A Selection of Books about Inclusion
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, and I try to make it an opportunity to tell Evie’s class about inclusion. Fortunately, her former preschool and her current elementary school make it a point to celebrate inclusion in March, and this year, I have a few tools to go along with sending in “The Polka-Dotted Penguin!”
Rock Your Socks on March 21!
I might be strange, but I enjoy making Rock Your Socks posters each year!
And our friends and family always come through, wearing their mismatched or crazy socks to raise awareness that having Down syndrome is cool!
Check out the worksheets I’ve designed to help teachers to reinforce the lessons learned about inclusion by reading about Dottie the penguin.
In addition, our awesome Boston-area Down syndrome community shared the books about inclusion that they love. I’m working on asking our local bookstore to have a section on children’s book about inclusion, and I hope this helps others to advocate for the same in their local bookstores and libraries!
Hannah’s Down Syndrome Superpowers, by Lori Leigh Yarborough
Strictly No Elephants, by Lisa Mantchev
Just A Little Different, by Mercer Mayer
We’re All Wonders, by RJ Palacio
Wonder, by RJ Palacio (chapter book)
Out of My Mind, by Sharon Draper (chapter book)
El Deafo, by Cece Bell (chapter book)
We’re Different, We’re the Same, by Bobbi Kates (Sesame Street)
When Charley Met Emma, by Amy Webb
Awesomely Emma, by Amy Webb
All the Ways to be Smart, by Davina Bell
Remarkably You, by Pat Zietlow Miller
Eli, Included, by Michelle Sullivan
What Happened to YOU? by James Catchpole
The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be, by Joanna Gaines
Be Youtiful: Love, Sofia, by Margaret O’Hair
The Polka-Dotted Penguin, by Amy Moy
More booklists (thank you, Kerry and Timna!):
Books on Understanding Disabilities: an awesome booklist!
List of books by disabled authors
Article about disability tropes for teachers
