Disability in books for kids & teens — Readings Books

Cover image for ABC Disability

ABC Disability

Sarah Rose, Alley Pascoe, Rebecca Feiner (illus.)

From three-time Paralympian swimmer, medal-winner and disability advocate Sarah Rose, comes a big-hearted guide to disability, full of letters, learnings and laughs from a disabled person to you.

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Cover image for Remarkable Remy

Remarkable Remy

Melanie Heyworth, Nathanial Eckstrom (illus.)

A warm and optimistic story that introduces an Autistic character to a young audience

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops

Cover image for Come Over to My House

Come Over to My House

Eliza Hull, Sally Rippin, Daniel Gray-Barnett (illus.)

A delightful picture book that explores the home lives of children and parents who are d/Deaf or disabled.

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops

Cover image for Someone Just Like You

Someone Just Like You

Helen Docherty

A deeply moving, vitally important picture book encouraging empathy and kindness.

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Nikki Hind

Nikki Hind

John Dickson

The third book in the Big Visions series that portrays significant Australians living with blindness or low vision features a blind fashion designer whose work is shown at Melbourne Fashion…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Cooking up a Storm

Cooking up a Storm

Craig Shanahan

Meet Craig Shanahan, the blind chef with his own café. When kids would ask Craig what it was like having one eye, he’d ask them what it was like having…

Available to order, ships in 10-14 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for Matt Formston: Surfing in the Dark

Matt Formston: Surfing in the Dark

John Dickson

Surfing in the Dark tells the story of Matt Formston - a world champion surfer who is blind.

Available to order, ships in 10-14 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for I Am, You Are: Let's Talk About Disability, Individuality and Empowerment

I Am, You Are: Let’s Talk About Disability, Individuality and Empowerment

Ashley Harris Whaley

I Am, You Are is a powerful, practical book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about disability and ableism.

This book was written by disability activist Ashley Harris…

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Cover image for What Happened to You?

What Happened to You?

James Catchpole

A ground-breaking picture book with a radical message about how a disabled person might want to be spoken to!

Available to order, ships in 3-5 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for You're So Amazing

You’re So Amazing

James Catchpole

One-legged Joe is often told that he’s Amazing Joe or Poor Joe, but what if he’d rather just be . Joe? One-legged Joe is amazing . Amazing for sliding down…

Order online and we’ll ship when availablePre-order now

Cover image for Two Mates

Two Mates

Melanie Prewett

Two Mates is the true story of the special mateship between two young boys who have grown up together in the coastal town of Broome in Australias north-west. Jack is…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for A First Look At: Disability: Don't Call Me Special

A First Look At: Disability: Don’t Call Me Special

Pat Thomas

A beautifully illustrated and reassuring picture that explains all about disability.

Available to order, ships in approx 2 weeksAvailable to order

Cover image for Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

Dusti Bowling

Aven’s about to begin high school - with 3000 new kids to stare at her for being different. Can Aven manage to stay true to herself?

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Cover image for Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Dusti Bowling

A novel about a girl born without arms and a boy with Tourette syndrome navigating the challenges of school, disability and friendship.

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Cover image for The Black Book of Colours

The Black Book of Colours

Menena Cottin

An award-winning, unforgettable black book about colour, which shows you how to see without your eyes.

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Cover image for I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present

I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present

Cerrie Burnell

This book brings together 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present.

Available to order, ships in 3-5 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for A Kids Book About Disability

A Kids Book About Disability

Kristine Napper

A clear explanation of what disabilities are and how to navigate conversations about them.

Sometimes people act like having a disability means you're from another planet, even though over a…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Fish in a Tree

Fish in a Tree

Lynda Mullaly Hunt

-Ally’s greatest fear is that everyone will find out she is as dumb as they think she is because she still doesn’t know how to read—

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops

Cover image for Dylan Alcott Game On (Game On, Book 1)

Dylan Alcott Game On (Game On, Book 1)

Dylan Alcott, Fiona Regan, Nahum Ziersch (illus.)

A great middle-grade read for all kids - fun, funny and relatable. Just like Dylan!

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Cover image for Lenny's Book of Everything

Lenny’s Book of Everything

Karen Foxlee

A big-hearted novel about loving and letting-go by an award-winning author.

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops

Cover image for The War that Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

A young disabled girl and her brother are evacuated from London to the English countryside during World War II, where they find life to be much sweeter away from their…

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Cover image for My Aunt Is A Monster: (A Graphic Novel)

My Aunt Is A Monster: (A Graphic Novel)

Reimena Yee

The reclusive Lord Whimsy plans to stop an old rival from uncovering the truth of a disappearance, and blind Safia finds herself experiencing an adventure and parts of the world…

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Cover image for Thunderhead

Thunderhead

Sophie Beer

Captivating, memorable and deeply funny, Thunderhead is a heart-squeezing and hopeful illustrated middle grade novel about music, disability, friendship and fandom - beautifully told with humour, art and joy. Perfect…

In stock at 8 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 8 shops

Cover image for Stars in their Eyes

Stars in their Eyes

Jessica Walton

Pop culture-obsessed Maisie can’t wait to get to her first Fancon. But being a queer, disabled teenager with chronic pain comes with challenges.

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Everything I've Never Said

Everything I’ve Never Said

Samantha Wheeler

A powerful novel about a subject rarely tackled - young people with disabilities and the families who love and support them.

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Cover image for All the Beautiful Things

All the Beautiful Things

Katrina Nannestad

A new heart-wrenching, impeccably researched historical novel for middle-grade readers

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Cover image for El Deafo

El Deafo

Cece Bell

A hearing aid grants superpowers in this funny, poignant, exceptional graphic novel memoir about growing up deaf.

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops

Cover image for Ugly (Young Readers Edition)

Ugly (Young Readers Edition)

Robert Hoge

A beaut story about one very ugly kid.

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Be Brave, Maple Mehta-Cohen!: A Story for Anyone Who Has Ever Felt Different

Be Brave, Maple Mehta-Cohen!: A Story for Anyone Who Has Ever Felt Different

Kate McGovern

A warm, contemporary classroom story about creative Maple Mehta-Cohen and her dyslexia, perfect for fans of Lisa Thompson, Helen Rutter and R. J. Palacio. A dyslexia-friendly book.

Available to order, ships in 10-14 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for Unmasked (Young Readers' Edition)

Unmasked (Young Readers’ Edition)

Turia Pitt

Shortlisted for the Readings Young Adult Book Prize 2019

Telling the story of Turia’s life before and after the fire, this young readers’ this book unmasks the real Turia –…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Different, Not Less

Different, Not Less

Chloe Hayden

An empowering lived-experience guide to celebrating and supporting neurodivergence from 24-year-old actor, social media star and disability advocate Chlo Hayden

In stock at 9 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 9 shops

Cover image for Love & Autism

Love & Autism

Kay Kerr

Through the intimate writing of critically acclaimed autistic author Kay Kerr, Love & Autism presents an uplifting celebration of neurodivergent love, the search for it and a deeper look into…

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Cover image for Meet Me at the Intersection

Meet Me at the Intersection

Meet Me at the Intersection is an anthology of short fiction, memoir and poetry by authors who are First Nations, People of Colour, LGBTIQA+ or living with disability. The focus…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for White Noise

White Noise

Raelke Grimmer

Fifteen-year-old Emma is woken up by her dad's nightmares. Again.

In stock at 7 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 7 shops

Cover image for Sugar

Sugar

Carly Nugent

A realist YA novel, by the author of The Peacock Detectives, about family, loss and coming to terms with diabetes as a teen.

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops

Cover image for Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind

Sharon M. Draper

From a multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winning author comes the story of a brilliant girl that no one knows about because she cannot speak or write. If there is one…

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops

Cover image for Future Girl

Future Girl

Asphyxia

Future Girl explores what it means to come of age as a Deaf teenager, against the backdrop of a near-future Melbourne on the brink of environmental catastrophe.

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Cover image for Please Don't Hug Me

Please Don’t Hug Me

Kay Kerr

A funny-serious own-voices story about what happens when you stop trying to be the person other people expect you to be and give yourself a go.

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Darius the Great Is Not Okay

Adib Khorram

Hilarious and heartbreaking, this unforgettable novel is for anyone who’s ever felt not good enough - then met a friend who makes them feel so much better than okay.

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Cover image for The Young Elites (Book 1)

The Young Elites (Book 1)

Marie Lu

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Social Queue

Social Queue

Kay Kerr

A funny and insightful novel about an autistic teen who realises she’s been missing all the signs when it comes to her romantic life.

In stock at 4 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 4 shops

Cover image for Six of Crows (Book 1)

Six of Crows (Book 1)

Leigh Bardugo

Game of Thrones meets Ocean’s Eleven in this brand new fantasy epic from the No.1 New York Times bestselling author of the Grisha trilogy. Gripping, sweeping and memorable, Six of…

In stock at 6 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 6 shops

Cover image for Peta Lyre's Rating Normal

Peta Lyre’s Rating Normal

Anna Whateley

At sixteen, neurodivergent Peta Lyre is the success story of social training. That is, until she finds herself on a school ski trip - and falling in love with the…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Highly Illogical Behaviour

Highly Illogical Behaviour

John Corey Whaley

Sixteen year old Solomon has agoraphobia. He hasn’t left his house in three years, which is fine by him. At home, he is the master of his own kingdom -…

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Aven Green Sleuthing Machine

Aven Green Sleuthing Machine

Dusti Bowling

Aven Green is the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling’s Life of a Cactus series. Now younger readers can also get to know Aven through her everyday adventures.

Available to order, ships in 5-9 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for Aven Green Baking Machine

Aven Green Baking Machine

Dusti Bowling

Now that third-grader Aven Green has retired from sleuthing, it’s time to conquer a whole new world: baking!

Available to order, ships in 5-9 daysAvailable to order

Cover image for Hello, Universe

Hello, Universe

Erin Entrada Kelly

Winner of the 2018 Newbery Medal. This is a funny and poignant story about unexpected friendships.

In stock at 2 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 2 shops

Cover image for Air

Air

Monica Roe

An action-packed, empowering middle grade novel about a girl who has to speak up when her wheelchair motocross dreams get turned upside down.

Available to order, ships in 5-9 daysAvailable to order