6 Touching Books about People With Disabilities
Discover inspiring stories that celebrate the resilience and triumphs of people with disabilities
The world is definitely changing and inclusion feels like a trend these days. People with disabilities are no longer seen as a difficulty. Instead, there are programs to integrate them into the society like anyone else. But there are still some misconceptions about them.
In today's world, anything can be a disability. At the same time, any disability can be a motivational boost that can help you succeed in life. That's why so many people with disabilities manage to do well in life, even better than most around them.
I won’t take you through a whole ethical essay about disabilities, but let me introduce you to some of the best books about people with disabilities.
To me, most of these books were motivational. They're educational as well, as you get to learn more about the struggles some people live with.
But at the same time, if these people made it, there’s nothing more inspirational than that. Anyway, let’s go through this amazing list with a few touching recommendations.
What Are Touching Books about People With Disabilities?
Unstoppable, by Matthew Kenslow (2023)
I’ve seen this book described with three simple words on most review websites. Limitless with autism. That was enough to convince me, to be honest with you. The book is written from the author’s point of view, who has always struggled with autism. Did that stop him from achieving his goals? Not really, no.
Autism didn’t stand a chance in front of Matthew Kenslow. The problem with autism is that those around you barely give you a chance. That’s what he had to fight against. Despite all the standstills and setbacks, he has managed to find joy in what he does today by proving his skills and competence.
Unstoppable is a touching story that shows how far perseverance can get you. As someone with disabilities, there's obviously discrimination, not to mention the lack of opportunities. Matthew Kenslow ignored all these.
Instead, he took on one of the harshest teaching programs in California, only to get his credentials.
His book describes the struggle, as well as what it took him to get to this point. Apart from being a renowned author, he’s also a substitute teacher in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, as he’s waiting for the full time role.
Often referred to as the best sub in the district, he’s taught others that misconceptions are nothing but temporary setbacks, so working against all these can take them wherever they dream. Definitely a motivational story you just cannot miss.
Sitting Pretty, by Rebekah Taussig (2021)
Rebekah Taussig is an Instagram sensation and for some good reasons. To be honest, she popped up as a suggestion one day, so I ended up following her. Then, I found out about her book, got it and discovered one of the most touching books about people with disabilities, an absolute hit.
Growing up as a paralyzed girl, her disability was seen as an issue. Everything about her life related to pain somehow, as well as a lack of comfort. But she had a few more options. Instead, she saw it as an inspirational issue and turned it into a fulfilling journey.
This book helped me understand what it feels like to live in a body that doesn’t feel right. The author went through everything. From the kindness around her to charity work and even intimacy, she explores her life and the impact of a disability on her everyday activities.
Whether directly or not, she feels like disability can affect each of us in one way or another. It feels weird, but once you get through this book, you’ll understand. Sitting Pretty challenges your views, but also the entire society we’re part of.
It’s about being patient and adopting a more practical approach. It’s about using the imagination to build a completely different story that can reshape the world. To me, it just put everything in a completely different light, almost as if I was in the author’s body myself.
Disfigured, by Amanda Leduc (2020)
I think this is a classic. If you’re looking for books about people with disabilities, this should be one of the first books to start with. It’s gained quite a few awards over the past few years. It is, indeed, a classic, yet it’s pretty new too.
I loved the concept behind it, that’s what drew my attention in the first place. The author said fairy tales reshape the way we see the world around us. However, what happens when you identify with the beast, rather than the beauty? What happens when you’re on the other side of the scenario?
I thought about it for a minute. To be honest, we all go through this every now and then. And if we don’t, there are others around us feeling down.
If every disabled person in the world would be treated badly, could the beast ever dream about a happily ever after? Exactly. Now, if you’re used to me writing about memoirs, this book is different.
Amanda Leduc looks at all kinds of popular fairy tales and shows us how they affect our expectations. Whether in terms of looks or behavior, she celebrates difference through this book by focusing on the other direction.
It’s a touching way to see things. It makes you think twice about it and the influence we’re bombed with on a daily basis, whether from newspapers and movies. And it does open your eyes, trust me.
Being Heumann, by Judith Heumann (2020)
This book comes from one of the most popular disability rights in the USA, so it's obviously written with passion in mind. It describes all the struggles one may go through, from fighting for education to getting a job. But to be honest, to me, this book is more about struggling to be a human being.
I know it sounds grim, but that’s exactly what it is. The book tells a story of fighting to belong and be accepted in a world that was built for someone else. It took a lifetime to achieve everything, but the author did it. She gained the respect she asked for, as well as the overall inclusion in an adapting society.
Paralyzed because of polio while still a baby, Judy’s battle began early. Often referred to as a fire hazard in childhood, she had to fight to attend grade school. And years later, she had to continue this fight in order to get a teaching license.
Her actions went further and showcased her political activism as well. After all, she’s the person behind the Americans with Disabilities Act. Is there anything more inspiring than that?
Haben, by Haben Girma (2020)
I didn’t know it either, but Haben Girma is the first deafblind person to ever graduate from the Harvard Law School and if that’s not convincing enough for you, I don’t know what else could push you to read one of the most motivational memoirs I’ve ever been through.
This is the type of story that takes you from stages of isolation and drama to being on top of the world. It’s true, her motivation was different, as she absorbed all the refugee drama her parents have been through during the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
It’s the type of story that forced her to go beyond the limit. And her story could do the same for most of us too.
Like I said before, Haben sees things in the same manner. Disability isn’t really a disability, but an opportunity to do things differently. An opportunity for innovation. It’s a thrilling book that will challenge everything you know about disabilities.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, by Jean-Dominique Bauby (1998)
This book frightened me a little. It’s one of the best books about people with disabilities because it describes an impossible mission. The author suffered from the locked in syndrome. Basically, he was paralyzed from head to toe, but fully conscious and aware of what happened.
He had one muscle he could use after this killer stroke, his left eyelid. He used it to dictate the book letter by letter.
The stroke occurred in 1995. With a successful career and a beautiful family, no one expected the disaster. His book showcases a haunting experience I can’t even describe in words. It’s just something so harrowing, being locked inside your own body.
The story is so fascinating that it was obviously turned into a movie in 2007. It’s the story of a triumph of the strong human spirit. It challenges everything you know about life and to me personally, it made me realize life can change overnight.
It looks like you have everything, but everything could end tomorrow. It’s the type of book that makes you appreciate life and those around you like nothing else.
Final Thought on Books about People With Disabilities
Bottom line, I can probably go on with a few other books about people with disabilities. However, if you’re looking for something touching, this list should be more than enough. From motivation and inspiration to innovation and appreciation of life, there’s a bit of everything to reshape your beliefs on disabilities.
Feel free to check our book selection in this topic dedicated for parents.