Lifestyle December 5, 2019
Children’s books that celebrate disability – gifting ideas for the holiday season
The Christmas holidays will soon be here and many of us may be looking for gifts for children.
We have put together a selection of books for children ranging from ages 4 to 15. These children books talk about disability in an open and sensitive way and are ideal for all kids, with and without disabilities.
Here is a range of books that talk about different types of disabilities under ₹ 750.
Autism Is…..? By Ymke Wideman-van Dar Laan
Written by an autism resource specialist and grandparent to a child on the spectrum, the book comes widely recommended to create awareness and sensitivity.
NH-Spotlight
The book cover has the title and the drawing of a woman holding a little boy’s hand.
Suja Pisharody, Bengaluru-based blogger and autism advocate, calls the book a valuable resource to explain autism to young kids.
“I have a 10-year-old with autism and dyspraxia. As a parent I found the book ‘Autism is…?’a great resource as it helped in explaining Autism to him in a simple yet positive way. The illustrations and language are clear enough to be understood by most children. Whether your child is on the spectrum or not this is a great gift for children of all ages as it demystifies autism and teaches them to be more sensitive”.
What Is It Like to Be Me? – By Alenka Klemenc
The central character is a young boy Greg, with Asperger’s syndrome (AS). The book has lovely images and helps to increase awareness and understanding of AS. It is good for families of children with autism, teachers and professionals working with kids on the spectrum.
NH-Spotlight
The book cover is yellow with the title written in red. There’s an illustration of a boy holding a coloured rope like toy.
₹ 663*
Available at flipkart
Why Are You Afraid to Hold My Hand – By Sheila Dhir
This book is available in English and Tamil. It offers straight-from-the-heart answers to common doubts and misconceptions about disability. The stories remind everyone that disability does not define a person.
NH-Spotlight
The cover is a light orange and the title is written in black letters. There’s an illustration of a child standing with the help of crutches.
₹ 65*
Available at Tulika Books
Wings to Fly – By Sowmya Rajendran
This tells the story of international para athlete Malathi Holla who is a wheelchair user. The words and pictures bring out the incredible and determined spirit of Malathi who is determined to win the race whatever the odds.
NH-Spotlight
The book cover is a mix of orange, white, pink and blue colours. There’s an illustration of a little girl flying with wheels attached to her sides.
₹ 150*
Available at jaypore
Flute in the Forest – By Leela Gour Broome
13-year-old Atiya has polio and finds happiness in the forest where she lives with her dad. The story talks about how music has the power to overcome prejudice and difference.
NH-Spotlight
The book cover shows the upper part of a girl’s face with her hairline and eyes visible. The title is written in red.
₹ 250*
Available at Penguin India
Wonder – By R J Palacio
A popular book with teenagers and even adults, Wonder is the bold and moving story about a boy named August, called Auggie, who has a visible disability. He refuses to let people’s reactions come in the way of pursuing the things he loves.
NH-Spotlight
The cover is bright yellow with the outline of a boy’s face with the ears and hair visible. The title is written in light blue.
Anupama Bakhshi, autism advocate and parent to a child with autism loves Wonder.
“Wonder brings home a wishful thinking that all our special ability children go through the trials and tribulations that life will surely throw in their way, without the ‘helmet’ that is Auggie’s support in the beginning. It also makes one realize that it is always going to be a two way process – the neurotypical children accepting the children with special abilities in their social groups and the children with special abilities learning to cope with the challenges. Sensitisation is very important”.
That’s quite an extensive range we have for you for gifting kids this holiday season!
* Prices may vary.
Watch in Sign Language
Also Read:
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- Disabled-friendly dhoti/pant sarees – Traditional wear with a modern twist
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