By Pat Thomas

This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Titles in book explores emotional issues that boys and girls encounter as part of the growing-up process. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, A First Look At books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems.

By Jeanne Willis

Without being condescending or preachy, the words, pictures, and design of this very simple picture book show that a physically disabled child is "just like me, just like you." Only on the very last page do we discover that Susan uses a wheelchair. Before that, the simple, rhyming words and active crayon-and-pencil pictures show her in a succession of ordinary scenarios that every preschooler will recognize. Susan laughs. Susan sings. Susan's good. Susan's bad. She's mad. She's shy. She swims. She swings. She sulks. She's scared. The show and tell works. Children will enjoy seeing their common feelings and experiences. They'll be surprised by Susan’s wheelchair at the end; and then they'll accept their connection with the child who they've come to know is "just like me."

By Eliza Woloson

My Friend Isabelle is a wonderful little book that teaches about difference and acceptance with simplicity and grace. Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They are the same age, but like most friends, they are different: Charlie is tall and knows "a lot of words," and Isabelle is short and sometimes her words are, "hard to understand." The sweet simplicity of their relationship is a reminder to everyone that "differences are what make the world so great." Young readers will love the bold illustrations and simple text, and parents will appreciate the message and the sensitivity with which it is delivered. At the end of the story readers meet the real Isabelle, and author Eliza Woloson briefly notes how Down syndrome makes her daughter and other children special.

By Robert Kraus

Leo isn't reading, or writing, or drawing, or even speaking, and his father is concerned. But Leo's mother isn't. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready.

By Ellen B. Senisi

Cindy isn't too keen about being assigned to spend time in her school's special-needs class, where she is sent to learn about what goes on. But during her visits, she gets to know an incredible group of kids who face their challenges with courage and enthusiasm. She learns firsthand about autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and more, growing very fond of the children she meets. By presenting the children involved in a variety of activities, often with loving, dedicated teachers, she shows the physical and mental challenges the children face, at the same time humanizing conditions that are too easily categorized and labeled. An afterword provides easy-to-understand explanations of the conditions discussed and briefly explains the various schools of thought about mainstreaming special-needs children. A sensitive, informative book that immerses us in a world that many of us know little about.

By Karen Hesse

9-year-old Juice Faulstich, a sweet, resilient tomboy who likes to explore and learn. She gets along well with her sisters, has talent as an apprentice metalworker in her Pa's makeshift shop, and forgets every worry when she's dancing to fiddle music. She's so capable, in fact, she's the family member all the little ones look up to the most. Yet it turns out that the highly skilled Juice is plagued by an inability to understand letters and reading. "No one believes me. No one believes how hard I try. No matter what I do, it's never enough," she explains. With wonderfully gentle narrative pacing, Just Juice weaves together a compelling plot that involves Juice's learning challenges, Ma's suddenly difficult pregnancy, and a pending foreclosure on the family house due to unpaid taxes. This fine book abounds with memorable and true images of family love, personal perseverance, and unexpected, effervescent breakthroughs.

By Arlene Maguire

Special People, Special Ways presents a positive image of persons with disabilities. It shares the message that even though each of us may have something different about us, we share many commonalties. Coupled with the colorful illustrations, the book conveys the message that although painful at times, being different can also be glorious.

By Lesley Ely

This upbeat look at mainstreaming is told from the point of view of a little girl who sits next to an autistic boy. Louis, who repeats words he hears and has little interaction with his peers, gets away with behavior that the other children cannot, such as mimicking the teacher. One day, after he shows interest in playing soccer with a classmate, Miss Owlie allows both of them to go outside and play during the afternoon, prompting the narrator to point out the unfairness of this treatment. With her teacher's help, the child comes to realize that sometimes it's OK to "break rules for special people." Though the story depicts a fairly innocuous display of autism, which may mislead some readers about the disorder, the main focus is on the development of sensitivity in the other students.

By Deborah Hodge

Lily loved kindergarten, especially painting, but by the time she reaches second grade, "school isn't fun anymore," because she has trouble reading. "The letters dance and blur in front of her eyes." To her dismay, the teacher announces that the students will each read a page aloud on Parent Day. Lily talks over her worries with her mother and is surprised to learn that she also had trouble reading when she was a little girl. Lily practices all week, and her friend Grace helps out by becoming Lily's reading buddy. On the big day, the parents admire Lily's artwork, but when it is her turn to read, she freezes. She stumbles over some words in the first sentence, but slowly gains confidence, and manages to read the entire page. Everyone applauds and her mom gives her a proud hug. On the way home, Lily is happy because she realizes "she can do it again."

By Jeanne Gehert

What’s a kid to do when reading problems get him in trouble and make him the target of teasing? As Alex becomes aware of his different learning style, he realizes that his hero, Thomas Edison, faced similar problems. Together they try new solutions until they succeed at their dream to create things that no one ever thought of before.

By Patricia Ploacco

Young Trisha is eager to taste the "sweetness of knowledge" that her grandfather has always revered (here symbolized by drizzling honey onto a book and tasting it, which harkens back to Polacco's earlier The Bee Tree). But when she looks at words and numbers, everything is a jumble. Trisha endures the cruel taunts of classmates who call her "dumb," and falls behind in her studies. But finally the encouragement and efforts of a new fifth grade teacher, Mr. Falker, trigger a monumental turning point in Trisha's life. She begins to blossom and develop all of her talents, including reading. Polacco's tale is all the more heartfelt because of its personal nature. Young readers struggling with learning difficulties will identify with Trisha's situation and find reassurance in her success.

By Midori Ochiai

This engaging colour illustrated book explores the difficulties faced by 'frogs with a different croak'. Teacher Toad's lessons pick up on social and physical difficulties and the kind of behaviors that can get young frogs into trouble. Each lesson gives practical advice on issues covering everything from hard-to-break habits to physical coordination difficulties. Without using 'labels', this book covers a range of conditions in a child-friendly, non-threatening way that encourages a positive and fun approach to understanding, accepting and accommodating difference. There is also a detailed appendix that covers the conditions from a medical perspective. Ideal for reading with children, this book will be helpful to parents and professionals as well.

This helpful guidebook with 40 short sections beginning with a comment (Sometimes she pulls my hair or People stare), followed by the editors' commentary on understanding the situation and dealing with it. This is a quick, easy-to-read, compassionate approach, and it emphasizes the love between siblings regardless of differences in abilities and perceptions.

By Henry Mazer

Sammy's troubles keep escalating. First he is punished for being fresh to Mom's friend Carl. Then he goes off to the store by himself, which is forbidden, and his new bike is stolen when he fails to chain it. Chasing the thief, Sammy becomes lost. Mazer brings the boy to life without revealing to readers anything that Sammy wouldn't tell, until Kevin, a wild kid who holds him captive in the woods, asks him if he's dumb. He says, "No, I'm Down's. I'm young for my age. I'm a special person." Vividly and with a fast pace, Mazer describes Sammy's world, his awful predicament, his magnificent spirit, and his incredible determination. The wild kid gradually changes from a vicious monster into a friend. As Sammy says, "Just because you're not always good doesn't make you bad." During their time together, Kevin and Sammy learn some important lessons from one another. The sentences are short, the descriptions simple, and the interaction between the characters complex and intriguing. Readers need to piece together Kevin's history and decipher the sometimes conflicting statements that Sammy makes. Phrases often used with persons with disabilities echo throughout the narrative. Yet this is not a "special" book for "special" readers, as sometimes books are termed that are too difficult or too limited in appeal. It's for anyone looking for an adventure, a survival story on many levels, or a compelling read.

By Graham Mcnamee

Ten-year-old Todd Foster narrates McNamee's (Hate You) poignant, convincing novel about a boy who has been promoted from a special-needs fourth-grade class, where he knew all the answers, to "the real fifth-grade." Here he faces some daunting challenges: he is afraid that he will flunk the "trial period" and be sent back to "Needs"; he must deflect the cruel taunts of his classmates (who call him "Mr. Retardo" and "Brain-Dead"); and he sorely misses his best friend, Eva, with whom he is afraid to be seen. Todd's earnest narrative reveals his heartrending determination to make the grade academically, his torn feelings about leaving Eva behind and his fragile self-esteem; his sense of humor belies his inherent intelligence ("Math hour goes on forever, like it's multiplying itself. I wish it would divide itself so it would be over already"). Scenes of Todd's family around the breakfast table or in front of the television balance tension with the laughter that cuts through it. In the end, Todd triumphs on several fronts, including academically and personally, but it's his journey to get there that readers will most enjoy.

By Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza has problems. Big problems. He was emotionally abused by his grandmother. He has never met his dad. He can't get along in his elementary school classroom because of his mood swings and his "dud meds." We gradually see that Joey must have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which is not being effectively controlled with his current medication. Joey's life is a terrifying roller-coaster ride, and the author drags the reader along to see what life is like with ADD. The story is written from the boy's point of view in a sharp, worried style that veers out of control when Joey does. Joey's control of his own behavior slips away as we read, horrified to see this boy trying to get a grip on his life and failing. When Joey trips and falls, seriously injuring a classmate, he is transferred to a special-education program in another school. Here, thankfully, he encounters a caring teacher who recommends further medical evaluation, and Joey is eventually able to return to his former school. Gantos has achieved an unusual feat with this book. We want to turn away from Joey's shifting prison of emotions. But for those who stick with him, he shows us what his life is like. We walk a mile in his shoes, our feet hurting all the way. For young readers touched by ADD--and for their teachers and parents--Joey gives us the key to his world.

By Esme Raji Codell

In this delightful novel, readers meet Sahara Jones in the school hallway, where she's been pulled out of class for sessions with the Special Needs teacher. It seems that Sahara's official school file is filled with her letters to her father, who had left the family, instead of her completed assignments. Sahara is a secretive writer; she fills her journal at home, then rips out the pages and stuffs them on the public library shelves behind the 940s for someone to discover someday. At her mother's insistence, the girl is taken out of the Special Needs program but is forced to repeat fifth grade. Enter a new teacher, Madame Poitier, who encourages her class to do, to write, to be, as never before. Sahara is sweeter than Harriet the Spy, as needy and engaging as Ramona, and is sure to be a character whom children will want to read about and get to know. Codell's take on fifth graders, teachers, Special Needs students, and mothers is very funny, and underneath the humor glows real warmth and love.

By Samantha Abeel

In painstaking detail, Abeel recounts her life, from kindergarten through college, with a learning disability that compromises her ability to learn skills based on sequential processing--especially math, spelling, and grammar. She writes frankly about her mental and emotional struggles to cope; while she looked like a "normal" child, she was unable to tell time, count change, or remember her locker combination. Her narrative is interjected with first-person remembrances of painful incidents that left a vivid imprint on her self-worth. After her disability was diagnosed, halfway through her story when she was in seventh grade, the school system provided both special and gifted classes that helped her. But still aching over missed social opportunities and suffering from panic attacks, she turned to writing, which became her life preserver. Upon college graduation, Abeel finally accepted that being learning disabled wasn't her fault.

By Caroline Janover

When 12-year-old Josh’s parents go to Europe, he and his gifted brother stay with their grandparent on an island in Maine. There, Josh struggles not only with his own learning disability but also with trying to enjoy a summer away from his home and friends. Elder brother Simon is forever giving him a hard time and his emotionally distant grandfather never seems to approve of anything Josh does. His grandmother is loving and supportive but can do little to help him. Throughout the summer, Josh's adventures on the island teach him skills that he doesn't realize he has learned until a critical emergency befalls his grandfather. Janover has created a real flesh-and-blood protagonist. Josh's life is not easy but his complaints and defeats never come across as whining or pathetic. He shows heroism every day as he struggles with his disability, so it is only his grandfather who is surprised when Josh acts to save him.

Edited by Don Meyer

Ever wonder if there are other sibs out there like you—teens who know exactly what it’s like to have a brother or sister with a disability? Well, here’s a chance to hear from some sibs who know and are willing to give you an honest, non-PC look at their own lives and experiences. Like the slam book passed around in schools, this one asks more than 50 different questions. Most, but not all of the questions are about life with your sob with special needs, because being a sib is only part of who you are. More than 80 sibs from around the world contributed to the book, and their answers are funny, smart, and opinionated. We’re passing The Sibling Slam Book on to you so you can find out what’s weird, what’s fun, what’s annoying, and what’s cool about having a brother or sister with special needs. Go ahead and answer each question yourself, so the book includes your opinions too!

By Jane Leslie Conly

Maxine, short and stocky, with her dark glasses and strange hat and weaving walk, was called the crazy lady. Ronald, with his eyes open wide and his mouth always parted as if he were about to speak, was her son with special needs. Vernon and his friends would agitate them until they put on a kind of show. But then Vernon gets to know them and see what their life is really like. He spends an afternoon helping them straighten out their ramshackle house, picking up their littered yard; and sits with Ronald while he watches television. And he begins to understand this mother’s fierce love for her son, his own loss, and the unexpected strength he finds within this odd little family.

By Paula Fox

Award-winning author Paula Fox succeeds again with Radiance Descending, a novel about a boy struggling to ignore his brother who has Down's syndrome. Paul can spin mental circles around Jacob, and he's tired of the way his parents focus all of their attention on his younger brother just because Jacob has a problem. Jacob dawdles, laughs endlessly, messes up Paul's room, and has a “pumpkinlike face”. Most of all, Jacob embarrasses Paul. Disgusted by the way Jacob fawns over him and angry at the way he feels erased in his own family, Paul focuses all of his energy on ignoring Jacob. Slowly, though, Paul begins to wonder if, perhaps, not thinking about Jacob is only another way of thinking about him? Radiance Descending is an enchanting, deeply felt tale about family pain and the courage it takes to reach out into the unknown.

By Barthe DeClements

Helen dreads the first day in sixth grade. Good in math and gifted on the pitcher's mound, she is a nonreader diagnosed as a behavior problem. Against the slice - of - life background of a skating party, pierced ears and overnights at friend Louise's, Helen loses the battle with the printed word. Mid-year, she transfers to the other sixth grade class, where the teacher lets her choose whether or not to study in the special ed classroom. Despite the label "retard," she decides to get the special help. Hard work results in progress. Given her caring parents, sympathetic principal and wholesome friends, the motivation for Helen's pranks and booby traps is obscure. DeClements fails to relate Helen's deliquency to her frustration or anger. In addition, since help is just down the hall, it is unrealistic for Helen to suffer for half the year before trying the special ed room.

Edited by: Donald J. Meyer

A collection of 45 brief essays by children and young adults who have a sibling with special needs, ranging from mental retardation through a number of rare syndromes. The writings are arranged in chronological order, from that of a 4 year old to an 18 year old. As such, they vary in quality as well as in insights into family relationships. The writings seem to be quite honest as some children come right out and say that they feel they are treated unfairly and that their siblings can get away with things that they cannot. In most cases, however, the children speak out against those who make fun of or misunderstand the youngsters who are different. As such, this book would be useful for schools that have special-ed programs or a number of mainstreamed students for it concentrates on what special-needs children can do rather than what they cannot, and makes a firm statement advocating community support for all members of the family. The final piece is an eloquent plea for giving opportunities to special children.

By Wendy Mass

Mia, 13, has always seen colors in sounds, numbers, and letters, a fact she has kept secret since the day she discovered that other people don't have this ability. Then she discovers that she has a rare condition called synesthesia, which means that the visual cortex in her brain is activated when she hears something. From then on, she leads a kind of double life-she eagerly attends research gatherings with other synesthetes and devours information about the condition, but continues to struggle at school, where her inadvertent pairing of particular colors with numbers and words makes math and French almost impossible to figure out. Her gradual abandonment of her frustrating school life in favor of the compelling world of fellow synesthetes and the unique things only they can experience seems quite logical, although readers may feel like shaking some sense into her. Finally, and rather abruptly, her extreme guilt at her beloved cat Mango's illness brings her back down to earth and she begins to work on some of the relationships she let crumble. Mia's voice is believable and her description of the vivid world she experiences, filled with slashes, blurs, and streaks of color, is fascinating.

By Ann Martin

Watching home movies, Hattie looks back over the summer of 1960 and the events that changed her perception of life. The 12-year-old has difficulty making friends her own age, but enjoys the company of an elderly boarder, the friendly cook, and her artist father. Her relationship with her mother is sometimes difficult because they must always negotiate clothing and behavior to suit her wealthy, overbearing maternal grandmother. Suddenly, an uncle whom Hattie has never heard of comes to live with her grandparents because his school has closed. Although she is totally shocked at the existence of this rapidly babbling, Lucille Ball-quoting, calendar-savant child in a man's body, Hattie comes to appreciate his affection for her, his exuberance for life, and his courage in facing society's rejection. When she suggests that he sneak out to join her for a night of fun at a carnival, tragedy ensues. Hattie's narration is clear and appealing. Her recollection of the smallest of behaviors shows that each family member has felt both love and pain for her uncle, but could not express it. As she comes to understand what Uncle Adam meant when he spoke of being able to lift the corners of our universe, she is hopeful that her family can learn to heal and communicate. Martin delivers wonderfully real characters and an engrossing plot through the viewpoint of a girl who tries so earnestly to connect with those around her.

By Jeanne Betancourt

Brian dreads entering sixth grade, knowing his learning experiences will be fraught with the confusion and frustration of years past. But on opening day, his teacher recognizes his problem--tipped off by the boy's reversing letters when writing his name--and conducts a battery of tests. Results indicate that, despite a keen intellect, Brian has dyslexia. A meeting with Brian's (heretofore unaware) parents leads to a support program at home and at school. Betancourt ( More Than Meets the Eye ) "brings her own experience with dyslexia to Brian's story," though it seems unlikely that a child in a modern-day urban environment would reach sixth grade without having been diagnosed. (The boy's father and grandfather are similarly afflicted.) A superfluous subplot concerns the point system Brian and his friends devise for clowning in school; lengthy passages about Canada geese further slow the pace. Despite rather undistinguished writing, struggling students may relate to this protagonist's difficulties.