Books matching: challenges faced by disabled individuals
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A must-read, compelling collection that will challenge, move, and expand your understanding - everyone should pick up Disability Visibility at least once.
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-first Century is a powerful anthology that brings together a diverse group of individuals with disabilities to share their personal stories and experiences. Through a collection of short essays, interview transcripts, articles, and creative prose, edited by Alice Wong, the book celebrates the universal nature of the disabled experience. Readers are taken on a journey that is raw, painful, beautiful, and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges, joys, discrimination, and resilience faced by those with disabilities in the modern world. The book is structured across four sections - Being, Becoming, Doing, and Connecting - each contributor leaving a piece of themselves within the pages, offering distinct voices and vivid experiences that highlight the intersectionality of disabled lives.
He insists he doesn’t want to kill me. He simply thinks it would have been better, all things considered, to have given my parents the option of killing the baby I once was and to let other parents ki...June 2020•230 pages- #2
Save:A unique, thoughtful YA read that shines a light on Deaf experiences and identity. Challenging in parts but rewarding - especially for those who want to see the world through someone else's eyes.
The Silence Between Us by Alison Gervais is a YA novel that follows the story of Maya, a deaf teenager navigating life in a hearing world. The book beautifully portrays the challenges and experiences faced by disabled individuals, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and respect for the Deaf community. Maya's journey unfolds as she copes with her hearing loss, adjusts to a new environment, and learns to embrace her identity while standing proud as a deaf person. Through Maya's interactions with others and her inner strength, the novel delves into themes of self-acceptance, relationships, and the complexities of living with a disability.
The author, Alison Gervais, skillfully weaves a narrative that rings true and resonates with readers, providing an authentic exploration of Deaf culture and experiences. The book offers insights into the Deaf community's history, challenges, and unique perspectives, shedding light on important issues such as cochlear implants, acceptance of deafness, and the shortage of interpreters. Through Maya's story, readers are invited to delve into a world where differences are celebrated, inner strength is admired, and the journey of self-discovery is both poignant and empowering.
I hadn’t set foot inside a hearing school in almost five years, and yet here Mom and I were, sitting in our minivan in the parking lot at Engelmann High School—a hearing school. We’d been waiting abou...August 2019•318 pages - #3
Save:A genre-bending, deeply thoughtful look at art, identity, and resilience - Death of the Author rewards readers who are ready for something a little different and a lot thought-provoking.
In "Death of the Author," Nnedi Okorafor presents a captivating story centered on Zelu, a disabled Nigerian American author who faces personal and professional challenges. After being cancelled and fired for her insensitivity towards students, Zelu finds solace and success in her new book, "Rusted Robots," which becomes an overnight sensation. This narrative intertwines her turbulent life with the fictional world of her novel, exploring themes of family trauma, creativity, and the complexities of identity through vivid character experiences.
The writing style blends literary and speculative elements, engaging readers with deep character studies while immersing them in futuristic concepts like AI and automation. Okorafor captures the nuances of immigrant experiences and familial relationships with authenticity and emotional depth. The book's structure allows for moments of introspection, and the shocking twist at the end leaves readers reflecting on the power of narrative. Overall, Okorafor's work is a unique, thought-provoking exploration that resonates well beyond traditional genre boundaries.
Honestly, I don’t see it. Even after everything, Zelu will always just be Zelu to me. What you think she is—it’s all made up. Life is short. Fortune is fleeting. Fame is just swirling dust. It’s peopl...January 2025•467 pages - #4
Save:The Chance to Fly is a heartwarming middle-grade novel about Nat, a 14-year-old girl who uses a wheelchair and is passionate about musical theater. The story follows her journey to secure a role in a theatrical production of Wicked while navigating challenges of accessibility and friendship. Written by Ali Stroker, a trailblazer in the theater world, and Stacy Davidowitz, it authentically portrays the struggles and triumphs faced by kids with disabilities.
The writing style is engaging and relatable, making it enjoyable for readers of all ages. The narrative blends humor, joy, and important life lessons, allowing readers to connect with Nat and her experiences. It tackles significant themes such as acceptance, support from friends and family, and the determination to pursue dreams, all while being set against the backdrop of a vibrant theater community.
April 2021•286 pages Honest, moving, and beautifully written - Sitting Pretty is a standout memoir that challenges and charms. Perfect for readers wanting a personal perspective on disability but may feel too intimate for those after broader analysis.
Rebekah Taussig's *Sitting Pretty* is a powerful reflection on the experiences of being a disabled woman, offering insight and emotion that resonates deeply with readers. The book combines personal stories and societal observations, creating an intimate conversation about topics like ableism, self-acceptance, and the everyday challenges that come with living in a body that differs from the norm. Taussig eloquently shares moments of empowerment and pain, guiding the audience through a world that is often overlooked.
The writing style is accessible and relatable, making readers feel as though they are having a heartfelt talk with a friend. Taussig's humor and honesty shine through as she navigates her life’s journey, from navigating relationships to simply moving through the world. This book is not just about disability; it celebrates resilience and encourages empathy, inviting everyone to reflect on inclusivity and kindness. With its rich storytelling, *Sitting Pretty* expands the discussion around disability, urging all readers to envision a future that embraces diversity in ability.
August 2020•238 pages- #6
Save:'All the Little Bird-Hearts' by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow is a heartwarming and heartbreaking novel that explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, friendships, and navigating the world as a neurodivergent person. The story revolves around Sunday, an autistic single mom, and her teenage daughter Dolly, whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of a charming couple, Vita and Rollo, as neighbors. As the families intertwine, newfound love and acceptance bring both joy and heartbreak, ultimately leading to a dark truth that lies beneath the surface of Vita and Rollo's charm.
The narrative is beautifully written in a first-person point of view, offering a unique perspective on parenthood through the lens of an autistic protagonist. The author's authentic portrayal of neurodiversity and the complexities of human relationships adds depth and poignancy to the story, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
It was only three years ago that I saw Vita for the first time. The day began as my days always did then, greeting a daughter for whom adolescence meant allowing me increasingly smaller glimpses of he...December 2023•273 pages - #7
Save:A raw, witty, and emotional take on teen life, friendship, and independence, but Parker’s fierce attitude and the slower, character-driven plot won’t be for everyone. Bring tissues, and maybe don’t expect neat happy endings.
Parker Grant is a sixteen-year-old blind girl who is dealing with the loss of her father and navigating the complexities of high school life. When her former best friend and heartbreaker reenters her life, Parker must confront her past and learn to let go in order to find her true self. The book explores themes of friendship, trust, and the challenges faced by a blind teenager, all while portraying Parker as a strong, independent character with a unique set of rules to navigate her world.
All true. The town of Coastview can’t support two high schools anymore, so Jefferson closed and everyone came here to Adams. The halls are so jammed with people who don’t know The Rules, and not just...December 2015•336 pages - #8
Save:'Just Friends' by Saxon James follows the story of Roo and Tanner, childhood best friends who navigate their way to a new relationship as they reunite after years apart. Roo, who struggles with epilepsy, returns to Oregon from Australia, and Tanner, dealing with dyslexia, has been waiting for him. The narrative delves into their journey of self-discovery, love, and friendship, set against the backdrop of a small town near Portland. The writing style captures the emotional struggles and growth of the characters, as well as the complexities of their relationships with each other and those around them.
And these thoughts aren’t gonna get me anywhere. My carefree smile is well practiced to hide how I’m really feeling, and it slips onto my face easily when I knock on the office door and the chief call...August 2020•303 pages - #9
Save:A chilling, character-focused ghost story with Indigenous roots and real emotional bite - more haunting and heartbreaking than outright scary, but absolutely worth a read if you want horror with substance and style.
The Whistler by Nick Medina is a haunting tale that interweaves two timelines. The story follows Henry Hotard, a man who becomes paralyzed after a tragic car accident. Now back on his childhood reservation, he grapples with his new life in a wheelchair while contending with mysterious hauntings that echo his troubled past. The novel is anchored by the tension of Henry's adjustment and the eerie events surrounding a cursed location called the Cadow house, where dark secrets linger. Medina’s writing is both engaging and atmospheric, filled with rich character development and emotional depth.
Their emotions and connections are palpable, drawing readers into the weight of their histories. Medina expertly crafts a narrative that blends horror with indigenous folklore, offering insights into the challenges faced by disabled individuals. The characters, especially Henry’s complexities and struggles, resonate well, though some readers may wish for more backstory on others like Jade and Toad. With its mix of suspense, grief, and cultural elements, The Whistler is a captivating read that highlights human resilience in the face of loss.
Whether Henry’s distress manifested before he woke in response to a nightmare he can’t remember or it only flooded his body the instant his eyelids opened isn’t clear, nor does it matter. What’s impor...September 2025•369 pages - #10
Save:Dark yet beautifully written, One Foot Wrong is unforgettable - worth reading if you're up for an intense, haunting journey told in a truly original voice.
One Foot Wrong by Sofie Laguna is a haunting tale that delves into the life of Hester, a young girl with learning difficulties, who is kept indoors by her deeply religious parents, Boot and Sack. Hester's only companions are inanimate objects, and her world is limited to the confines of her home until she is assessed fit to go to school. The novel unfolds in two halves, revealing a dark and strange narrative that explores themes of abuse, mental illness, and resilience through Hester's unique perspective and narration style.
I slept at the feet of Boot and Sack. My one small bed went longways across the end of their big one. If I turned my head in the night and the moon was shining through, I could see the hill of Boot’s...2008•249 pages
