From physical disabilities to neurodivergence, these stories with a disability rep make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
Disability representation in books has come a long way. Only a few years ago, you’d be starved to find many stories with a wheelchair under its protagonist or a hero with a hearing aid. Now, we’re spoiled with so many great books with a disability rep that we can even make a list of them (and whittle that list down to 11 great reads).
Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales or action-packed adventures, these 11 books get disability rep just right:
1. The Kiss Quotient
by Helen Hoang
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Stella Lane, a numerical wiz with Asperger’s, is far more comfortable with math than she is with people. Deciding she needs real-world practice on the dating scene, she bravely hires Michael Phan—a professional escort—to teach her the ins and outs of perfecting romance.
This cute, charming and even sexy story is at its best when the business arrangement turns into a sweet romance with two imperfect, lovable people. This is a unique rom-com with plenty of heart and all the feels.
2. El Deafo
by Cece Bell
Genre: Graphic Novel / Memoir (Middle Grade)
Memoir meets graphic novel in this first-hand narrative based on author Cece Bell’s own experiences growing up deaf. Navigating school was not easy with a new hearing aid, and so Cece imagines herself as a superhero, with the absolutely awesome name, El Deafo!
As you can tell by her chosen hero name, Cece has an excellent sense of humor. In El Deafo, she gives us both a good laugh and a touching story about fitting in and finding your own superpowers, all while giving great deaf representation for younger readers.
3. The Silence Between Us
by Alison Gervais
Genre: Contemporary (YA)
The Silence Between Us is so much more than just a story about a girl with a disability, which is why it’s one of my favorites on this list. When Maya moves to a new school after becoming deaf, she faces pretty daunting challenges for a youngster, from learning to lip-read to understanding how to use her cochlear implant. But Maya is fierce and determined, and the book does an excellent job of balancing her identity with her everyday life.
It’s full of real, relatable moments for both teens and adults. You’ll fall in love with Maya very quickly and will be rooting for her at every turn.
4. Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy
What sets Kaz Brekker apart other than being a criminal mastermind is that he has a limp and uses a cane. But his disability doesn’t limit his ambition. Author Leigh Bardugo crafts a dark, thrilling fantasy with a diverse cast of characters in Six of Crows, where Kaz’s disability is just part of who he is—but that doesn’t stop him from leading one of the most daring heists you’ll ever read about.
5. Not If I See You First
by Eric Lindstrom
Genre: Contemporary (YA)
Parker Grant has one rule: don’t treat her differently just because she can’t see. Sharp, funny and blunt as hell, Parker is a protagonist you’ll root for as she deals with high school drama, friendship and love—all while navigating life without sight. It’s a fresh take on YA romance with a lead who knows exactly who she is.
6. A Curse So Dark and Lonely
by Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: Fantasy (YA)
While Harper—our heroine of this modern-day Beauty and the Beast retelling—has cerebral palsy, don’t expect a damsel in distress here. She’s tough, determined and seriously ready to break a curse that’s haunted a prince’s kingdom in this awesome fantasy from one of the most prolific YA writers in the last decade.
With its blend of fantasy and strong disability representation, this adventurous book brings a very refreshing twist to a much-loved genre.
7. Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Genre: Science Fiction (YA)
Our heroine Cinder is a cyborg with a prosthetic limb, and far from a passive princess, she’s a mechanic who gets caught up in a rebellion while trying to uncover her own mysterious past. Meyer creates a futuristic world where Cinder’s disability isn’t her weakness, it’s her strength.
I never thought I’d read a sci-fi retelling of Cinderella, but here we are… and I’m incredibly satisfied with the result.
8. The Running Dream
by Wendelin Van Draanen
Genre: Contemporary (YA)
Jessica was a track star until she lost her leg in a car accident. Now she’s struggling with how to redefine herself as a person and an athlete. We’ve listed this beautiful book before in our list of great running books.
This novel is inspiring without being preachy, with a heartfelt message about resilience and rediscovery. Perfect for anyone looking for a hopeful, uplifting read.
9. A Time to Dance
by Padma Venkatraman
Genre: Novel-in-Verse (YA)
This beautifully written novel-in-verse tells the story of Veda, a dancer who loses part of her leg in an accident. Despite the loss, Veda’s love for dance drives her to find new ways to express herself. It’s a stunning journey of self-discovery and determination with a lyrical writing style that will pull you in.
Don’t be daunted by the novel-in-verse in this beautiful disability representation book. Even though it’s not the style you’re likely used to, there’s a poeticism to it that will have you bouncing to each step in every chapter.
10. The War That Saved My Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Genre: Historical Fiction (Middle Grade)
Set during World War II, this middle-grade novel follows Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who’s been mistreated by her mother. When Ada is evacuated from London, she gets to experience freedom and kindness for the first time. And what it teaches her is that her disability doesn’t define her.
Lovers of historical fiction will find this a moving, heartwarming story with a powerful message of hope and healing.
11. Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens
edited by Marieke Nijkamp
Genre: Short Stories
To round out our list, here’s an anthology of stories centered around disabled teens. It doesn’t discriminate with genres, with fantasy and sci-fi joining general contemporary and the like, and the diverse experiences you’ll read about are just as refreshing. It celebrates the disabilities of each character, showing them live their lives fully and enjoyably, despite what others may deem as handicaps.
The multiple perspectives really makes Unbroken a well-rounded read, giving a broad spectrum of insight into life with a disability. I highly recommend this powerful group of stories.
There you go, 11 excellently written works that prove there’s a huge market for books with a disability rep. Go check them out!