List
Perspectives on Disability
It's an exciting time for disability representation in fiction. More fiction books than ever are being written by disabled authors, featuring their own often-overlooked experiences, and we suspect that in the near future we'll be seeing many more standout titles. We've put together a sampling of fiction books across the spectrum of disability experience, from visible to invisible and physical to mental.
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True Biz
2022 by Nović, SaraGet this itemA moving and insightful coming-of-age story that discusses discrimination against and within the Deaf community from multiple perspectives. A great pick for those who watched and enjoyed the movies Sound of Metal and CODA. The author, Sara Novic, is Deaf, an instructor on Deaf studies, and a Deaf rights activist. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Good Kings Bad Kings
2013 by Nussbaum, SusanGet this itemResidents and staff at a Chicago facility for physically disabled teens find ways to push back against a culture of neglect. The result is hilarious and heartbreaking, wonky and righteously angry, and unironically life-affirming. Seven characters offer a range of perspectives (one is inspired by a mural that another finds extremely condescending) that will challenge any preconceptions the reader brings. Suggested by Andrew.
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All the Little Bird-Hearts
2023 by Lloyd-Barlow, ViktoriaGet this itemLonglisted for Booker Prize and runner-up for the Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (ADCI) Literary Prize, this book has received some well-deserved attention. Sunday, who uses Sicilian folklore and a book of manners as her guiding principles, is drawn into a whirlwind relationship with her new neighbors, and ends up looking at her family relationships, especially with her 16-year-old daughter, differently as a result. Because of the novel’s late-1980s, English-countryside setting, Sunday doesn’t have an explicit understanding of herself as an autistic woman, but the author writes from an undeniably autistic perspective. Suggested by Amy.
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Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake
2022 by Eddings, MazeyGet this itemWhen baker Lizzie finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, Australian Rake decides to move to Philadelphia to give their relationship a try. This delightful romance featuring a main character with ADHD is funny, sweet, and steamy! Suggested by Brenna.
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Romance in Marseille
2020 by McKay, ClaudeGet this itemBuried in an archive for almost 90 years (though it wouldn't be hard to believe it was written in 2020), this is a pioneering novel of physical disability, transatlantic travel, and Black international politics. A vital document of Black modernism and one of the earliest overtly queer novels in the African American tradition. Suggested by Chris.
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Out on A Limb
2024 by Bonam-Young, HannahGet this itemThis incredibly delightful contemporary romance showcases disability love and joy. Win and Bo both wear a pirate costume at a Halloween party and find that they have lots in common. They both live with a disability and are reeling from broken hearts from hurtful relationships. Things take a turn when they both find themselves to be expectant parents. The author lovingly and sensitively portrays Win’s and Bo’s emotional journeys in their relationship from acquaintances to friends to something more and their candid discussion about disability. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Kissing Kosher
2023 by Meltzer, JeanGet this itemAuthor Jean Meltzer does not shy away from talking about her chronic illness or creating authentic characters that also navigate living with a disability. In this romantic comedy about rival Jewish bakeries inspired by Romeo and Juliet, Avital has interstitial cystitis and deals with her painful condition while managing a busy family-owned Brooklyn bakery. She needs an assistant and hires Ethan, unaware that he has a secret agenda. No worries. The author skillfully blends humor with serious topics; you will not be disappointed. Suggested by Sharon.
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Brittle Joints
2024 by Sweeney, MariaGet this itemA gorgeously illustrated and thought-provoking graphic memoir about navigating an ableist society and a personal look into living with a disability. Suggested by Rummanah.
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On the Bright Side
2024 by Sortino, AnnaGet this itemThis Schneider Family Award Honoree title features two teens who find each other while dealing with disability and ableism. When Ellie's Deaf boarding school shuts down, she attends a public high school, where she struggles to adjust, but finds an ally in Jackson, a soccer player going through a disability diagnosis of his own. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Where You See Yourself
2023 by Forrest, ClaireGet this itemHigh school senior Effie is navigating romance, friendships, and a big decision: which college to attend. As a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, her choice is complicated by the lack of accessibility on college campuses. With witty and realistic characters, this introspective read highlights the importance of disability advocacy. Suggested by Brenna.
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Breathe and Count Back from Ten
2022 by Sylvester, NataliaGet this itemPeruvian American swimmer Verónica wants to be a professional mermaid. It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds–a local theme park is looking for performers. To be a better candidate for the role, Roni hides her hip dysplasia while she auditions and hides the audition from her protective immigrant parents. Written by an author with hip dysplasia herself, this coming-of-age book balances serious topics with a little bit of indulgence in fantasy. Suggested by Amy.
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The Greatest Thing
2022 by Searle, Sarah WinifredGet this itemWinifred and her friends Oscar and April navigate high school and the messiness of discovering oneself. This graphic novel is a sensitive, compassionate, and poignant story of mental health struggles that also emphasizes the importance of community, self- acceptance, and finding the courage to ask for help. Suggested by Rummanah.
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