Children’s Books Honored For Disability Representation
Several new children’s books are being honored for highlighting the experiences of people with disabilities with a special set of awards handed out alongside the famed Newbery and Caldecott Medals.
The American Library Association named three winners and four honorees this week of its annual Schneider Family Book Awards.
The awards are given to authors and illustrators for their expression of the disability experience in books targeted to three different age groups: young children up to age 8, middle grades including those ages 9 to 13 and teens.
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This year’s winner in the young children’s category is “Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion” about a girl who perseveres to become an award-winning musician despite losing her hearing. The honor book is “In the Blue,” which explores a family’s experience with depression.
The winner in the middle grades grouping is “Wildoak,” which is about a girl who stutters. Honor books aimed at this age group are “Honestly Elliott,” about a boy with ADHD who’s struggling to find his way, and “Hummingbird,” which centers on a girl who doesn’t let brittle bone disease keep her from adventure.
In the teen category, “The Words We Keep,” took the top award for its story of a girl who turns to art and poetry to help deal with her anxiety. The honor book is “Breathe and Count Back from Ten” about a teen with hip dysplasia.
The winners of the Schneider Family Book Awards will each receive $5,000 and a framed plaque, the library association said.
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