Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education

For Parents

Bibliographies

A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF

CHILDREN'S BOOKS WITH

SPECIAL EDUCATION CONTENT

 

 

Compiled by Deborah Gettes,

Auerbach CAJE Consultant for Special Education

 

Attention Deficit Disorder

Eddie Enough by Debbie Zimmett. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, 2001.

This book could be used to help children with AD/HD, their classmates, and families to understand what these children experience. This book is about a boy who is in constant motion and it helps explain the behavior to other people. He does take medication and goes for therapy to help him behave in a more exceptable manner.

Hyper Harry by Patricia H. Aust. Lake Park, GA: New Concepts Publishing, 2001.

This book has 92 pages with a section called "For Information or Support" on p. 92. This book can help siblings gain an understanding of ADHD, and why it's important to work together to solve problems.

My Brother's a World Class Pain: A Siblings Guide to ADHD-Hyperactivity by Michael Gordon and Janet H. Junco. DeWitt, NJ: GSI Publishing, 1992.

The big sister in this book is a great story teller! She explains in kids' words the condition her brother has and how they handle it. She is candid in saying it often bothers her, which is good because siblings can often bear the brunt of ADHD family/home problems. It's important that kids know what happens if they have a brother or sister with ADHD, what to expect, and how they can even help.

Trout and Me by Susan Richards Shreve. New York: Knopf, 2002.

Ben knows he is different. His ADD accounts for his learning and social problems at school. Trout also has ADD. Both boys are on medication, one flushes his meds down the toilet. The boys become great friends and all learn a great deal about Attention Deficit Disorder.

What Would Joey Do?

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos. New York: Thorndike, 2002.

Three books about Joey who has ADD. The books allow the reader to walk a mile in his shoes. Joey is on medication, but life is not easy for him. He does make progress, but it is not without difficulties along the way. This trilogy is a refreshing look at life from the perspective of a preadolescent child coping with hyperactivity.

Autism

Andy and His Yellow Frisbee by Mary Thompson. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, 1996.

This book is a sympathetic view of childhood autism from a young person's point of view. Andy is a book that will help youngsters see how those with special needs may be different but deserve kindness just like all children do.

 

The Autisim Acceptance Book: Being a Friend to Someone with Autism by Ellen Sabin.  Watering Can Press, 2006.

This is an interactive, educational, and character-building book that introduces children to the challenges faced by people with autism while also supporting their personal journey toward appreciating and respecting people's differences.

 

Autism Through a Sister's Eyes by Eve B. Band. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, 2001.

A clinical psychologist writes this book. She helps Emily Hecht have the ability to explain what it is like to have your life touched by a person with Autism or Asperger's. She explores both her feelings and her questions about Autism. It is easily read and understood by children.

Ian' s Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman and Co., 1998.

A clinical psychologist writes this book. She helps Emily Hecht have the ability to explain what it is like to have your life touched by a person with Autism or Asperger's. She explores both her feelings and her questions about Autism. It is easily read and understood by children.

Little Rainman by Karen L. Simmons. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons, 1996.

Little Rainman is a picture book written by a mother as if her child is speaking. It describes how a child with autism feels about his environment and its sensory challenges.

My Brother Sammy by Becky Edwards. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Pr. Trade, 1999.

A young boy expresses his feelings about having a little brother who is autistic. The author shows a full spectrum of feelings of living with and knowing a child with autism.

Emotional Disability

Buddy' s Shadow by Shirley Becker. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1991.

Buddy, who has Down syndrome, wants a best friend, but can't run fast or catch a ball like other children. A new puppy helps Buddy realize that running fast isn't important to best friends.

Cliques, Phonics and Other Baloney by Trevor Romain. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1998.

Written for every child who has ever felt shut out or trapped by a clique, this book blends humor with practical advice as it explains how to form positive, healthy relationships. Trevor Romain tackles this serious subject with wit and common sense, explaining what cliques are and why they exist.

Cookie by Linda Kneeland. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1989.

Molly, who has Down syndrome, is slow in her speech development which leads to temper tantrums. With the help of a speech therapist she learns to sign and express her wants.

How About a Hug by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1993.

This is a delightful way to help the child with Down syndrome learn when hugs are appropriate.

Stick Up for Yourself: Every Kid's Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem by Gershen Kaufman, Lev Raphael, Pamela Espeland. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1999.

Discusses problems facing young people such as making choices, learning about and liking yourself and solving problems.

Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves! by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth Verdick. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2000.

This book uses humor, lively graphics and straightforward language to teach kids about stress and how to deal with it. It offers concrete ways to identify and then lessen stress in their lives.

Generic

Different Just Like Me by Lori Mitchell. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, July, 2001.

A young girl notices how people are different from (use sign language, read Braille, are in a wheelchair) but also notices how they are just like her.

Loser by Jerry Spinelli. New York, NY: Harper Trophy, 2002

Donald Zinkoff is one of the greatest kids you could ever hope to meet. He laughs easily, he likes people, he loves school, he tries to rescue lost girls in blizzards, he talks to old ladies. The only problem is, he's a loser. Until fourth grade, Zinkoff's uncontrollable giggling in class, sloppy handwriting, horrible flute playing, bad grades, clumsiness, and ineptitude at sports go largely unnoticed. When he blows a race for his team, however, his transition to lowerdom is complete; "[Lower] is the word. It is Zinkoff's new name. It is not in the roll book." Fortunately, he doesn't really notice. Author Jerry Spinelli again explores the cruelty of a student body and how it does and doesn't affect one student, pure or spirit. Presumably, if Loser makes one child view a "different kid" as a three-dimensional character, Spinelli will consider his book successful.

Hearing Impairment

A Picture Book of Helen Kellerby David A. Adler. New York, NY: Scott Foresman, 1992.

With simple language and lively illustrations, the book conveys basic information about the life and accomplishments of Helen Keller.

Moses Goes to Schoolby Isaac Millman. New York:Frances Foster Books, 2000.

This book tells a story in English and also in American Sign Language (ASL). The focus is directly on how deaf children learn at their special public school. There are small diagrams of Moses signing simple sentences on almost every page.

When I Grow Up by Candi Hodges. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1995.

Jimmy attends Career Day where he meets many deaf adults with varied and interesting careers. Reading this book and learning some of the 24 signs will help children learn about the possibilities open to deaf persons.

Learning Disability

Charlie' s Challengeby Linda Gladden. Austin, TX: Printmaster Press, 1995.

This is a good book for your children with learning disabilities. It is also good for classroom use to encourage tolerance and understanding for children who may be struggling.

How Many Days Until Tomorrow? by Caroline Janover and Charlotte Fremaus. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, 1988.

This sequel to Josh: A Boy with Dyslexia (Waterfront, 1988) was worth the wait, for it has an extraordinary protagonist. When the 12-year-old's parents go to Europe, he and his gifted brother stay with the 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. A fine novel that happens to have a dyslexic hero. - Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL

How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up by Trevor Romain. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 1997.

Hilarious cartoons and witty insights teach important truths about homework and strategies for getting it done. A tongue-in-cheek approach to a serious subject, this book makes homework more palatable - and kids less resistant.

Josh: A Boy with Dyslexiaby Caroline Janover. Bethesda, MD:Woodbine House, 1988.

Josh is just like any 10 year-old boy except he has dyslexia. This book answers questions you might have about dyslexia in a humorous, yet soft-hearted way. Read Josh's thoughts as he travels through his days. Everything a boy with dyslexia must wonder about comes alive on these pages.

Sam' s Just Sam by Linda Morse. Bear Hug Press, 2002.

This story is a sensitive, positive portrayal of a young man with special needs and the accepting positive manner that his parents accept him and enjoy him.

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. New York, NJ:Philomel Books, 1998.

Tricia, who has a yearning to learn to read because of her family's love of learning, discovers that letters in books seem to be all wiggling shapes. As she progresses through school, her classmates scorn her as dump. She believes them. . .until 5^th grade when she is blessed with a wonderful teacher, Mr. Falker. Based on her own bleak difficulties in elementary school, the author/illustrator has dedicated this touching picture book memoir to the real Mr. Falker. Every classroom should not only have this book, it should be read aloud. Without saying the word Adyslexia@ or preaching, Polacco has produced a compassionate story that will comfort the troubled and trouble the comfortable. A 1998 Parents' Choice7 Gold Award.

Physical Disability

Andy Finds a Turtleby Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1988.

Andy was unable to communicate his wishes and frustrations and didn't cooperate with his physical therapist at all. One day when he's feeling particularly uncooperative, his physical therapist calls him a turtle. But, what is a turtle? His attempts to discover what a turtle is lead to an important lesson about himself as well as to motivate him for physical therapy.

Andy Opens Wide by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1990.

Andy has problems with voluntary oral motor control. Eating is an ordeal for Mom and Andy. This story helps friends and family understand the frustrations children with disabilities often feel when confronted by seemingly simple tasks.

Be Quiet, Marina! by Kristin Debear. Long Island City, NY: Star Bright Books, 2001.

This is the story of two little girls; one who has Down Syndrome and the other has Cerebral Palsy. It is about how these two little girls learn to play together and eventually become best friends.

Danny & the Merry-Go-Round by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1988.

Playgrounds are not always user-friendly for children with disabilities. A parent along often finds it daunting. This day on the playground brings new friends and new fun for Danny.

Fair and Square by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1992.

Kevin didn't enjoy playing games. He wants to play games, to win or lose fair and square. His occupational therapist teaches him to play using a computer and a switch.

Howie Helps Himself by Joan Fassler. New York, NY,Albert Whitman & Co., 1987.

Howie is severely physically handicapped. The story is about Howie's frustrations and triumphs as he struggles to become more independent.

Oliver' s High Fiveby Beverly Swerdlow. Albequerque, NM: Health Press, 1998.

Oliver Octopus only has five arms, but it doesn't bother him. This picture book is the story of how Oliver ventured out into the world and how he overcame the rejections he initially faced. He shows everyone that being different is not a measure of his abilities.

Patrick and Emma Lou by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1989.

Patrick, who has cerebral palsy, and Emma Lou, who has spina bifida, encourage each other as they learn to use their walkers. Patrick's dream of walking like other children makes this an excellent story for classmates of children with disabilities to grow up understanding.

Rolling Along: The Story of Taylor and his Wheelchair by Jamee Riggio. Atlanta, GA:
Peachtree Publishers, 2000.

This book takes the mystery out of a child with a disability.  It explains the need for a wheelchair and how beneficial using a wheelchair can be.  Building accessibility, social interaction and play are also well represented.

See the Ocean by Estelle Condrea. Eager Minds Press, 2002.

This is a moving story about three siblings (of which one is blind). It shows that you don't necessarily need vision to "see" things in life.

A Smile From Andy by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1989.

Andy wants attention from the people he meets, but he doesn't reach out in a positive way. In this story he learns that he can control his own reactions and as a result affect the reaction of others toward him.

The Storm by Marc Harshman. New York: Cobblehill, 1995.

This is a tale about a child who became disabled and is in a wheelchair. It is not only an exciting, positive portrayal of a disabled child, it is a book that will speak to all children about self-image and hard-won success.

Speech and Language Disorder

Sarah' s Surprise by Nan Holcomb. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1990.

Six year old Sarah is unable to talk. She has a wish that is for more ability to express herself than mere talking! She wants to be able to sing "Happy Birthday."  With the help of her speech therapist she progresses from a picture board to an augmentative communication device - and to a birthday surprise for her mother.

Teacher Books

Sensitivity and Awareness: A Guide for Developing Understanding Among Children Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1990.

The 96 pages in this guide are charged with great ideas for use with all ages - even for adult workshops and training sessions. Included are session plans and activities for primary and middle school. Plus, special sensitizing experiences for leaders and non-disabled children. In addition, there are seven read-aloud stories, background materials and reproducible take home pages for each Turtle Book.

The Night Search by Kate Chamberlin. Hollidaysburg, PA: Jason & Nordic Publishers, 1997.

Heather, who is blind, resists using her white cane until one night while camping her puppy wanders off. Heather tried to find the puppy. After many unpleasant experiences, she finds a stick which helps. Then she realizes that her white cane is a very valuable helper.

Through Grandpa's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan. New York: Harper Collins Children's Books, 1983.

A story about relying on your senses when you are blind. It demonstrates that blind people can lead a productive life. It is also helpful to use this book about all disabilities.

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