For the mama who likes to read, our friends at SWAN have some great recommendations for the disability parenting world varying from parenting a child with a rare syndrome to books that explore the importance of looking after ourselves as parent-carers.
You’ll also find some great reads suitable for children too, including the importance of diversity and kindness.
Books for Parents
Becoming Chief – How to lead your child’s special needs tribe – Cathy Love
Dancing with the Maternal Bond by Thea Calzoni
No such thing as a silly question – a practical guide for families living with a child with chronic illness, disability, mental illness or a life-threatening condition, Published by Very Special Kids in partnership with the Gandel Charitable Trust – Download a pdf version here
Rare as a Blue Moon – An Introduction to Rare Disease Advocacy by Cayla Xue
Special: Antidotes to the obsessions that come with a child’s disability – by Melanie Dimmitt
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family: A Resource Book for Good Mental Health – John Ashfield – Download a pdf version here
The Invisible Life of Us – Welcome to the Joyous, Messy, Colourful World of Parenting Kids with Additional Needs – by Kate Jones, Mandy Hose
The Patient Advocate Handbook: How to Find and Use Your Voice in Health Care by Liz Crocker and Claire Crocker
The Ripple Effect – Consider the Impact – by Veronica Sullivan & Meagan Wuchatsch, Melbourne City Mission – Download a pdf version here
What will happen to my Special Needs Child when I am gone: A Detailed Guide to Secure Your Child’s Emotional and Financial Future Paperback by Susan Jules
Books for Children
A Heart Warrior’s Beauty Marks by Mrs. Sarah Wilson (Author), Mrs. Judi Ludwig (Editor), Mr. Vlado Trtic (Illustrator)
A Very Special GIFT by Laura Loyola
Charlie the Courageous by Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
Exclamation Point by Saul M. Solano Jr. (Author)
Extraordinary! A Book for Children with Rare Diseases Paperback by Evren and Kara Ayik (Author), Ian Dale (Illustrator)
Henry Has Heart Surgery by Stephanie B Johnson (Author)
I Am Me Paperback by Tristan Towns (Author), Lacey Howard (Author), Whimsical Designs by CJ (Illustrator
I Am Lucy by Chuck Neighbors (Author), Chris Kielesinski (Illustrator)
It’s OK to be Different: A Children’s Picture Book About Diversity and Kindness by Sharon Purtill (Author), Sujata Saha (Illustrator)
Just Like Me!: A Book About A Girl with a Rare Disease by Anne Rugari
Kindness is my Superpower: A children’s Book About Empathy, Kindness and Compassion by Alicia Ortego
Max and Abby: A sibling journey with Batten Disease by Ineka Whiteman (author) and Deborah Moore (illustrator). See the book on the BDSRA website
Secret Little Superheroes: A story and colouring book for children about to undergo open heart surgery by Jenny Desai (Author) and Fernanda Galizi (Illustrator)
Some Kids Use Wheelchairs: (Understanding Differences) by Lola M. Schaefer
Taking Seizure Disorders to School: A Story About Epilepsy (Special Kids in School) by Kim Gosselin (Author), Moss Friedman (Illustrator)
The abilities in me: Congenital heart defect by Gemma Keir (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
The abilities in me: Epilepsy by Gemma Keir Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
The abilities in me: Speech Delay by Gemma Keir (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
The abilities in me: Tracheostomy by Gemma Keir (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
The abilities in me: Tube Feeding by Gemma Keir (Author), Adam Walker-Parker (Illustrator)
Undercover Superhero: The Story of a Boy and a Rare Disease by Kent Raddatz (Author), Kevin and Judy Cushman (Author), Amy Elaine Raddatz (Contributor)
Who Do You See When You Look at Me?– Inspirational Books for Kids, Teaches Lessons of Disability Awareness, Kindness and Acceptance by Angela Ray Rodgers & Grace Anna
You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion Hardcover by Margaret O’Hair (Author), Sofia Sanchez (Author), Sofia Cardoso (Illustrator)
Zeeba and the Seizure by Michaela Barnes
Zip-Line – by David Humphreys
