Book picks similar to
Special People Special Ways by Arlene H. Maguire
exceptionalities
picture-books
diversity
special-needs
Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability
Pat Thomas - 2001
Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers.
My Brother Charlie
Holly Robinson Peete - 2010
He's good at so many things — swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett. But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet. His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away. Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun. Charlie is like any other boy — except he has autism.In this story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love.
The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia
Diane Burton Robb - 2004
But “p” looked like “q,” and “b” looked like “d.” Adam would rather color or mold clay. In first grade, his teacher wanted him to put the letters into words so he could read. That was the beginning of the Alphabet War. “Was” looked like “saw,” and “there” looked like “then.” Almost everyone else in his class was learning to read, but Adam was fighting a war against letters.In second grade, he had to learn to spell, which was also impossible. Now he was so frustrated he got into trouble and had to go to the principal’s office. At last, in third grade, he got the right kind of help. Slowly he began to do better. During fourth grade, he learned that he could excel in other things. That gave him the confidence to take chances with reading. One day he found himself reading a book all by himself!
Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book
Celeste Shally - 2007
The two boys love playing sports watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. By working together, a best friend’s understanding and compassion change Matt’s frustration into excitement. No matter where they go—from the basketball court to the playground swings to the neighborhood pool—the two friends enjoy spending time with each other.*Ideal for fans of My Brother Charlie, All My Stripes, and I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism *A delightful autism story book*A sweet story about two friends and how they help each otherDavid Harrington’s bright illustrations delightfully compliment Celeste Shally’s sweet and touching story of friendship. This book is the perfect guide for parents and children to better understand people with autism spectrum disorders.
Just Because
Rebecca Elliott - 2010
She can’t walk, talk, move around much, cook macaroni, pilot a plane, juggle or do algebra. I don’t know why she doesn’t do these things. Just because.A younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much—just because, in this heartwarming picture book about being perfectly loved, no matter what. He is enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realize that his sister has special needs—and by then the reader just accepts, as he does, all the wonderful things about her. Teachers and librarians will appreciate this book for its sincere and convincing treatment of children with special needs, while parents will use this book to encourage sibling friendship and to read with children who are beginning to ask why a particular child they know is "different."
Hello Goodbye Dog
Maria Gianferrari - 2017
So when Zara has to go to school, WHOOSH, Moose escapes and rushes to her side.Hello, Moose!Unfortunately, dogs aren't allowed at school and Moose has to go back home.Goodbye, Moose.But Moose can't be held back for long. Through a series of escalating escapes, this loyal dog always finds her way back to Zara, and with a little bit of training and one great idea, the two friends find a way to be together all day long.
It's Okay to Be Different
Todd Parr - 2004
It's okay to dance by yourself. It's okay to wear glasses. It's okay to have a pet worm.... It's okay to be different!
Thank You, Mr. Falker
Patricia Polacco - 1998
A perfect gift for teachers and for reading students of any age.Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha's dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we.This inspiring story is available in a deluxe slipcased edition, complete with a personal letter to readers from Patricia Polacco herself. Thank You, Mr. Falker will make a beautiful gift for the special child who needs encouragement or any special teacher who has made a difference in the child's life.
The Black Book of Colors
Menena Cottin - 2006
This groundbreaking, award-winning book endeavors to convey the experience of a person who can only see through his or her sense of touch, taste, smell or hearing.Raised black line drawings on black paper, which can be deciphered by touch, complement a beautifully written text describing colors through imagery. Braille letters accompany the text so that the sighted reader can begin to imagine what it is like to use Braille to read. A full Braille alphabet at the end of the book can be used to learn more.
Susan Laughs
Jeanne Willis - 2000
she rides, she swings.She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad...Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends -- and even rides a horse. Lively, thoughtfully drawn illustrations reveal a portrait of a busy, happy little girl with whom younger readers will identify. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair.Told with insight, and without sentimentality, here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap.
Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
Sonia Sotomayor - 2019
But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges—and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.
What's Wrong With Timmy?
Maria Shriver - 2001
Influenced and inspired by her parent's involvement with the Special Olympics, as well as her husband's devotion to the cause, Shriver writes a tender tale about accepting others for who they are.Kate is a young a curious girl, always inquiring about those things she does not understand. When she meets a boy in the park who looks and acts differently, she asks her mom, "What's wrong with Timmy?" Her mom calmly and clearly tells her that people are different: "Timmy is a child with special needs, and he takes longer to learn than you." But Kate's mom emphasizes that the two kids have more in common that people might think. Kate and Timmy are formally introduced, and while Kate initially feels uncomfortable, she realizes that they can be friends. Including Timmy in a basketball game with some leery friends, Kate shows her true colors as a friend. She vows that if anybody asks, "What's wrong with Timmy?" she'll simply tell them, "Why, nothing...nothing at all!"Shriver's gentle language evokes the style of her first children's book, "What's Heaven?" Words are carefully chosen and should offer parents a guideline for how to deal with Kate's tough questions. A phrase on each page, usually summing up the corresponding illustration, appears in bold, large, type, perfectly sized for young readers.Pastel illustrations by Sandra Speidel add a warm and dreamy element to the story, providing a cozy environment in which to foster discussion. Speidel also illustrated What's Heaven? and the Shriver/Speidel team seems to work wonderfully.Maria Shriver is a well-known media personality, poised and professional, with a large dose of spirit and a big heart. Following the initial success of her first children's book, this endearing story promises us that we are sure to see more from this talented mother and author in the future.(Amy Barkat)Editor's Note: This title is also available in a Spanish-language edition, ¿Qué le pasa a Timmy?
Be Good to Eddie Lee
Virginia Fleming - 1993
But Christy wants to run and play -- and not worry about Eddie Lee tagging along. One hot summer day, though, Eddie Lee takes Christy to a secret place in the woods and teaches her that beautiful things can be found in unexpected places.
We'll Paint the Octopus Red
Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen - 1998
They'll go to Grandpa's farm to feed the calves, ride in the back of the mini-van making faces at the cars that go by, fly on airplanes, and someday, they'll even go to Africa on a safari.
Ian's Walk: A Story about Autism
Laurie Lears - 1998
Full color.