Books matching: disability representation
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- #1
A fresh, compelling Beauty and the Beast retelling with big heart. Come for the fierce heroine and loyal friends, stay for the epic feels and political drama. Not perfect, but a great entry point for modern fairy tale and fantasy fans - you’ll probably want the sequel on hand!
'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' by Brigid Kemmerer is a unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in a fantasy world where a cursed king, Prince Rhen, is trapped in a time loop and seeks true love to break the curse. The story follows Harper, a teen girl with cerebral palsy, who is unexpectedly whisked away to Emberfall, the cursed kingdom. As Harper navigates this new world, she becomes Rhen's last hope to break the curse and save his kingdom from impending destruction. The book combines elements of magic, adventure, and romance, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The writing style of 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely' is praised for its fast-paced and gripping plot that seamlessly weaves together familiar Beauty and the Beast themes with unique twists and dark, creepy elements. Readers appreciate the dual point of view, particularly Harper's portrayal as a strong and independent heroine, and the accurate representation of cerebral palsy without it being perceived as a weakness. The book offers a refreshing take on classic fairy tales, with engaging characters, a well-developed world, and a storyline that keeps readers immersed in the fantasy realm of Emberfall.
CHAPTER ONE RHEN There is blood under my fingernails. I wonder how many of my people I’ve killed this time. I thrust my hands into the barrel beside the stables. The ice-cold water bites at my skin, b...January 2019•501 pages - #2
Is it groundbreaking? No. Is it incredibly entertaining? Absolutely! Fourth Wing is an unashamedly fun, emotionally-charged fantasy ride with dragons, romance, and nonstop twists - perfect if you want to lose yourself in a juicy page-turner.
'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros is a fantasy romance novel set in a world where dragons play a significant role. The story follows Violet, who forms a unique bond with her dragons, Tairn, Sgaeyl, and Andarna. As Violet navigates through a mysterious and dangerous problem brewing in the kingdom, she faces challenges, heartache, betrayals, and friendships that shape her character. The book is praised for its well-written banter, emotional moments, and mind-blowing naughty scenes between the characters. The plot twists, character development, and the strong chemistry between Violet and her dragons keep readers engaged in this page-turning story.
The book is described as a mix of adrenaline-filled scenes, soul-ripping moments, and tender romantic moments. The diverse cast of characters, including those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and from LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, adds depth to the story. The author's writing style is appreciated for its witty banter, comedic touches, and the ability to immerse readers fully into the world she has created, making 'Fourth Wing' a captivating and engaging read.
I tighten the straps of my heavy canvas rucksack and trudge up the wide staircase of the stone fortress I call home. My chest heaves with exertion, my lungs burning by the time I reach the stone corri...May 2023 - #3
A thoughtful, thought-provoking, and quietly gripping YA sci-fi with a standout autistic lead. Highly recommended for readers who like their end-of-the-world stories with heart, nuance, and real diversity.
'On the Edge of Gone' by Corinne Duyvis follows the story of Denise, a young, black, autistic girl, as she navigates an apocalyptic world where a massive comet is about to strike Earth. Denise's journey involves trying to save her family, including her drug-addicted mother and missing sister, while also dealing with her own struggles due to her autism. The novel is praised for its diverse representation, gripping plot, and thought-provoking exploration of survival, family dynamics, and acceptance in the face of catastrophe.
I was still at the Way Station animal shelter thirty minutes after I’d planned to leave—the tomcat who’d been brought in the month before had finally dared approach my lap and I hadn’t wanted to scare...March 2016•471 pages - #4
Gritty, clever, and full of personality, "Borderline" is a refreshing urban fantasy with a deeply human protagonist. It's a must-try for fans who want something different and aren't afraid to explore the messy, real sides of magic and mental health.
"Borderline" in the series "The Arcadia Project" by Mishell Baker follows the story of Millie Roper, a borderline personality disorder amputee who gets recruited into a secret agency called the Arcadia Project. The agency manages humanity's relationship with the fae, who are the source of human creativity. Millie, along with a group of misfits with mental health issues, navigates the complexities of Hollywood, fey politics, and supernatural crimes. The writing style is described as fast-paced, character-driven, and filled with clever world-building that blends urban fantasy with elements of the fey.
It was midmorning on a Monday when magic walked into my life wearing a beige Ann Taylor suit and sensible flats. At the time I had more money than sense, and so I had been languishing at the Leishman...March 2016•400 pages - #5
A fun, spicy, and surprisingly heartfelt rom-com that brings representation and real-life struggles to the romance genre. Recommended for fans of smart heroines, cinnamon roll heroes, and anyone after a modern love story with emotional depth - just be ready for open-door steam and some classic romance beats!
'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' by Talia Hibbert follows the story of Chloe Brown, a quirky web designer living with chronic health issues, who embarks on a journey to break out from her boring life. She creates a list of new experiences to try and enlists the help of Redford Morgan, the building superintendent, to guide her. Despite starting out as adversaries, Chloe and Red's relationship progresses believably, leading to a cute and steamy romance. The book skillfully weaves in themes of chronic pain, abusive relationships, and disability, all while maintaining a balance between humor and meaningful discussions.
The writing style in 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' is described as charming, funny, and heartwarming. The characters, especially Chloe and Red, are portrayed as real, funny, and troubled individuals rather than perfect romance stereotypes. The novel delves into important topics like chronic pain and abusive relationships with care and emotional intelligence, making it a refreshing and engaging contemporary romance read.
“You’re the best superintendent we’ve ever had,” she cooed from the bathroom doorway, clasping one wrinkled hand to her bony chest. Her shock of white hair fairly quivered with emotion. Bit of a drama...November 2019•385 pages - #6
A brilliant, character-driven fantasy debut with found family, gritty adventure, and rich rep - give it a shot if you're patient with slow builds and love stories about unlikely bonds. Bring on the sequel!
'Godkiller' by Hannah Kaner is a debut fantasy novel that follows the protagonist Kissen and her companions on a journey filled with self-discovery, growth, and challenges. The plot involves a quest where the characters face personal struggles, navigate complex relationships, and encounter unexpected twists. The writing style is described as engaging, with multiple point-of-view chapters that provide insight into the thoughts and feelings of each character, ultimately leading to a heartfelt final stand and a surprising twist that keeps readers engaged.
IT WAS HARD TO KILL A GOD IN ITS ELEMENT. KISSEN reminded herself of that with every cursed step she took up the steep hilled slopes of midwestern Middren, Talicia’s once more powerful neighbour. That...September 2023•299 pages - #7
Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino is a heartwarming story that follows Lilah, a deaf junior counselor at a summer camp, as she navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her place in a world that may not fully understand her. Through Lilah's perspective, readers get a glimpse into the Deaf culture, the struggles of being hard of hearing, and the importance of communication. The book beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, romance, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a summer camp for individuals with disabilities.
No one knows my deafness as well as I do. There isn’t a single test that can truly get inside my head and understand how I’m experiencing the world. Doctors, parents, and strangers like to chime in wi...July 2023•319 pages - #8
Heartwarming, funny, and full of empathy - Aven's story will charm kids and adults alike, though some mature readers might wish for a more nuanced exploration of certain themes.
'Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus' by Dusti Bowling follows the story of Aven Green, a 13-year-old girl born without arms, who moves to Arizona with her family to manage a run-down theme park called Stagecoach Pass. Aven faces the challenges of starting eighth grade in a new school where her disability makes her stand out. Despite this, she befriends Connor, a classmate with Tourette's, and together they uncover mysteries at the theme park while navigating friendship, empathy, and tolerance. The writing style captures the middle school years realistically, with superb characterization and a spunky narrator that makes the story engaging and thought-provoking.
When I was little, a kid pointed at me on the playground and shouted, “Her arms fell off!” then ran away screaming in terror to his mom, who had to cuddle him on her lap and rub his head for like ten...September 2017•286 pages - #9
A suspenseful, science-soaked horror story with killer mermaids, vibrant representation, and thought-provoking themes - just be prepared for a slow start and a splash of gore. Perfect for fans of smart, scary creature features and speculative thrillers!
'Into the Drowning Deep' by Mira Grant follows a crew on the ship Melusine as they venture to the Mariana Trench to investigate the disappearance of a previous crew who encountered killer mermaids. The story is described as a mix of horror, science fiction, and adventure, with a focus on the tension between humans and the predatory mermaids. The narrative is filled with gore, tension, and twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the crew faces the terrifying creatures of the deep.
TheMonterey Dream pulled away from the dock at a slow, easy pace, drawing gasps of astonished delight from the tourists crowding her decks. The crowd was good for a morning whale-watching expedition:...November 2017•517 pages - #10
A thoughtful, distinctive spin on zombie survival that blends heartbreak, grit, and warmth. Not your typical apocalypse - fans of diverse rep and new approaches to old genres should give it a try!
'Survival Kit' in the series 'Disabled in the Age of Zombies' by A.H. Haga follows the story of Kit, a wheelchair-bound protagonist dealing with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in a zombie apocalypse. The setting in Norway adds a unique twist to the typical zombie story, introducing challenges like limited guns and a different way of the zombie outbreak spreading. The plot is fast-paced, well-written, and focuses on the relationship between Kit and her wife Shadia, showcasing their strength, bravery, and love for each other as they navigate the post-apocalyptic world.
The author, A.H. Haga, infuses new mechanics and concepts into the tired zombie genre, presenting a story that is unique, bittersweet, and filled with strong characters. The writing style includes elements of own voices disability representation, showcasing Kit's disability in a respectful and creative manner, while also highlighting the adaptive nature of the characters in facing the challenges posed by the undead and the world they live in.
“All empty,” I answered as I bent and picked it up. I didn’t bother looking through it, knowing it would contain medication, food, water, and blankets. The things we deemed most important. We’d talked...December 2020•270 pages










