With the holidays approaching, there’s no better gift than a book. In recent years, the number of disabled authors has grown exponentially, ensuring there’s a book written by a disabled author or featuring disabled characters to suit any and all tastes.
The vast majority of books on this list are written by authors who share the disability of their characters, lending an authenticity to the stories that cannot be fabricated. From picture books to steamy hot erotic romances, there’s something here for every age group and reader. Plus, if you purchase through the linked Amazon links, you’ll be supporting Audacitymagazine.com! Happy book shopping!
Picture Books
Perfect for the youngest readers in your life—because it’s never too early to show kids that disability is a natural part of human life!
- All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel and Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins
This picture book, with a foreword by activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, tells the true story of Jennifer’s crawl up the U.S. Capitol steps at just eight years old to advocate for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about Jennifer’s story by watching this video from the It’s Our Story project. - Sam’s Super Seats by Keah Brown
Written by #DisabledAndCute creator Keah Brown, Sam’s Super Seats introduces Sam, a cheerful girl with cerebral palsy, and all the super seats she loves to sit in when she gets tired. But what happens when her latest seat isn’t as super as she hoped?
Middle Grade
For readers who crave adventure, courage, and a touch of magic!
- The Lumbering Giants of Windy Pines by Mo Netz
Jerry and her mom have lived in a series of motels since her dad passed away, where her mom works as a housekeeper. But their latest motel, the Slumbering Giants, feels different. When Jerry’s mom goes missing, Jerry must rely on her trusty pink wheelchair, a tiny imaginary dragon, and a new friend to rescue her. - Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
Twelve-year-old Olive, who has osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), is thrilled to attend school after years of homeschooling. When she hears about a magical hummingbird that grants wishes, Olive embarks on a quest, joined by new friends who enrich her life in unexpected ways. - The Witching Wind by Natalie Lloyd
Switching perspectives between Grayson, who uses a walker due to osteogenesis imperfecta, and Roxie, who feels insecure about her weight, this story follows the two girls as they team up to find their missing family members after both experience personal loss. - The Amazing Edie Eckhart (series) by Rosie Jones
British comedian Rosie Jones brings us Edie Eckhart, a schoolgirl with cerebral palsy who refuses to let anything stop her from having fun. This delightful UK series will be available in the U.S. starting spring 2025!
Young Adult
Heartfelt stories of self-discovery, resilience, and love.
- You, Me, and Our Heartstrings by Melissa See
Daisy, a violinist with cerebral palsy, and Noah, an anxious cellist, are paired to perform a duet at their school’s holiday concert. When their performance goes viral, the two must navigate sudden fame, stereotypes, and budding feelings for each other. - Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See
Joy, an asexual high school senior, is determined to be her school’s first disabled valedictorian. Feeling out of place among her peers, she turns to her school’s anonymous advice column, Caldwell Cupid, for guidance. But Joy soon discovers Cupid might have feelings for her too. - Breathe and Count Back From Ten by Natalia Sylvester
Veronica dreams of becoming a professional mermaid. But with hip dysplasia, conservative parents, and a new medical complication, she must take risks to chase her dreams—and maybe find love along the way. - Accidents of Nature by Harriet McBryde Johnson
Jean, a teenager with cerebral palsy, has always considered herself “normal.” But when she attends a summer camp for disabled teens, she meets Sara, whose perspective forces Jean to reexamine everything she thought she knew about herself and the world. - Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum
Set in a nursing home for disabled children, this story explores the lives of residents and staff as they navigate an unjust system rife with abuse. A gripping, multi-perspective novel that examines complicity and resilience.
Adult
Books that offer deep reflection, sharp wit, and bold storytelling.
- So Lucky by Nicola Griffith
Mara’s seemingly perfect life is upended when her wife leaves her and she’s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This poignant novel follows Mara’s journey through her diagnosis, relationships, and self-discovery. - The Centaur’s Wife by Amanda Leduc
In this post-apocalyptic fantasy, Heather, who has cerebral palsy, reconnects with a centaur she met as a child. Torn between her past and the fight for survival, Heather must find her place in a world transformed by disaster. - All Access (series) by Evie Mitchell
Starting with Knot My Type, this erotic romance series centers disabled protagonists exploring adaptive ways to experience intimacy. A fresh and empowering take for adult readers who enjoy steamy romances.
Nonfiction
Eye-opening, inspiring reads from real-life experiences and insights.
- Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau
This accessible “Disability 101” guide is perfect for classrooms or personal reading. Written in an engaging tone, it’s an essential resource for anyone looking to learn more about disability and allyship. - Too Late to Die Young: Nearly True Tales From a Life by Harriet McBryde Johnson
A collection of wryly humorous essays from Johnson’s life as an attorney with a degenerative neuromuscular disability. Highlights include her debate with bioethicist Peter Singer and her protest against the annual MDA Labor Day Telethon. - Such a Pretty Girl: A Story of Struggle, Empowerment, and Disability Pride by Nadina Laspina
Activist Nadina Laspina chronicles her journey from living with polio in Italy to becoming a leader in the disability rights movement in the U.S. A compelling memoir of resilience and pride.
This is just a selection of incredible books written by disabled authors. Have you read any of them? What are some of your favorite books featuring disabled characters or written by disabled authors? Let us know what’s on your reading list—and which titles you’re gifting this holiday season!
Bio:
Cara Liebowitz is a multiply disabled activist and writer. Her work has been featured in a variety of publications including The Washington Post, Everyday Feminism, and Able News. When not writing, Cara can be found reading or playing Dungeons and Dragons. She splits her time between Long Island and Brooklyn, where she lives with her roommate and their geriatric cat.Â
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