Centering Ability Diversity
5% of 2023 Picture Books Centered Disabled, or, Anti-Ableist Characters
Per the 2023 diversity statistics compiled by the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC).
This statistic refers only to inclusion and not to how people with diverse abilities are portrayed.
How are a diversity of abilities welcomed in your space?
Further reading: Hollins, K.G. and Schlessinger, S.L. (2024), Beyond representation: Using nonfiction children's literature to address ableism. Read Teach. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.2289
Notice the Messages
Including books that center everyday stories of people with a diversity of abilities matters. Pay attention to both what the words and images say, and what messages they carry.
A Sampling
These are a few of the books we recommend.
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