When looking to create a richly diverse and inclusive bookshelf for our kids, many parents begin by making sure there are a wide range of ethnicities and gender identities represented—but don’t stop there! It’s also important to include titles that explore characters with varying physical and mental disabilities, whether to provide a “mirror” for your own child, or to provide a “window” into the experiences of others. 

The following inclusive kids books feature characters with autism, Down syndrome, limb differences, blindness, deafness, stuttered speech, and more. Beyond teaching about each condition, all of these books showcase the importance of empathy and inclusion—one of the most important lessons of all.

For more stellar kids’ book recommendations, check out these 100+ Black history books for kids, 50+ books that highlight LGBTQI+ characters, 35+ books with strong female leads, 50+ books by Native and Indigenous authors, 50+ Latinx themed books for kids, and titles that boost empathy.