The World Works Better With Us: Celebrating Disability Pride Month 2026
July marks Disability Pride Month, an annual celebration that honors the diverse identities, culture, and contributions of the disability community. It also commemorates a historic milestone: the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990.
At its core, disability pride means rejecting the stigma surrounding disability, embracing it as a natural part of human diversity, and expecting fundamental dignity and equal access. This year, the national theme established by The Arc is “The World Works Better With Us.” This theme highlights a simple truth: when individuals with disabilities are fully included, respected, and empowered, our schools, workplaces, public spaces, and entire communities flourish.
The CBC invites you to explore our curated list of recently published titles featuring individuals who are not just living—but genuinely thriving—with disabilities. To learn more about the history of the ADA and current policy, as well as ways to become a true ally, be sure to check out these resources:
- The Arc: Disability Pride Month 2026: What It Is, the 2026 Theme, and How to Celebrate
- Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution
- The Administration for Community Living: ADA History – In Their Own Words
- The American Bar Association: Celebrating Disability Pride Month
- American Disability Rights Inc.: Stand up for inclusivity, equality, and empowerment
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
All About Us: 20 True Tales of Courage and Disability, by Hannalora Leavitt; illustrated by Stef Wong (Orca), ages 9–12.
Meet twenty inspiring kids and adults living with disability today—from journalists and NASA scientists to TikTok stars and Paralympians. Exploring intellectual, sensory, physical, and invisible disabilities, this book shows how every condition has its own unique set of adaptations for daily life. It is a fantastic introduction and a much-needed resource that belongs in all libraries.
Book Themes: Biography / Memoir, Disabilities, Neurodiversity, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism
Casting April, by Wendy Lu (Penguin Young Readers), ages 7–12.
Sixth-grader April Xue lives and breathes all things Broadway, but her dream of acting is devastated when she is assigned to the stage crew because of her disability. With the help of her best friend, a sneaky student reporter, and her spirited castmates, she learns to confront her insecurities and advocate for herself. This debut novel with a lot of soul is a heartwarming story of friendship, identity, and chasing your dreams.
Book Themes: Art / Performing Arts, Disabilities, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Social Emotional Learning
Dino Mode Activated, by Jen Wallace; illustrated by Alan O’Rourke (Little Island Books), ages 5–7.
Following the success of Dinosaur Pie, award-winning author Jen Wallace returns with another hilarious and moving dinosaur adventure featuring neurodivergent characters. Oleg’s new camera has no instructions and no buttons, but it seems to know exactly what he wants it to do—including activating a chaos-inducing “Dino Mode.” When dinosaurs of all sizes overrun their camping trip, the friends must quickly commence Operation Hide the Dinos.
Book Themes: Animals, Humor, Neurodiversity, Action / Adventure
Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant, by Craig Barr-Green; illustrated by Francis Martin (Kane Miller), ages 3–9.
Gina Kaminski is back to tell you three facts, starting with the truth that the story of Jack and the Beanstalk is full of big mistakes! This empowering choose-your-own-adventure retelling challenges the traditional narratives we are told by putting a confident, autistic character at its heart. It is a wonderfully vibrant story that celebrates a heroine solving problems entirely on her own terms.
Book Themes: Neurodiversity, Disabilities, Folklore / Fairytales / Myths, Social Emotional Learning
Hobie the Bear, by Meghan Arcuri; illustrated by Jess Rose (Lawley Publishing), ages 3–9.
Hobie the bear is different from the other cubs—he moves, plays, and even eats differently. When his friends want to try new things, he wonders if he can do them too, but there is only one way to find out! This sweet story about inclusivity and perseverance aims to highlight those with physical disabilities, celebrating their efforts and the parents who support them.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Kindness / Generosity / Support, Mental / Physical Health, Social Emotional Learning
I Spark Like Lightning: A book about epilepsy, by Jenna Elyse Johnson; illustrated by Sue Teodoro (Free Spirit Publishing), ages 5–9.
Eight-year-old Jen explains what it is like to live with epilepsy and navigate the “lightning storms” that sometimes spark through her brain. Supported by her loving family, friends, and her dedicated service dog, Hamilton, Jen manages her seizures and learns to appreciate the lightning as a unique part of who she is. Drawn from the author’s lived experience, this book beautifully centers disabled voices to celebrate disability joy and self-acceptance.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Mental / Physical Health, Social Emotional Learning, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism
Maysoon Zayid, the Girl Who Can Can, by Seema Yasmin; illustrated by Noha Habaieb (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), ages 7–12.
In her dreams, New Jersey-born Maysoon is Mimi—an amazing actress, comedian, and dancer, but people keep telling her that her dreams are impossible. As a Palestinian Muslim girl born with cerebral palsy, she faces all sorts of physical and societal challenges but refuses to give up. This exciting nonfiction chapter book follows her heart all the way to the screen and stage to become one of America’s first-ever Muslim women comedians.
Book Themes: Biography / Memoir, Disabilities, BIPOC Characters and Creators, Mental / Physical Health
More Than What Eyes See: A book about blindness, by Miso Kwak; illustrated by Thaís Mesquita (Free Spirit Publishing / Knopf Books for Young Readers), ages 5–9.
Written with refreshing honesty, this insightful book invites readers to look past common misconceptions and understand what living with blindness is truly like. Through authentic personal narratives, it highlights how blind individuals navigate a world not always built for them, finding creative adaptations and joy along the way. It serves as an essential, eye-opening tool for building deep empathy and genuine community allyship.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Daily Life, Social Emotional Learning, Kindness / Generosity / Support
No Brain the Same: Neurodivergent Young Activists Shaping Our Future, edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley; illustrated by Jeanette Bradley (Charlesbridge / Penguin Workshop), ages 5–9.
This inspiring collection of poems and biographies spotlights the incredible work of contemporary neurodivergent youth activists who are fighting for a better world. From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and tourette’s, these young leaders prove that our differences can be our greatest strengths when it comes to organizing, advocating, and leading communities. It serves as a powerful, beautiful roadmap for anyone looking to make a difference on their own terms.
Book Themes: Neurodiversity, Disabilities, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Biography / Memoir
Professor Thomas Cat’s Guide to Understanding the Human Brain, by Rachael Allen; illustrated by Miguel Díaz Rivas (American Psychological Association / Magination Press), ages 9–Teen (12+).
Join the brilliant Professor Thomas Cat for an entertaining, deeply informative journey inside the mysteries of the human mind. This accessible guide breaks down the science of neurodiversity, helping older kids understand how different brains process everything from emotions to learning styles. It’s a wonderful blend of science, humor, and social-emotional learning that fosters self-acceptance and deep empathy.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Neurodiversity, Science / Nature, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism
Roxie in Color, by Diane Debrovner, Stacy Cervenka (Candlewick Press), ages 9–12.
Ten-year-old Roxie is determined to prove that being low-vision doesn’t mean living life in grayscale, especially when she sets her sights on a competitive regional art contest. Navigating changing family dynamics and school friendships, Roxie relies on her vibrant imagination and support network to color outside the lines. This engaging middle-grade novel is an uplifting celebration of creative expression, accessibility, and resilience.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Family / Community, Friendships, Social Emotional Learning
Sandy Writes Her Story, by Jo Pittman; illustrated by Tim Knickerbocker (Rootstock), ages 3–9.
Sandy loves sharing her thoughts with the world, but traditional writing presents unique challenges that require creative solutions. With a bit of kindness, encouragement from her community, and a reliable system of support, she finds her voice and discovers that her story is absolutely worth telling. A sweet and gentle picture book that focuses on communication accessibility and the joy of self-expression.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Social Emotional Learning, Kindness / Generosity / Support
The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen’s World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities, by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, Rick Hansen; illustrated by Emma FitzGerald (Owlkids), ages 5–9.
This compelling biographical story follows athlete Rick Hansen’s legendary 40,000-kilometer wheelchair marathon across 34 countries to prove the potential of people with disabilities. Facing exhaustion and steep terrain, Rick’s historic journey captured the world’s imagination and raised vital funds and awareness for accessibility. It remains a gripping, high-energy look at a global movement that forever shifted societal barriers.
Book Themes: Biography / Memoir, Disabilities, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Sports / Games / Recreation
Tic-errific Me: A book about Tourette syndrome, by Alicia Meyers; illustrated by Cait Brennan (Free Spirit Publishing / Salaam Reads), ages 5–7, 7–9.
Written with warmth and honesty, this picture book demystifies Tourette syndrome by guiding readers through the daily life and unique adaptations of its young protagonist. Balancing school, friendship, and standard routines, the story emphasizes that tics are just one part of a multi-faceted, joyful identity. It’s an essential, compassionate tool for classrooms and libraries seeking to normalize neurodiverse experiences.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Social Emotional Learning, Daily Life, Kindness / Generosity / Support
Uncommonly Curious, Eternally Autistic: A book about autism, by Rasha Hamid; illustrated by Rachael and Phillippa Corcutt (Free Spirit Publishing), ages 5–7.
Celebrate the beauty of an inquisitive mind in this vibrant picture book that explores the sensory world and passions of an autistic child. Centering on themes of everyday kindness, community support, and routine, the text highlights the importance of creating environments where neurodivergent kids feel truly understood. It offers a beautifully direct, validating perspective on navigating the world authentically.
Book Themes: Neurodiversity, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Kindness / Generosity / Support, Daily Life
Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen, by James Robinson; illustrated by Brian Rea (Penguin Young Readers), ages 9–Teen (12+).
In this deeply moving, visually striking memoir, James Robinson shares a raw and honest account of living with a visual impairment in a society hyper-focused on sight. Through personal anecdotes laced with humor and vulnerability, the narrative explores the challenges of seeking connection while fighting for personal agency. It stands as a profound, eye-opening exploration of empathy, disability advocacy, and finding true community acceptance.
Book Themes: Disabilities, Biography / Memoir, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Kindness / Generosity / Support
For more inspiring reads, be sure to visit our full Disability Pride booklist!
