8 Top Books for Special Needs Children to Read

Explaining disabilities for special-needs children can be a challenge. Here are my top 8 books for special needs children. 

A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Book Box Set (Books 1-8: Anger, Anxiety, Peaceful, Happiness, Sadness, Confidence, Love, & Scribble Emotion)  

Get it here https://amzn.to/3fT0sNY

Kindness is my Superpower: A children's Book About Empathy, Kindness and Compassion (My Superpower Books) 

Are you one of 90 percent of parents, saying that their top priorities for their kids is to be caring? This makes sense: Kindness and concern for others are held as moral virtues in nearly every society and every major religion.

The best social-emotional learning (SEL) book for raising kind children. 

This charming story with peaceful rhymes and colorful illustrations will explain to your child that it is okay to make a mistake and say I’m sorry. Lucas will teach your child good manners and positive behaviour at home, at school, in the store, and on the playground. 

Kids learn best by example. 

With the perfect examples, this book offers, your child will have more understanding for others, accept diversity, thrive in a multicultural and inclusive environment, and show more empathy. Throughout the story, little superhero Lucas will learn what kindness means and understand what it is like to be kind, sensitive, caring, and generous.

Awards & Recognition

#1 Amazon Bestseller in Children's Multiculturalism & Tolerance (US)
#1 Amazon Bestseller in Children's Sociology Books  (US)

Get it here https://amzn.to/3nOm9Dh

It's OK to be Different: A Children's Picture Book About Diversity and Kindness 

Every Child is Unique! Whether they are big or small, short or tall, like to swim, dance, sing or bike. Perhaps they have a special need or are from a different ethnic background. Maybe they wear glasses or talk differently. The truth is that all children are different and their individuality should be celebrated, not shunned. And this inspiring and brightly illustrated rhyming picture book does just that.

By highlighting the ways kids are different from one another it helps children to accept themselves and others as the beautifully unique individuals that they are. It's OK to be Different encourages kids to be kind and befriend those who are different from themselves, showing young children that they don't have to look alike or enjoy doing the same activities to be kind to one another.

Readers will come away with the message: "You should always be kind to those who are different from you. Because to them, YOU are different too."

As more children read this book and learn this concept, we can impact the world in a positive way while at the same time teach early literacy. This non-fiction book closes with a short survey for children about kindness and is a terrific way to help you start an age appropriate conversation about diversity.

It's OK to be Different is a kid's book that belongs in children's book libraries alongside other popular children's books like Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown because of the simplicity of the rhymes, the detailed illustrations and its uniquely powerful message about kindness and diversity.

Themes represented in this book include diversity, kindness, anti-bullying, racism and special needs.

So, if you are looking for a good children's book for kids 2-4 or 3-5, or even children 6-8 with special needs, this colourful rhyming picture book is a great choice. And don't be surprised if it quickly becomes a favourite they ask to read again and again.

One parent left a reader review that said: "Amazing. This really helped my child become more confident. I am really happy with how this book improved how she thinks about herself." It's OK to be Different is all about showing children that the things that make them different are the very things that make them, them. We are all human, but we are not all the same and the things that make us different are the things that make us, unique.

It's the perfect gift book for both boys and girls preschool through grade 3. It helps parents and eduators start an age appropriate conversation about race, special needs and other ways adults and children are diverse. This book is also currently available in Spanish and will soon be available in French.

Get it here https://amzn.to/3GZE3dB

I Am Me  

“I Am Me” is a fun and rhythmic story encouraging children to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate everyone’s differences. This book is filled with powerful affirmations and beautiful illustrations, with hopes of helping as many children as possible see themselves reflected in the pages. Get it here https://amzn.to/3FQvNve

Different Like Me (Our Daily Bread for Kids Presents)

Sometimes the things that make us different can leave us feeling like a fish out of water. Take your child on this whimsical  journey where each unique child works with the others to launch a giant colorful fish balloon. Along the way, the children learn to celebrate differences and uncover what they all have in common, so that even a "fish out of water" finds belonging. 

Different Like Me by Xochitl Dixon features a wonderful variety of children with unique qualities. It is based on a story she wrote years ago to explain to her own children the beauty of God's diverse world. You'll also enjoy the engaging questions you can use to start conversations about diversity with the children in your own life.

In Different Like Me, you'll discover:

• The beauty of diversity—cultural, physical, and more

• Rhyming words and a repetitive refrain  that capture kids’ attention

• Conversation-starting questions around the topic of diversity

• A valuable addition to school, church, and home libraries 

• A perfect picture book for children 8 and under

See more https://amzn.to/3KEsMSd 

You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion

It can be hard to be different whether because of how you look, where you live, or what you can or can't do. But wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same? Being different is great! Being different is what makes you YOU.

This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchezan 11-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don't let anyone stop you! You are enough just how you are.

Sofia is unique, but her message is universal: We all belong. So each spread features beautiful, full-color illustrations of a full cast of kid characters with all kinds of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

This book also includes back matter with a brief bio of Sofia and her journey so far, as well as additional information about Down syndrome and how we can all be more accepting, more inclusive, and more kind. See more https://amzn.to/3fRqjWr

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

Together with Joanna, you and your kids will take a journey of growth and imagination as you learn in full color to:

• Celebrate every child's one-of-a-kind strengths and differences
• Embrace teamwork
• Share our talents and abilities to make everything more beautiful
• Lend a helping hand and do our best to show kindness and take care of one another

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is a vibrant picture book perfect for:

• Ages 4-8
• Grandparents, parents, teachers, and librarians
• Classroom story times and discussions about diversity and being a good human being
• Households that enjoy watching Chip and Joanna on Magnolia Network and HGTV's Fixer Upper

With plenty of pink, a bounty of blue, orange and green and yellow too, this vibrant hot-air balloon adventure celebrates every child and teaches kids that we are in this together. “You're one of a kind, and it's so clear to see: The world needs who you were made to be.”  See more https://amzn.to/3rRT4bo

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