Welcome to Picture Books for All

Children of all abilities should see themselves in the books they read. That's what makes reading fun. There are many picture books that include characters with disabilities; some are excellent in terms of their portrayal of these characters, some are pretty good, and some miss the mark. This blog features these picture books and evaluates them based on standards for quality in children's books that portray characters with disabilities. For more information, see the first post entitled "Welcome to Picture Books for All." (Click here) Welcome to Picture Books For All

Monday, October 22, 2012


Autism Asperger Publishing Company specializes in books and multi-media on autism spectrum disorders (ASD).  It has published several picture books including All About My Brother (2002) by Sarah Peralta, the 8-year-old sister of a 7-year-old boy with Autism (today they are 18 and 17), Oliver Onion (2004) about an onion who wants to be an orange but eventually learns to accept and appreciate himself as an onion, and A is for Autism F is for Friend (2007), a firsthand account of what it's like to try to fit in when you have autism. These books can be used in families, classrooms, therapy groups and many other places and contexts. Check out the website:
http://www.aapcpublishing.net/

Another great resource is Future Horizons Inc., a company and website specializing in products that educate about Autism.  It also offers several picture books on the topic of autism for use in classrooms or families. One of my favorites is Sometimes My Brother by Angie Healy (2005). Here is the website:  http://store.fhautism.com/c-187-Childrens-Books.aspx

Friday, October 19, 2012

Book #8 Since We're Friends




While this book is an enjoyable read and valuable because it shows the power
of friendship, it falls short with regard to some of the standards for good literature
that portrays characters with disabilities (see second table below).
Related Information
Comments
Name of Book:
Since We’re Friends
An Autism Picture Book
Foreward by Alison Singer, Executive V.P. Autism Speaks
Authors
Celeste Shally
Illustrator
David Harrington
Publisher
First published by Awaken Specialty Press, 2007

Skyhorse Publishing (Sky Pony Press); 2012
Year of Pub:
2012
ISBN:     (ISBN-13)
9781616086565
Age range
4-10
Type of Disability
Autism

Fiction or Nonfiction
Fiction
Category:  B

A) books that provide factual information about a disability

B) books that provide information about a disability in a story format in which the character with a disability is integral to the plot

C) books that provide stories that have a character with a disability who may or may not be integral to the storyline and who has been added to the story to achieve diversity and reflect reality

D) books that include a main character with a disability, but the focus of the book is not necessarily the disability


Annotation:  The narrator is a good friend of Matt, who has autism. The two boys do everything together. When Matt has trouble understanding the coach’s directions, the narrator shows him what to do. When Matt wants to talk about animals all the time, the narrator is happy to do so. When Matt gets frustrated because other kids take his toys at the pool, the narrator figures out a way for all the boys to play together. When Matt is very disappointed because the pool is closed for repairs, the narrator invites Matt to run through the sprinkler at his house. The narrator shows understanding, empathy, and maturity.  He wants Matt to feel good (since they’re friends) and goes out of his way to make sure Matt is included, calm, and happy.
Link to publisher:
Links to professional reviews:
School Library Journal: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/since-were-friends-celeste-shally/1110930656 (scroll down to ‘Editorial Reviews’)

                       
Standards for Quality Portrayal of Characters with a disability
Comments
1. Promotes empathy not pity
Yes

2. Promotes acceptance, not ridicule
Yes

3. Emphasizes success rather than, or in addition to failure
Yes
“Matt is good at scoring, and I’m good at dribbling and passing.”
4. Promotes positive images of persons with disabilities or illness
Yes
Shows Matt having fun and smiling and also portrays Matt’s difficulties and frustration.
5. Assists children in gaining accurate understanding of the disability or illness
Sometimes
Provides concrete examples of Matt’s behavior and emotions that are attributable to his autism; however some of the examples are too simplified.
6. Demonstrates respect for persons with disabilities or illness
Yes

7. Promotes attitude of “one of us” not “one of them.”
Yes and No
Yet since Matt is the only character with a disability in this book, there is a clear impression that he is “different.”
8. Uses people-first language
Yes
9. Describes the disability or person with disabilities or illness as realistic (not subhuman or superhuman)
Yes
10. Depicts people with disabilities as more similar to than different from other people
Yes
11. Shows peoples’ strengths and abilities along with their disabilities
Yes
.
12. Represents characters as strong, independent people who others can admire or learn from
No
No examples in this book of how other children admire or learn from Matt.
13. Represents people with disabilities from different racial and cultural backgrounds, religions, age groups, and sexual orientations
Yes
Matt is African American. Narrator is white.
14. Shows people with disabilities in integrated settings and activities
Yes

15. Shows people with disabilities in valued occupations and diverse roles.
N.A.

16. Shows people with disabilities in reciprocal relationships
Reciprocal but nevertheless, slightly unbalanced
The boys are good friends, which is emphasized on every page. However, the reader gets the impression that the narrator “takes care” of his friend Matt who has autism.
17. Main character develops and grows emotionally as a result of what happens in the story
No
Matt does not develop or grow emotionally over the course of the story. He is portrayed as a child who needs a good friend like the narrator but cannot be an exact equal partner in the friendship. Due to his autism, Matt is needier and less emotionally regulated.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Book #7 Zoom!


Related Information
Comments
Name of Book:
Zoom
Very funny; chaotic family; far-out action
Author
Robert Munsch
Illustrator
Michael Martchenko
Publisher
Scholastic Canada Ltd.

Year of Pub:
2003

ISBN:     (ISBN-13)
978-0439187749

Age range
3-9

Type of Disability
Unspecified
Not important to story
Fiction or Nonfiction
Fiction
Category:  D

A) books that provide factual information about a disability

B) books that provide information about a disability in a story format in which the character with a disability is integral to the plot

C) books that provide stories that have a character with a disability who may or may not be integral to the storyline and who has been added to the story to achieve diversity and reflect reality

D) books that include a main character with a disability but whose focus is not necessarily the disability


Annotation: Main character would like a faster wheelchair. She and mom go to pick one out from the wheelchair store. She speeds around in it and has a grand time but becomes bored and wants an even faster wheelchair. She gets one, and when her older brother cuts his finger, she straps him on her lap and speeds out the door to the hospital. She gets stopped for speeding but explains the situation to the police officer, who then provides an escort the rest of the way. Main character enjoys her heroine status and gets rewarded with . . . the newest, fastest, spiffiest wheelchair for sale. Illustrations are cartoon-like and add to the humor. Very fun!
Link to publisher:


Links to professional reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Robert-Munsch/dp/0439187745  Scroll down for reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist;

Awards:
Please comment if you know of an award this book has received.

Standards for Quality Portrayal of Characters with a disability
Comments
1. Promotes empathy not pity
Neither
Readers identify with main character.
2. Promotes acceptance, not ridicule
Yes

3. Emphasizes success rather than, or in addition to failure
Yes
Main character saves the day.
4. Promotes positive images of persons with disabilities or illness
Yes
Humor makes the character.
5. Assists children in gaining accurate understanding of the disability or illness
No
The nature of the disability is not relevant in this story.
6. Demonstrates respect for persons with disabilities or illness
Yes

7. Promotes attitude of “one of us” not “one of them.”
Yes
8. Uses people-first language
Yes
9. Describes the disability or person with disabilities or illness as realistic (not subhuman or superhuman)
No
10. Depicts people with disabilities as more similar to than different from other people
Yes
Character wants speed and adventure.
11. Shows peoples’ strengths and abilities along with their disabilities
Yes
12. Represents characters as strong, independent people who others can admire or learn from
Yes
Character knows what she wants and how to get it. She is also savvy and creative.
13. Represents people with disabilities from different racial and cultural backgrounds, religions, age groups, and sexual orientations
No
Characters are white
14. Shows people with disabilities in integrated settings and activities
Yes

15. Shows people with disabilities in valued occupations and diverse roles.
Yes

16. Shows people with disabilities in reciprocal relationships
Yes
17. Main character develops and grows emotionally as a result of what happens in the story
Somewhat
Main character develops in that her ambitions for her wheelchair keep getting bigger.