerse yourself in a world full of adventure, action and surprises.
The time has come for disenfranchisement. The time has come for Bionicman.
His «Handicap» symbolizes all the peculiarities that make up a person. You too can discover your speciality and make it your superpower. With marvel and DC Comics we have created a comic series that inspires courage.
The superhero campaigns for bullying prevention and inclusion. Immerse yourself in a world full of adventure, action and surprises.
The time has come for disenfranchisement. The time has come for Bionicman.
"Different is Awesome" by Ryan Haack
A little boy brings his older brother, born with one hand, for show-and-tell. The students ask him all sorts of questions about how he does things with one hand and realize that he can do anything they can do, he just does it differently. Along the way, they notice that we're all different in one way or another, leading to the realization that not only are differences a similarity we all share, but, they are what make us unique - AND AWESOME!
"Good to be Me" by Jessica Parham
Good to be Me celebrates our differences and gives parents the opportunity to have an open conversation with their kids about disabilities, race, body types, and more.
"I Am Sheriauna" by Sherylee Honeyghan
Sheriauna is a vibrant, smart, funny little girl with tons of personality! She has a unique story to share with the world and she loves to help others see differences as strengths.Learn about one little girl's experience with being different and how we can all be kind to each other, while creating a more inclusive world for everybody.
"Jessica Goes to School" by Jessica Smith
Jessica Goes to School is a heart-warming story about being proud of who you are and embracing what makes us different.
Author and Paralympian Jessica Smith draws on her own experiences in the Just Jessica series. This beautifully-illustrated book is a perfect bedtime read with discussion points to encourage chats around important topics about our world.
Author and Paralympian Jessica Smith draws on her own experiences in the Just Jessica series. This beautifully-illustrated book is a perfect bedtime read with discussion points to encourage chats around important topics about our world.
"Kindness is Golden" by Macy Gilson
Kindness is Golden is the debut book in The Golden Stories: An Inclusive Children's Book Series. All of the books in this series follow a first grade class from Golden Elementary School, which sets the gold standard for disability awareness and inclusion. In Kindness is Golden, Miss Clarke's class, which is made up of both students with and without disabilities, goes on a field trip to the aquarium. During the field trip, one of the students, who is in a wheelchair, is unable to participate in one of the exhibits, so all of his classmates problem solve to bring the exhibit to him! Join the Golden Elementary School students as they set out to remind the world that kindness is golden.
"Love for Harrison" by Jennisan Russell
Are you different from everyone else? That's okay! Harrison knows exactly what it feels like to be different. In this story, Harrison will show you what makes him special and how he looks at life with his limb differences. With every purchase you donate to three different programs!
"Nia Skye's Friend on Wheels" by Keylonda Wheeler
Nia Skye attends her first play and it changes her life forever! Follow her journey of fun with her new friend, Ariyah. Nia Skye and Ariyah show each other kindness and respect. Even though they move about the world in different ways, one thing they have in common is the superpower of PURPOSE! This beautiful story of friendship helps children and grown ups alike begin talks of disabilities, mobility devices, and allyship.
"Rae's First Day" by Danny Jordan
The award-winning inclusive children's book featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, FOX, and MSN! Rae is like many five year olds with one BIG exception: she has a super-secret superpower. Unlike her limb difference, which is visible for all to see, her superpower is something she has never shown anyone before. But it's her first day of school and her classmates are in need. Will she keep her power to herself...or use it to help her new friends?
"Roxy and Tully" by Hillary Sussman
In this colorful read-aloud picture book, Roxy is a lovable three-legged dog nervous about starting school and wearing her new prosthesis. Clementine the pig befriends her, but "Tully the Bully" steals Roxy's bone and makes fun of her leg. The other animals hear what he says and join Roxy in telling Tully his words are hurtful. Tully realizes he is wrong, apologizes, and learns that words matter. Roxy's new adventure teaches us that words are powerful and that it is never okay to speak badly to others. The reader learns that what you say and how you say it can have a very strong impact.
"SPLASH" by Claire Cashmore
Claire Cashmore, MBE and Paralympic gold medallist, was born without a left forearm – but she never let being different stand in the way of her big dreams. Splash is based on Claire’s real-life experience: this gold-medal-winning swimmer really was scared of water … until one day, everything changed!
"Uniquely Brave" by Trace Wilson
Sometimes to overcome your challenges, all you need is bravery. Follow one little boy as he proves that a little bit of courage can go a long way and shows his friends what it means to be brave!
"Uniquely Me" by Trace Wilson
Every child worries about being different. Follow one brave little boy with one hand as he embarks on a wild adventure and learns to understand, accept, and love the differences that make him unique!
"What Can Hayes Be?" by Kayce Smith
He could be a ninja doing high kicks! He could be a magician with lots of tricks! He could be a hypnotist with a powerful gaze! He's the one, the only, legendary Hayes! What could you be if you had no limits? Jump into the imaginative world of one fiery six-year-old with an extra something special a leg of steel! From one adventure to the next, join him in discovering that what makes us different is what makes us special. To learn more about Hayes's journey, visit whatcanhayesbe.com and follow us on Instagram @whatcanhayesbe.
James Catchpole.jpg
Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer?
A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.
A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.
"Airick Flies High" by Eric Gaffney
Airick wished he had two wings like the other planes. I often felt this way, too, and would sometimes hide my arm when I was younger. My parents were always my biggest supporters and were always there for me, like Airick’s parents were for him.In my flight training and throughout my career I faced many obstacles. At different times I had to find my own ways to perform certain tasks. Like Airick in the book, I persevered and overcame these challenges to become a restriction free airline pilot today!”
"Alf's Power" by Mina Minozzi
When children are hurt and upset, they are reactive but what if they could learn to be thoughtful and considerate? The story of Alf’s power helps children develop their sense of self-awareness. This interactive book shows children how to reflect on their actions before communicating how they feel.
"Awesomely Emma" by Amy Webb
Amy Webb's follow-up to When Charley Met Emma, Awesomely Emma will have all kids cheering as they learn to see the inner awesome in themselves and those around them.
"Baking Up a Storm" Jessica Parham
Grandma Janet's cupcakes are the best cupcakes in town. I couldn't figure out why until Mom and I baked them the other day. We were literally BAKING UP A STORM. Don't believe me? Just look inside this book and see! But tie your shoes extra tight and bring your umbrella--you'll need it.
"Bionic Man" by Michel Fornasier
Whether young or old, Bionicman extends a helping hand to everyone.
His «Handicap» symbolizes all the peculiarities that make up a person. You too can discover your speciality and make it your superpower. With marvel and DC Comics we have created a comic series that inspires courage.
The superhero campaigns for bullying prevention and inclusion. Immerse yourself in a world full of adventure, action and surprises.
The time has come for disenfranchisement. The time has come for Bionicman.
His «Handicap» symbolizes all the peculiarities that make up a person. You too can discover your speciality and make it your superpower. With marvel and DC Comics we have created a comic series that inspires courage.
The superhero campaigns for bullying prevention and inclusion. Immerse yourself in a world full of adventure, action and surprises.
The time has come for disenfranchisement. The time has come for Bionicman.
"Brooklyn's Lucky Fin" by Jenna Regan
Brooklyn was born with a limb difference and is determined to do everything just like everyone else. We call her special hand her lucky fin just like in the movie Nemo who was born with one small weak fin, but he quickly finds out it is his " lucky fin." Brooklyn was made this way and her difference makes her special! Brooklyn is fierce, strong, and charismatic. The purpose of this story is to show that no matter what a person looks like, we are all the same. Everyone has differences and challenges; some you can see and some you cannot. Remember to build each other up and make everyone feel included, supported, and loved.
"Different is Awesome" by Ryan Haack
A little boy brings his older brother, born with one hand, for show-and-tell. The students ask him all sorts of questions about how he does things with one hand and realize that he can do anything they can do, he just does it differently. Along the way, they notice that we're all different in one way or another, leading to the realization that not only are differences a similarity we all share, but, they are what make us unique - AND AWESOME!
"Good to be Me" by Jessica Parham
Good to be Me celebrates our differences and gives parents the opportunity to have an open conversation with their kids about disabilities, race, body types, and more.
"I Am Sheriauna" by Sherylee Honeyghan
Sheriauna is a vibrant, smart, funny little girl with tons of personality! She has a unique story to share with the world and she loves to help others see differences as strengths.Learn about one little girl's experience with being different and how we can all be kind to each other, while creating a more inclusive world for everybody.
"Jessica Goes to School" by Jessica Smith
Jessica Goes to School is a heart-warming story about being proud of who you are and embracing what makes us different.
Author and Paralympian Jessica Smith draws on her own experiences in the Just Jessica series. This beautifully-illustrated book is a perfect bedtime read with discussion points to encourage chats around important topics about our world.
Author and Paralympian Jessica Smith draws on her own experiences in the Just Jessica series. This beautifully-illustrated book is a perfect bedtime read with discussion points to encourage chats around important topics about our world.
"Kindness is Golden" by Macy Gilson
Kindness is Golden is the debut book in The Golden Stories: An Inclusive Children's Book Series. All of the books in this series follow a first grade class from Golden Elementary School, which sets the gold standard for disability awareness and inclusion. In Kindness is Golden, Miss Clarke's class, which is made up of both students with and without disabilities, goes on a field trip to the aquarium. During the field trip, one of the students, who is in a wheelchair, is unable to participate in one of the exhibits, so all of his classmates problem solve to bring the exhibit to him! Join the Golden Elementary School students as they set out to remind the world that kindness is golden.
"Love for Harrison" by Jennisan Russell
Are you different from everyone else? That's okay! Harrison knows exactly what it feels like to be different. In this story, Harrison will show you what makes him special and how he looks at life with his limb differences. With every purchase you donate to three different programs!
"Nia Skye's Friend on Wheels" by Keylonda Wheeler
Nia Skye attends her first play and it changes her life forever! Follow her journey of fun with her new friend, Ariyah. Nia Skye and Ariyah show each other kindness and respect. Even though they move about the world in different ways, one thing they have in common is the superpower of PURPOSE! This beautiful story of friendship helps children and grown ups alike begin talks of disabilities, mobility devices, and allyship.
"Rae's First Day" by Danny Jordan
The award-winning inclusive children's book featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, FOX, and MSN! Rae is like many five year olds with one BIG exception: she has a super-secret superpower. Unlike her limb difference, which is visible for all to see, her superpower is something she has never shown anyone before. But it's her first day of school and her classmates are in need. Will she keep her power to herself...or use it to help her new friends?
"Roxy and Tully" by Hillary Sussman
In this colorful read-aloud picture book, Roxy is a lovable three-legged dog nervous about starting school and wearing her new prosthesis. Clementine the pig befriends her, but "Tully the Bully" steals Roxy's bone and makes fun of her leg. The other animals hear what he says and join Roxy in telling Tully his words are hurtful. Tully realizes he is wrong, apologizes, and learns that words matter. Roxy's new adventure teaches us that words are powerful and that it is never okay to speak badly to others. The reader learns that what you say and how you say it can have a very strong impact.
"Roxy and Maliboo" by Hillary Sussman
In this super cute and playful read-aloud picture book, Roxy is a lovable dog who has lost a leg because she was sick, and is now faced with accepting this difficult new change. She sleeps on the couch and dreams of going to the dog park to play. When she is healed, she finally gets to go. Once there, she sees a dog sitting all alone, looking sad. His name is Maliboo and he is different too. Roxy goes over and tells him about her own experiences and insecurities, which helps Maliboo to overcome his fears. He and Roxy go and play with the other dogs, who accept them just fine despite their unique features. The lesson they both learn is that it's okay to be different.
Roxy's story is meant to give children the confidence to be themselves and not let any differences dictate their self-worth.
Roxy's story is meant to give children the confidence to be themselves and not let any differences dictate their self-worth.
"SPLASH" by Claire Cashmore
Claire Cashmore, MBE and Paralympic gold medallist, was born without a left forearm – but she never let being different stand in the way of her big dreams. Splash is based on Claire’s real-life experience: this gold-medal-winning swimmer really was scared of water … until one day, everything changed!
"Uniquely Brave" by Trace Wilson
Sometimes to overcome your challenges, all you need is bravery. Follow one little boy as he proves that a little bit of courage can go a long way and shows his friends what it means to be brave!
"Uniquely Me" by Trace Wilson
Every child worries about being different. Follow one brave little boy with one hand as he embarks on a wild adventure and learns to understand, accept, and love the differences that make him unique!
"What Can Hayes Be?" by Kayce Smith
He could be a ninja doing high kicks! He could be a magician with lots of tricks! He could be a hypnotist with a powerful gaze! He's the one, the only, legendary Hayes! What could you be if you had no limits? Jump into the imaginative world of one fiery six-year-old with an extra something special a leg of steel! From one adventure to the next, join him in discovering that what makes us different is what makes us special. To learn more about Hayes's journey, visit whatcanhayesbe.com and follow us on Instagram @whatcanhayesbe.
James Catchpole.jpg
Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer?
A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.
A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.
"When Charley met Emma" by Amy Webb
When Charley goes to the playground and sees Emma, a girl with limb differences who gets around in a wheelchair, he doesn't know how to react at first. But after he and Emma start talking, he learns that different isn't bad, sad, or strange--different is just different, and different is great!
This delightful book will help kids think about disability, kindness, and how to behave when they meet someone who is different from them.
This delightful book will help kids think about disability, kindness, and how to behave when they meet someone who is different from them.
TEEN BOOKS
Click on each title to learn more and find them on Amazon!
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
"The paperback edition of the bestselling middle grade novel about a spunky girl born without arms and a boy with Tourette syndrome navigating the challenges of middle school, disability, and friendship—all while solving a mystery in a western theme park."
Finding Balance by Kati Gardner
Jase Ellison doesnt remember having acute lymphocytic leukemia when he was three years old. His cancer diagnosis only enters his mind twice a year. Once at his yearly checkup at the oncology clinic and one when he attends Camp Chemo in the summer. No one in his real life knows about his past, especially his friends at Atlanta West Prep. Mari Manos has never been able to hide her cancer survivorship. She wakes every morning, grabs her pink forearm clip crutches, and starts her day.
Dangerous by Shannon Hale
The main character Maisie Danger Brown in Shannon Hale’s science fiction book Dangerous (2014) is missing a hand. When Maisie was in the womb amniotic bands had wrapped around her forearm resulting in her being born without a right hand. This doesn’t stop her from entering a contest to be selected into a NASA-like space program. Her skill with science will be needed when she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens all of the teens involved in the training.
The Bite of Mango by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland
As a child in a small rural village in Sierra Leone, Mariatu Kamara lived peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Rumors of rebel attacks were no more than a distant worry. But when 12-year-old Mariatu set out for a neighboring village, she never arrived. Heavily armed rebel soldiers, many no older than children themselves, attacked and tortured Mariatu. During this brutal act of senseless violence they cut off both her hands. Stumbling through the countryside, Mariatu miraculously survived. The sweet taste of a mango, her first food after the attack, reaffirmed her desire to live, but the challenge of clutching the fruit in her bloodied arms reinforced the grim new reality that stood before her.
Red Butterfly by A.L Sonnichsen
The second section is set in a Chinese orphanage, particularly in the separate section of the orphanage that is for disabled children. Because Kara’s arm and hand are not fully formed, Kara is put into this section of the orphanage. There, Kara works with and helps other children who have spinal bifida, cleft palate, and cerebral palsy.
The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
"Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She’s not comforted by the news that she’ll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run?
As she struggles to cope, Jessica feels that she’s both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don’t know what to say act like she’s not there. Jessica’s embarrassed to realize that she’s done the same to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she’s missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her."
As she struggles to cope, Jessica feels that she’s both in the spotlight and invisible. People who don’t know what to say act like she’s not there. Jessica’s embarrassed to realize that she’s done the same to a girl with CP named Rosa. A girl who is going to tutor her through all the math she’s missed. A girl who sees right into the heart of her."
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman.jpg
Veda, a classical dance prodigy in India, lives and breathes dance—so when an accident leaves her a below-knee amputee, her dreams are shattered. For a girl who’s grown used to receiving applause for her dance prowess and flexibility, adjusting to a prosthetic leg is painful and humbling. But Veda refuses to let her disability rob her of her dreams, and she starts all over again, taking beginner classes with the youngest dancers.
ADULT BOOKS
Click on each title to learn more and find them on Amazon!
Little Legs Big Heart by Kristen DeAndrade
For author Kristen DeAndrade, it doesn’t matter how long your legs are. You can only take one step at a time. Born with achondroplasia, dwarfism, she chronicles her personal journey of facing challenges and breaking barriers in Little Legs, Big Heart. Through diary entries from her childhood journal, combined with a humorously, honest narrative, she shares her sheer determination growing up in the face of adversity and undergoing multiple medical procedures, including extended limb lengthening, which she opted to brave at the age of twelve.
No Excuses by Kyle Maynard
"He was born a congenital amputee, his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees. But that didn’t stop Kyle Maynard from becoming a champion, on the wrestling mat and in his life."
Love without Limits by Nick Vujicic with Kanae Vujicic
Even though he was born without arms or legs, Nick Vujicic created a “ridiculously good life.” But after dating disappointments and a failed relationship, he reached his mid-twenties worried that he would never find a woman to love him and share his life.
Book Recommendations
If you have written or know a book that is not on this list let us know by clicking here!
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