Explanation
1
The book is OwnVoices, as Sonia Sotomayor has lived with Type I Diabetes since she was seven. The inclusion of her own character in the book drives home the point that regardless of disability, any child is capable of accomplishing amazing things! This book celebrates how each individual child is unique in their own way, teaching children how they may politely and respectfully ask about others about their unique traits.
2
The focal point of the story does not center on the physical disability. The book focuses on sensory experiences in the world, never acknowledging the protagonists' disability. While the protagonists' cerebral palsy is clearly visibly displayed, it has no relation to the broader plot. The artistic style creates depth in each image, inviting the reader into the story!
3
Written based on Hammond's experiences with autism, and as a mother to autistic children, the book shows what life may look like for families that don't communicate verbally. This book challenges negative perceptions of autism, and instead, embraces our unique differences and builds community around diversity!
4
This book is OwnVoices, about the author's own experiences with autism and sensory overload, and therefore provides an accurate representation of how sensory overload due to autism may be portrayed in children. In fact, many of Cotterill's books are designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory issues. The text in the story reflects sensory overload, with diverse font sizes, word spacing, and imagery. Rather than reading about sensory overload, the reader experiences it, encouraging empathy!
5
The protagonists' disability, which is clearly displayed, is purely incidental to the story. The book also explores themes that many children can relate to, such as connection to one's pet and active imagination. The illustrations are engaging, using cutouts and shapes to build the story in an interactive way. The dynamic images invite readers to spend time on each page, noticing something new with each look!
6
This book is OwnVoices, illustrated by Leah Nixon, who is a wheelchair user. While the protagonist is clearly in a wheelchair, the only indication of his disability is through illustrations and it has no relation to the broader themes of the story. The book is told from the unique perspective of a young boy's dog, and follows them throughout their day. It touches on themes like managing emotions and staying positive when your day takes a turn!
7
This book is OwnVoices, as Jonaz McMillan is a deaf author, and Karen Kane is a sign language interpreter. Both children in the book use ASL to communicate, with the characters using accurate sign language as illustrated in the book. The book celebrates sign language and overcoming your fears. It shows the importance of relying on your friends for support, teaching children about respect and friendship!
8
The book is OwnVoices, as Kurpiel is a wheelchair user herself. While the book displays the hardships of being a wheelchair user, such as accessibility issues, the protagonists’ disability is purely incidental to the story. The book focuses on the protagonists' experiences at the ice festival, and explores broader themes of growing up. The illustrations invite the reader into a wonderland of Winter magic!
9
The book is OwnVoices, based on the real-life experiences of mother-daughter duo DeShanna and Trinity Neal. While the protagonists' autism is briefly discussed, it is not the primary focus of the story. The book follows a transgender child with autism learning how to express herself. It celebrates our unique differences, and encourages kids to find their own forms of self-expression!
10
The book is OwnVoices, as Caroline Cupp experiences cerebral palsy and Jessica Slice is a wheelchair user. While disabilities are visually displayed, they are never mentioned and the focus on the story remains on different communication styles. The book shows how families with individual’s who have different disabilities interact. It celebrates unique differences in ways to communicate, and encourages young readers to include all peers! The end of the book also includes a guide to various methods of communication, providing accurate information for children to learn about these differences!
11
This graphic novel is OwnVoices as Veronica Agarwal was diagnosed with OCD, and Lee Durfey-Lavoie struggles with anxiety and depression. The book shows the importance of educating peers about the ways OCD may impact daily life, showing real, complex family dynamics and spreading awareness about OCD!
12
Written by 22 disabled authors, this novel tells the true stories of their childhood experiences growing up disabled. Everyone involved in the creation of this book, from the authors to editors to the illustrator, lives with some form of disability. Overall, this book not only provides an accurate representation of a wide array of disabilities, but also teaches able-bodied individuals how they should interact with individuals with disabilities so they do not further isolate them.
13
This novel is OwnVoices, as Laura Noakes experiences the same chronic pain as her protagonist, drawing on her own experiences when writing. The novel does not shy away from including and discussing experiences with disabilities, including discrimination from able-bodied individuals, but does so in a way that highlights the characters ability to overcome daily challenges. There is a story beyond the struggles of the characters, one that is engaging and exciting for young audiences!
14
Written about the experiences of author Ariel Henley and her twin sister being diagnosed with and growing up with Crouzon Syndrome. Within her book, Henley campaigns for healthcare providers to recognize not only the physical impacts of facial disfigurement, but the emotional impacts and subsequent struggle with identity. Although heavy at times, the memoir teaches valuable lessons about acceptance and belonging.
15
The book is OwnVoices, using many of Sass' own experiences as an autistic, LGBTQ+ individual to inform the story. The broader story is full of adventure, fun, and new experiences, in which the protagonist's neurodivergence is not integral. As a bonus, the book is a Sydney Taylor Book Award recipient, an award given to books that authentically portray the Jewish experiences for children and young adults.
AP Human Geography Latin American Map Quiz
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