Trusted Resources and Organizations
For teachers, parents, and caregivers, finding high-quality disability-inclusive literature can be challenging. Many of these resources are found only through universities, award lists, literary organizations, academic papers, and word of mouth among educators. The following resources have been carefully selected to help you build a truly inclusive library.
Trusted resources
Vanderbilt IRIS Center Book Database
Free, searchable database of children's books by disability type and grade level.
iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu →Schneider Family Book Award
ALA award honoring books portraying the disability experience for children and teens. 70+ winners since 2004.
ala.org →Disability in Kidlit
Critical, authentic reviews of disability representation in children's literature — written by disabled reviewers.
disabilityinkidlit.com →We Need Diverse Books
Advocacy organization with curated reading lists and resources for inclusive representation.
diversebooks.org →NAEYC — Early Childhood Disability Resources
The gold standard organization for early childhood educators, with disability inclusion resources and curated reading lists.
naeyc.org →UAB Disability-Inclusive Literature Database
550+ books organized by disability category — for practitioners, teachers, and caregivers.
uab.edu →Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award
Biennial award recognizing fiction and biography that authentically portray individuals with developmental disabilities.
dollygrayaward.com →Disability Equality Education Book List
Critically reviewed book list organized by grade level from pre-K through adult. Approved by disabled people.
disabilityequalityeducation.org →Reading Rockets — Disabilities & Learning Differences Resources
PBS affiliated initiative with booklists and educator resources on learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, including recommended children’s and YA books.
readingrockets.org →Understood.org
Organization focused on kids with learning and thinking differences (dyslexia, ADHD, autism and more), with articles, podcasts, and some curated recommendations that highlight disability, difference, and inclusion in books and media.
understood.org →Children's Book Council (CBC)
Nonprofit dedicated to children's literacy with curated inclusive and diverse book lists. Widely used by librarians and school educators.
cbcbooks.org →NEA — Disability Inclusion Resources
National Education Association resources on disability inclusion in the classroom, with recommended reading lists for educators.
nea.org →The latest research
An Exploration of Disability Representation in Picture Books: Teachers' Perspectives
Marie Tejero Hughes & Juana Abarca | Literacy Research and Instruction | Published April 2025
doi.org/10.1080/19388071.2025.2489673The most current peer-reviewed study on disability representation in picture books — identifying the three key themes teachers consider essential: Inclusive Friendships, Acceptance and Self-Identity, and Overcoming Challenges.
Picture books that teach children to see everyone.
Children's literature is one of the most powerful ways to introduce young readers to disability — building empathy, curiosity, and inclusion from the very first page. This site is your guide to the best books, read-aloud strategies, and trusted classroom resources.
Every child deserves to see themselves in a story.
And every child deserves to see others — especially those whose lives look different from their own.