Summer Reading: Picture Books
Recently, TNP posted a summer reading challenge for children and teens/young adults. We chose books that we love on a variety of topics closely related to TNP’s curriculum themes of disability, friendship, and inclusion. While we highlighted books that resonated with our team, we hope that by reading these books this summer, your family will grow to love them too and conversations can be started around these stories.
Many of the books we selected were written by people with disabilities, or with a close connection to someone with a disability (a family member or close friend). We feel strongly that it’s important to amplify the voices of those with disabilities. Here’s a deeper dive into a few of the picture books we selected.
An illustrated children’s book cover titled What Happened to You? shows a one-legged white boy with blonde hair standing swinging.
For younger/elementary age children, picture books are our go-to for great stories relating to empathy, friendship, and disability. A new title that is a must-have for your at-home library is What Happened to You? by James Catchpole. James has written a story based on his early childhood experiences. He deftly weaves emotions into an easily recognizable play situation. Not only that, but he allows young children to experience empathy through his storytelling, and brings to light the real message - differences don’t define our ability to make or not make new friends; our mindset does. As you read this book together, guide your children through a conversation about what is and is not OK to ask someone. Encourage them to see the positives in the story - kids can play together and enjoy learning about each other without focusing on someone’s differences.
Illustrated children’s book cover titled ‘My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay’ has 4 girls standing side by side wearing blue denim jumper dresses and tall white stocks. The girl in the middle is holding a red and white cane out infront of her.
Another favorite is My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best. The story shares typical school experiences of four young girls who are best friends. Classroom activities such as math and reading, as well as fun activities like field day, are interspersed with bits and pieces of Zulay’s experiences as a young girl who is blind. As you read with your child, be sure to note that all the girls have the same opportunities, but how they respond and interact may be different. Zulay uses Braille when reading, but uses the same blocks as her friends when doing math. She has special time with a teacher named Ms. Turner, and is learning to use a cane while walking. She doesn’t really like the fact that it makes her stick out - this is a chance to talk about perspective and empathy. Talk with your child about experiences that they may have had that made them feel different, and relate these experiences to Zulay’s. Help them step into someone else’s shoes and grow their empathy skills as you read and share together.
Illustrated children’s book cover titled ‘The Invisible Boy’ of a young boy bending down drawing with chalk on a cloudy surface with grey, blue, and gold.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a beautiful story that touches on the topics of inclusion, exclusion, and feelings. Brian is a quiet little boy who seems invisible to his teacher and classmates. He doesn’t make a lot of noise or call attention to himself, and is often left out of activities. When a new student comes to class, Brian steps up and makes the first connection to the new boy, and this leads to new friendships for both boys. This is a perfect story to use to encourage your child to look for the friend that seems to be a loner, that doesn't get picked to play games. Brainstorm ways your child can step up and foster friendships with all children, using the scene in The Invisible Boy for ideas.
Using stories is a tried-and-true method for building social emotional skills like empathy and perspective-taking, while enjoying time together as a family. Do you have a favorite story that your family loves to read? We would love to hear about it. Tag us on social media or send an email to our Inclusion Specialist, Janie Avant at janie@thenoraproject.ngo. We are always looking to expand our Kindness Library! Watch our blog for future book recommendations for older readers.
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our Top 5 Books to Teach SEL at Home!