Children's+Book+List

=Books for 4th Grade & Younger That Focus on Disorders & Disabilities: = = = 

 A Very Special Critter is such a beautiful story, to go along with the “Critter” series by Mercer Mayer. This book is basically about a “special” Critter that joins the school, and looks a little different than the rest of the other Critters. Alex, the “special” Critter lives out of from a wheel chair making life a little more challenging for him. At first, the other Critters didn’t know how to act around him, but once they got to know Alex, they realized he was just one of the gang.

This book was a beautiful story, opening the eyes of anyone who has the chance to read it. Whether or not I have a physically disabled student in my class or not, I would use this book to open the eyes of my students. I would use this book to open the school year, and introduce the students to different scenarios and situations. I would use this book as an introductory book to making my students aware of disabilities and challenges for students. I would have the students read the book, or read the book aloud, and then have them brainstorm a list of ways they would have made “Alex” feel welcome in the new school.



 ==// 2. "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key" by Jack Gantos //==

 I truly believe “Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key” is a book, which is overtaken by disorder and sadness in a comical sense. While reading it, right away I realized that Joey is a boy with Attention Deficit Disorder. Turning the pages of “Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key,” you will truly feel as if you are wired and off the wall. Anyone who is effected by Attention Deficit Disorder, either their child, their sibling, or their parents, will truly be inspired by this story. Nobody can truly imagine how it feels to have a disorder that affects every aspect of their life. However, in “Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key” we do get the key to open a door that gets just about as close as it can possibly be to feel like someone who is affected by the painful disorder.

In the classroom, I would use this book as an opener for students, without them realizing that I am teaching them all about the ups and downs of Attention Deficit Disorder. I feel that so many students have Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, and it is very necessary to teach students about the reality of ADD. Most students are diagnosed with ADD at a very young age, making the reality of ADD so much more vivid in the lives of the majority of students. I feel that students need to be educated on ADD, and I feel that by having the students read this book, I could teach them about ADD. I would have the students read this book, and then talk together with peers how the challenges might effect their daily life.



 The book “Everybody is Different by Fiona Bleach” is such a sweet book about accepting students with all sorts of disabilities, but mainly autistic students. This book somewhat describes the Aperger’s syndrome, allowing students to understand the reality of Autism. I think this book does a great job for laying the foundation of acceptance in regards to Autism.

I would definitely use this book in the classroom, because I feel that Autism is a very serious matter that needs to be taught to our students. I would use it on Autism awareness day, so that the students can understand the basic characteristics of Autism. After we read the book aloud, I will allow for peer discussion. Also, after the book is read, I would have the students make the Autism awareness ribbon to wear, so that they can display their knowledge of Autism.



Leave it to “My Friend Isabelle” by Eliza Woloson to tug at your heart strings, and truly inspire you. This book deserves to be in the hands of every single teacher, student, and parent who has the desire to learn about accepting others for who they are. This book has to do with the main character, Isabelle, and her friend Charlie. Charlie and Isabelle have a lot in common, like their hobbies, their feelings, and their interests. Although Charlie and Isabelle have a lot in common, there is one difference; Isabelle has Down syndrome while Charlie does not. I found it very inspiring how much this book shows the basis for a friendship, and the acceptance of everyone, regardless of their implications.

I would use “My Friend Isabelle” by Eliza Woloson to introduce two major topics: acceptance, and friendship. I would first have the students collaboratively brainstorm “what makes up a friendship?” Once, I had a list on the board I would read a loud, “My Friend Isabelle” by Eliza Woloson, and ask the class if they heard any other characteristics of a friendship in the story. I think this book would really open the doors for students, and teachers together on the ideal that friendship isn’t about looks or being identical, but about giving, trusting, and believing in someone.



//5. “A Picture Book of Helen Keller” by David Adler //
 “A Picture Book of Helen Keller” by David Adler is truly a very heartfelt book about the childhood of Helen Keller. Helen Keller was a little girl who faced the world, deaf and blind. Although Helen Keller did many amazing things in life, Adler focuses more on her childhood, and the way she felt on a day to day basis. I like the fact that this book is written on a child’s level, so although there isn’t that much context in the book, it does awaken children’s eyes to the reality of life for Helen. My favorite part of the book is when Helen begins learning how to name specific objects.

I think children would really enjoy this book, for its unique simplicity. Helen Keller had a very inspiring life, full of trials, and overcoming. Helen Keller’s story deserves to be told, over and over through beautiful book, such as the one by David Adler. I would use this book as a important historical figure study. I would use this book to introduce Helen Keller, and then go more in depth with deeper studies, movies, and more books. This book is tremendous, and should be in the classroom of every teacher who would like their students to be educated on the legacy of Helen Keller. 