Doing the Impossible
Books that deal with a mental/physical disability
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Francis of Assisi
Elementary Reads
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
Biography
By: by Julia Finley Mosca
Innovation Press, 2017
Lexile: 680
Tags: Autism; Animal scientists; Animal welfare; Biography
Told in rhyming verse, this picture book biography introduces children to the struggles and achievements of Dr. Temple Grandin, an autistic professor of animal science at Colorado State University, an advocate for the humane treatment of livestock, and an autism spokesperson. Included in the back matter are fun facts taken from an interview with Grandin, a visual timeline, a two-page biography (written at a higher reading level), and an informative bibliography.
This is an inspirational biography that teaches children that “different is not less”. It demonstrates that determination and perseverance can lead to great accomplishments. In a brief letter to the reader, Grandin encourages children to find something they are good at and work on developing it. With its rhyming verse and simple cartoon illustrations, this would be a great read-aloud for younger audiences.
Reviewed by: Lori Micho
Library Services
Skeleton Tree
Mystery
By: Kim Ventrella
Scholastic, 2017
Lexile: 670
Tags: Illness; Death; Families
Stanley is determined to win the Young Discoverer's Competition, hoping that it will attract his absent father's attention, and when he finds a strange bone growing in the garden it looks like he might get his wish. As he documents the bone's growth into a skeleton only certain people can see, his sister Miren, who is suffering from an undiagnosed illness, is growing more attached to the creature, even naming it Princy. As Miren gets sicker, Stanley is afraid the skeleton is taking her life, but then he realizes Princy has come to comfort and prepare her for her final journey.
This is a somewhat unsettling book, part mystery, part horror, and part realistic fiction. The stress that illness puts on a family is a familiar theme, but there is actually a positive twist since Miren does not fear death as she is accompanied by her friend.
Reviewed by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess
3-6
Realistic Fiction
By: Shari Green
Sterling Pajama Press, 2017
Lexile: 870
Tags: Disabilities; Deaf children, Step families, Friendship, Novels in verse
Macy McMillan is a deaf sixth grader from a single-parent family struggling with a number of challenges. Her mother is selling their home and marrying a man with twin daughters. She is in a mainstream school where only her friend, Olivia, knows sign language and her teacher has assigned a genealogy project. To make matters worse, Macy’s mother has arranged for her to help Iris, the elderly lady next door, pack up her belongings before she moves into an assisted living facility. After a fight with Olivia, Macy realizes she needs a friend and an unlikely relationship with Iris blossoms. Through books, cookies, shared stories and notes, Iris eventually helps Macy accept the changes in her life.
Told in verse, this story cleverly uses minimal text to convey thoughts and feelings and bold text to indicate when words are being signed. This is an endearing coming-of-age story that is both heartwarming and real. Macy deals with problems many children will relate to: issues with self-identity, disagreements with friends, and step families.
Reviewed by: Lori Micho
Library Services
Robinson
3-5
Easy Fiction
By: Peter Sis
Scholastic Press, 2017
Lexile: 520
Tags: Robinson Crusoe; Pirates; Costumes; Teasing; Dreams
This beautifully illustrated story is from the point of view of a boy who loved reading, especially the book Robinson Crusoe. When the school had a costume contest, all his friends wanted to dress as pirates. He decided to dress as Crusoe. When he got to school, the boys laughed and teased him. That night, he had a beautiful dream and found himself on Crusoe’s island, experiencing everything as if he was there.
It is hard for children when they are teased or made fun of. The story is based on an experience the author had when he was young and dressed as Crusoe. He won that contest, but his classmates made fun of him, and he remembered that feeling. The illustrations are beautiful and the story could be used to start discussions about how we treat our friends.
Reviewed by: Karen Burns
Place Bridge Academy
Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability
3-5
Non-fiction
By: Shane Burcaw
Photos by: Matt Carr
Roaring Book Press, 2017
Lexile: 860
Tags: Disabilities; Memoirs; Biography
The author of Laughing at My Nightmare returns with a book for kids—a book that never shies from the hard facts of living with muscular dystrophy, yet displays an upbeat attitude and zany humor that anyone can admire. Celebrating a life made rich by the friends and family who help him navigate his day, Burcaw discusses his illness, the many things he can do with a little help, and the powered wheel chair that gives him mobility—so long as there is a ramp to accommodate him. Sports, video games, road trips, college, and the challenges facing any professional writer keep Shane busy.
Photojournalist Matt Carr ably tells Shane’s story in pictures. An afterword allows Shane the opportunity to discuss his spinal muscular atrophy in more detail and to reflect on his work as writer, public speaker, and founder of a non-profit organization.
Reviewed by: Nick Bleckley
Cheltenham Elementary
Canned and Crushed
3-5
Realistic fiction
By: Bibi Belford
Sky Pony Press, 2017
Tags: Mexican Americans; Recycling; Racism; Family
Fourth grader Sandro has two goals: help his soccer team win and take home the top prize for the school district’s art contest. But when his sister gets sick, everyone must step up. His dad is working two jobs and often needs Sandro’s help, even if that means he must miss a soccer game. Sandro does his best, but sometimes his schemes get messy and his choices are off target.
This title addresses themes of racism, illegal immigration, and disability, while using humor and an authentic voice. Readers will identify with Sandro’s poor decision making skills and relate to his father’s advice to “be the better man.”
Reviewed by: Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.
Middle and High School Reads
Insignifi-cant Events in the Life of a Cactus
6-8
Realistic Fiction
By: Dusti Bowling
Sterling Children’s Books, 2017
Lexile: 700
Tags: Disabilities; Adoption; Moving; Tourette's Syndrome
A move at the beginning of eighth grade is sure to make any thirteen-year-old feel awkward and strange. But for a girl born without arms, the ‘looks’ can be too much. Even so, Aven is optimistic about their move to a western theme park in Arizona. Her adoptive parents taught her to be self-reliant, so she explores her new home, befriends an outcast with Tourette's, and sets out to solve the mystery of Stagecoach Pass.
This title is a feel-good read that explores attitudes regarding disabilities with humor and honesty. The prevailing theme is one of acceptance and overcoming limitations. This is an excellent choice for middle school classrooms. Discussion questions are included in the back.
Reviewed by: Michelle Jensen
George Washington H.S.
The Goldfish Boy
Realistic fiction
By: Lisa Thompson
Scholastic, 2017
Lexile: 750
Tags: Families; OCD; Mystery; Friendship
Matthew, a young British boy, has OCD spiraling out of control. His anxiety over dirt and diseases sets him to wash his hands hundreds of times daily, and he'd rather stay in his house than venture out into the germ-filled world. But then a toddler on his block disappears, a reluctant friendship with a confident neighbor develops, and Matthew's parents grow increasingly concerned about their son and his behavior. This book explores OCD and it's expanding disruption in multiple lives, all while diving into a mystery to solve.
While The Goldfish Boy focuses on OCD, it could easily be expanded to 'it takes a village' themes of compassion, helping one another, and understanding. Though not on the scale of Wonder, it might work as a read-aloud to help students see the challenges people face.
Reviewed by: Terri Faulkner, Library Services
Family Game Night and Other Catastro-phes
6-8
Realistic Fiction
By: Mary Lambert
Scholastic, 2017
Lexile: 690
Tags: Family secrets; Compulsive hoarding; Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Middle schooler Annabelle has a secret that even her best friends don't know and that keeps her from having anyone at her house: her mom is a hoarder. Her father and brother Chad take the easy way out by being gone most of the time, but Annabelle and her little sister Leslie suffer from anxiety disorders even as they try to circumvent their mother's behavior. When their grandmother shows up to "help," the family's dysfunction comes to a head.
Themes of relationship and brokenness are intertwined with how we keep or let go of things and emotions. Annabelle’s dialogue and feelings ring true. This is a touching story of a family in crisis, but the hopeful ending as they come together can encourage students going through similar situations.
Reviewed by: Peggy Obert
Alumni
Afterward
9-12
Realistic Fiction
By: Jennifer Mathieu
Roaring Brook Press, 2016
Lexile: 790
Tags: Sexual abuse; Kidnapping; Mental health
When Dylan was eleven years old, he went for a walk and was kidnapped. When the authorities find Dylan, they also find fifteen-year-old Ethan. Ethan went for a bike ride four years earlier and was also kidnapped. Dylan's older sister, Caroline, realizes that the only person who can help her understand Dylan is Ethan, who doesn't want to talk.
This novel is based on a true story and told in alternating chapters by Ethan and Caroline. This will be best in high school. Sexual abuse is implicit in the story but carefully handled. The focus is on the fact that the kidnapper is always to blame.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College
A Taste for Monsters
9-12
Fiction
By: Matthew J. Kirby
Scholastic Press, 2016
Lexile: 850
Tags: Jack the Ripper, Joseph Merrick, Hauntings; 19th Century London
The story is set in London during the time of Jack the Ripper and Joseph Merrick, also known as the Elephant Man. It is told through the eyes of Evelyn, a young woman with a disfigured face who was hired as a companion to the Elephant Man. The two develop an understanding and become friends.. When Jack the Ripper begins killing, the ghosts of those women haunted his room. Evelyn had to overcome her fears, to figure out why the ghosts were haunting them.
The plight of the poor and scarred people of that time is well illustrated. The contempt and disdain for those who were different is clear to see. Evelyn shied away from everyone in society, but with help, she becomes confident. The Elephant Man is kind and intelligent. An interesting collection of characters who work together to solve the mystery and the put the souls of the dead to rest.
Reviewed by: Karen Burns
Place Bridge Academy
Turtles All the Way Down
Realistic Fiction
By: John Green
Dutton Juvenile, 2017
Lexile: 840
Tags: Anxiety; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Friendships; Parental loss
Aza has an unhealthy obsession. She is afraid she is going to die of C-dif. She considers her body a “skin- encased bacterial colony” and, because bacteria does what it does, she has no control over her health. Intrusive thoughts continue to keep her on a downward spiral.
John Green’s characters are well developed, readers will laugh in the right places and cry and cheer for any small success. This is a deep look into mental illness, which John Green admits to a first-hand account, with a story like life: part romance, part reality, part something else.
Reviewed by: Chris Coble
CEC Early College