Out of My Mind
and other books that can develop empathy
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
In 5th grade, Melody is excited that she gets a new teacher who feels she should be included in classes with all the other students. The problem is that once again everyone treats her like she's stupid. After surprising everyone around her over and over her family and her peers begin to understand that Melody has so much more to offer than they ever imagined!
Other Books about Children with Special Differences
Can I Play Too?
Gerald and Piggie are playing catch when Snake asks to play. They realize that in order to include him, they will have to make some changes.
The Black Book of Colors
This book allows people with sight to imagine what it would be like to experience colors with their other senses.
Junkyard Wonders
Trisha does not like being in a "special class" known as the Junkyard. That is until she meets her teacher, Mrs. Peterson, who sees them each as a treasure with special talents of their own.
Wonder
Auggie Pullman has a facial deformity that has caused him to be homeschooled due to the many surgeries he's had to have during his lifetime. Now, he's attending a mainstream school for the first time as he enters 5th grade. He's worried about how the other students will react to his differences.
El Deafo
Cece is worried about starting a new school and how student will react to her Phonic Aid - a hearing aid strapped to her chest that allows Cece to hear her teacher. Then, Cece realizes that she has a possible superpower because she can hear much more than the average person!
Rain Reign
Rose Howard has Asperger's syndrome and is obsessed with homonyms. When she finds a dog she gives it a special name: Rain Reign. But one stormy night Rain goes missing and Rose must leave her everyday routines to search for her lost dog.