Blog #10: Children's Books Involving Disabilities
My seven-year-old is currently obsessed with books, so for the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to cultivate the perfect library for him. While on my hunt for the best books, I found myself in a rabbit hole of books involving children with disabilities. My son, Adam, is Autistic and I find it to be one of the most beautiful things about him, but there are so many stereotypes and stigmas for children with disabilities that make finding the right books, written with good intent, difficult. I recently got Adam two books, When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb, and I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood.
When Charley met Emma
Written By Amy Webb
Illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard
YouTube Link:
https://youtu.be/irLI-gaDdtA?feature=shared
Read along or listen along as Ms. Nancy Trush reads out
loud When Charley Met Emma, she sits before you
reading aloud reminding the audience of story time as a
child.
Book Summary
When Charley Met Emma is a beautifully written story highlighting the importance of
understanding disabilities, celebrating differences and is an excellent reminder to parents to always
teach our children how extraordinary we all are. Our story follows a young boy named Charley
who goes to the playground with his mother one day. At the playground he encounters a new friend,
Emma. Emma is a young girl who uses a wheelchair and was born missing both of her hands.
Charley is instantly mesmerized, confused, curious and shocked. He asks his mother why the girl
is “weird”, his intrusive thoughts had gotten the best of him. His mother explains to Charlie that
the young girl is different and different is okay. Charley introduces himself to Emma and
apologizes for his remark. Emma explains how being someone with disabilities is not a bad thing.
She describes how she is just like every other kid. Charly and Emma talk about all they have in
common. The story ends with Charly finally understanding that different isn’t just okay, different
is GREAT.
Illustrations
The illustrator uses beautiful earthy tones throughout the book. We don’t see
bright colors like in most children’s books, we see soft and calming tones.
The art is done using watercolors. Beyond the main characters, we can also
see much diversity in the background. The illustrator goes above and beyond
to show people of different colors, even a family using sign language is found
in the background of one page, and other people living with disabilities.
Summary about Author/Illustrator
Author Amy Webb is an avid writer, artist, and mother to a special needs child. She uses her
platform to further educate and advocate for the special needs and disability community.
Illustrator Merrilee Liddiard is known for more than just her beautiful illustrations, she is the CEO
of her own company where she creates handcrafted children’s toys that double as sensory aiding
toys.
I Will Dance
Written By Nancy Bo Flood
Illustrated By Julianna Swaney
YouTube Link:
https://youtu.be/m-Cok0CnY1g?feature=shared
Grab a box of tissues and listen to our young female
narrator as she gives life to the story that unfolds
before us.
Book Summary
I Will Dance introduces us to the character Eva, a young girl living with Cerebral Palsy. Eva has
fought fate, living far longer than doctors diagnosed, and on her tenth birthday, she makes a wish that
some would say is impossible. Eva wishes to be a dancer; her fascination of dance leads her
through a road full of twists and turns. While her mothers’ and educators all tell her to “pretend”
to dance, she wants more. Eva’s mother informs her one day about a dance center that offers a
dance class to all kinds of children, will ALL kinds of abilities. Eva is immediately intrigued, and
we follow her to her first day of class. In her class the voices of her anxiety whisper to her, instilling
an idea that she shouldn’t be in the class. After being joyously welcomed she looks around to notice
other child with disabilities as well. Her teacher guides her through a form of dance that will allow
her to participate fully and with the help of other students, she dances. Our story ends with Eva
and her peers taking the stage to perform their new dance, as the crowd cheers for them, Eva finally
comes to realize that she is a dancer.
Illustrations
Our illustrator uses both watercolor and a form of graphite illustrations to keep you
focused in on every aspect of the page. The dancers feel like they are moving
throughout the pages with the use of colored swirls and shadows. The colors chosen
are vibrate, warm and inviting to the eye. “Dance” is passed from student to student
through a glowing orb that moves through fields of watercolor flowers and flying
birds. It is truly breathtaking to see.
Summary about Author/Illustrator
Author Nancy Bo Flood is a doctor with an emphasis in child development and psychology. She
is much more than a writer! She is a counselor, teacher, advocate, and parent. She currently resides
in the Navajo Nation in sunny Arizona.
Illustrator Julianna Swaney focused her time on her art and illustrations. If she’s not drawing,
painting, or doodling, she’s spending time with her partner and trying to master the art of making
sourdough bread.
Both books are incredibly beautiful and give light to children who are often left in the shadows. I felt compelled to share this because every single child (and adult) deserves to see themselves represented. Every child deserves to understand that nothing can prevent them from following their dreams or even something as simple as making friends. Books are a powerful tool, especially when in the hands of our youth, so why not show them how valuable each and every individual is?
This is a beautiful post. So much knowledge and so many lessons come from reading and everyone can benefit from it. I love to hear that you have found books that are inclusive to all children and are sharing that with us. I will definitely be buying these and can’t wait to read them with my son. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEffective and engaging final entries, Isabel.
ReplyDeleteYou have become a strong blogger this semester who is able to organize her ideas and present a variety of topics with a strong understanding of the balance between casual/professional. Readers get a sense of who you are as an individual but also come away with an understanding of a larger point/purpose with each post. As evidenced by the engagement from your readers, you have found your voice and I hope you consider using this space to continue developing your writing and sharing your voice/ideas with the world.