Readers of the Wheelchair Travel Newsletter will find the regular publication returning next week following travel logistics in Europe, alongside an upcoming announcement regarding a brand-new Summer 2027 tour. In the interim, the publication has turned its focus to a cornerstone of travel entertainment and family life: reading.
Whether navigating the inevitable downtime of air travel delays, waiting anxiously at boarding gates, or passing time on long train journeys, a good book remains an essential companion. Literature offers a reliable escape and a powerful boredom buster, particularly for families on the move. For the editorial team behind the newsletter, reading is a daily habit. Membership in a local book group shared among close friends for nearly half a decade underscores a deep, abiding appreciation for the written word.
This literary enthusiasm recently found a new home base in St. Louis, where the city’s grand, historic central library captures the quintessential atmosphere of being surrounded by timeless collections. Inscribed on the exterior of the building are historic quotations reflecting the profound value of accessible knowledge. Among them, words from Andrew Carnegie resonate deeply: "I choose free libraries as the best agencies for improving the masses of the people because they only help those who help themselves. They never pauperize. A taste for reading drives our lower tastes."
Inspired by this grand civic institution and a passion for sharing impactful stories, the newsletter has curated a recommended reading list centered on disability literature. Drawing from hundreds of titles read over the years, the selection highlights works grouped loosely by age, offering both "windows" to understand diverse perspectives and "mirrors" to reflect lived experiences—a crucial category that has historically seen a void in children’s publishing.
Early Childhood Picture Books
Early childhood literature serves as a foundational space for shaping how young minds perceive themselves and the world around them. Several standout picture books have been selected to address inclusivity, everyday representation, and disability history for younger readers.
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole brings a down-to-earth perspective to an unspoken social experience shared by many disabled children. Released in the United States in 2023, the book utilizes a main character named Joe to address the pervasive issue of ingrained ableism in a manner that young children can easily grasp. By providing precise language for a common social hurdle, the book offers an empowering tool for families navigating everyday interactions.
Another vital addition to early shelves is Best Day Ever by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Leah Nixon. The upbeat story follows an enthusiastic puppy and a boy who happens to use a wheelchair. Offering natural representation without explicitly centering the narrative on disability, the book acts as a much-needed mirror for disabled children, ensuring they see their daily lives reflected in mainstream stories.
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott addresses speech differences through lyrical prose and striking illustrations. Inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences, the plot follows a young boy who, with his father’s guidance, learns to compare his stutter to the steady flow of a river. The emotional depth and artistic resonance of the work make it a generational read well-suited for parents and children to share together.
Rounding out the early childhood selections is All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel, an illustrated biography documenting the life of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. By introducing young readers to Jennifer’s participation in the historic Capitol Crawl and her early activism within the disability rights movement, the book emphasizes that children can play an active role in demanding a more accessible world.
Middle Grade Novels
As readers transition into middle grade novels, literature begins to tackle more complex layers of identity, social dynamics, and personal growth through longer narratives.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling has emerged as a household favorite. The story follows Aven, a resourceful protagonist born without arms, whose family relocates to a new state. The novel weaves humor, mystery, and friendship together while introducing additional disability representation through a supporting character with Tourette Syndrome. Rather than defining the protagonist solely by her physical attributes, the book presents a well-rounded narrative that invites meaningful family discussions on nuance and representation.
Similarly, Wink by Rob Harrell draws on the author’s personal adolescent experiences with a rare form of eye cancer. The protagonist, Ross, attempts to navigate the trials of middle school following his diagnosis, blending quirkiness, music, and hard-earned life lessons. The book’s relatable portrayal of feeling like an outsider resonates strongly with readers of all backgrounds.
Activism and history take center stage in Rolling Warrior by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner, adapted from Heumann’s adult memoir for younger readers. Subtitled The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution, the book provides an authentic, firsthand look at the barriers faced by early disability rights pioneers. It serves as an inspiring call to action for the next generation.
I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell expands the scope of possibilities by profiling more than 30 contemporary and historical disabled artists, thinkers, performers, and activists. By pushing back against limiting stereotypes, the collection offers vital role models and sparks imagination for young readers.
Titles for Young Adults and Adults
For mature readers, memoirs and essay collections offer deep reflections on identity, society, and the human experience from authentic perspectives.
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig stands out as a foundational essay collection that examines disability through both personal lenses and broader cultural contexts. Taussig’s writing balances realism with steady optimism, encouraging readers to re-examine their own assumptions and perceptions of the world.
Ariel Henley’s A Face for Picasso provides a raw and poignant exploration of growing up with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare condition causing premature fusion of skull bones. The memoir dives deeply into complex questions surrounding societal beauty standards, personal identity, and bold honesty.
The legacy of the disability rights movement is further illuminated in Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner. Documenting her journey from the historic 504 Sit-In and the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act to serving as Special Advisor on Disability Rights for the U.S. State Department during the Obama administration, Heumann offers unflinching accounts of major milestones in civil rights history.
Rounding out the recommendations is Haben: The Deafblind Woman who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma. The memoir details the author’s journey of adapting and advocating within a society not inherently built for accessibility, reframing disability as a powerful catalyst for innovation.
Beyond the bookshelves, local public libraries continue to offer resources that extend far beyond reading materials. Cardholders are encouraged to consult their local librarians regarding community perks, which frequently include free or discounted admission tickets to regional museums, cultural institutions, and tourist attractions, turning a simple library visit into an affordable gateway for local exploration.
