Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge discussion
2021 Read Harder Challenge
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Task 21: Read a children’s book that centers a disabled character but not their disability
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Edited to add... I listened, and enjoyed it, but it doesn't really fit the prompt: the plot centres around the main character facing up to the fact that he will need to start using a wheelchair.


Although the premise of the story is the broken relationship between two sisters as the result of an accident which left one of them partially disabled, the focus is far more on the girls and their feelings and thoughts and actions than the disability itself. There's also an important secondary character with some sort of additional needs, although her disability isn't specified.


It is good but it..."
I agree. The whole book is definitely centered on his disability. But White Bird is a wonder story/historical fiction/graphic novel where Julian's grandmother is saved from the Nazis by a boy with a disability. That book would fit the challenge.

Very few children's books really capture me so I thought I'd mention this one in case it's helpful. It's really a unique read, well-written, and, best of all, not trite and not "inspiration porn."
Other contenders for me for this task were:
Freak the Mighty
The Bridge Home
Someday We Will Fly (*audio version w/Jayne Entwhistle!)
The Cay

Yes. I love Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine. The MC is on the autism spectrum, but it's mostly about grief and going on in the face of loss. I think I'll reread it. It's also about some of the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird.
I also heartily recommend The War That Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, for this category and possibly the historical fiction, too.

I haven't read this one yet, but from reviews I've skimmed, I think this might fit the challenge? Has anyone else read it?"
So. Good. And my pick for this category.

ADHD is a disorder that is a legal disability as are ASDs and mental illnesses and everything else that makes one neuroatypical. Everyone can define things as they wish in their own lives, but as a matter of US law ADHD is a disability so it is a fair choice.

ADHD is a disorder that is a legal disability as are ASDs and mental illnesses and everything else that makes one neuroatypical. Everyone can d..."
I am a disability rights attorney, and, yes, ADHD typically qualified as a disability under ADA. Just wanted push back a bit on the idea of "disorder." I know it's a term used by the medical field, but I don't like the implication that there's something wrong with a person simply because their brains work differently. Just something to think about...

ADHD is a disorder that is a legal disability as are ASDs and mental illnesses and everything else that makes one neuroatypic..."
I don't think I telegraphed that message, but if I did it was in error.






I read this one to my kids a few years ago; we all loved it!

Books mentioned in this topic
Odd and the Frost Giants (other topics)From Anna (other topics)
What Stars Are Made of (other topics)
Song for a Whale (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (other topics)Kathryn Erskine (other topics)
R.J. Palacio (other topics)
Berkeley Breathed (other topics)
Ade Adepitan (other topics)
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