Regular publication of the Wheelchair Travel Newsletter will resume next week following the return of John Morris from leading a series of group trips across Europe. Alongside his return, Morris is slated to announce an all-new Summer 2027 tour itinerary, bringing fresh travel opportunities to the community.
Between waiting at boarding gates, enduring air travel delays, and passing the hours on trains, transit offers ample time for a good book. As part of an ongoing effort to compile practical boredom busters for children during transit, the significance of reading stands out as a cornerstone of family life. Reading occurs nearly every night, supported by a longstanding book group shared among close friends for nearly five years, underscoring a deep-rooted appreciation for literature.
Exploring the New Home Library in St. Louis
Transitioning to a new home base in St. Louis brought the family to the St. Louis Central Library, a grand and historic architectural landmark that embodies the classic atmosphere of traditional literary spaces. Inscribed around the exterior of the building are prominent quotations addressing the value of reading. Among them, a statement by Andrew Carnegie resonates 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."
Driven by a passion for introducing meaningful literature to others, a curated selection of disability-lit titles has been assembled. Spanning hundreds of books read over the years, the top four titles have been chosen across distinct age groupings, highlighting authentic representation and inclusive storytelling.
Early Childhood Picture Books
Introducing children to diverse perspectives early on is essential, and picture books serve as critical "windows and mirrors"—offering views into other people’s lives while reflecting a child’s own lived experiences.
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole brings a down-to-earth perspective to an unspoken experience frequently encountered by disabled children. Released in the United States in 2023, the book utilizes its main character, Joe, to address ingrained ableism in a manner accessible to young audiences. The narrative provides clear language to articulate a widespread social hurdle, offering families a valuable tool for discussion.
Best Day Ever by Marilyn Singer presents an upbeat, simple story about a puppy devoted to her owner, a boy who happens to use a wheelchair. Illustrated by Leah Nixon, the book delivers natural disability representation without treating the wheelchair as a focal point of struggle, helping to fill a persistent void of mirrors in children’s literature.
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott draws from the author’s personal experiences with a stutter, following a boy who finds solace and understanding by relating his speech pattern to the flow of a river. Enhanced by evocative illustrations, the award-winning book encourages multi-generational reading experiences.
All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel introduces young readers to disability history through an illustrated biography of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. Chronicling her participation in the historic Capitol Crawl, the book highlights how children can actively contribute to the disability rights movement and foster global accessibility.
Middle Grade Novels
As children grow into middle grade readers, chapter books provide deeper explorations of character, identity, and social dynamics.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling follows Aven, a teenager born without arms whose family relocates to a new state. While her physical disability is part of the narrative, the book focuses on humor, mystery, self-discovery, and friendship, including a supporting character with Tourette Syndrome. The nuanced portrayal opens doors for family discussions regarding representation.
Wink by Rob Harrell draws on the author’s early experiences with a rare form of eye cancer. Navigating middle school following a diagnosis, the protagonist Ross brings humor, music, and relatability to readers who may feel outside the typical middle school mold.
Rolling Warrior by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner adapts Heumann’s memoir for younger readers, capturing the persistence and bravery that helped spark a civil rights movement. The narrative offers a first-hand account of historic disability advocacy through the lens of a young advocate.
I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell features short profiles celebrating the achievements of over 30 disabled artists, thinkers, performers, and activists. By pushing back against limiting stereotypes, the collection expands horizons and offers inspiring role models for children.
Titles for Young Adults and Adults
Memoirs and reflective essays provide mature audiences with deeper examinations of the human experience and societal structures.
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig offers a series of candid essays unpacking disability on both a personal level and within broader cultural frameworks. The book examines preconceived notions of accessibility and inclusion with nuance and honesty.
A Face for Picasso by Ariel Henley presents a raw exploration of identity and beauty through the author’s experiences growing up with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare condition causing premature fusion of cranial bones.
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner details the pivotal moments of the disability rights movement, from the historic 504 Sit-In and the passage of the ADA to serving as Special Advisor on Disability Rights for the U.S. State Department under the Obama Administration.
Haben: The Deafblind Woman who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma shares childhood anecdotes and personal reflections on navigating a world not inherently designed for accessibility, reframing disability as a catalyst for innovation.
Beyond local bookstores and libraries, community members utilizing public libraries are encouraged to inquire about additional library card benefits, which frequently include free or discounted admission passes to local museums and cultural attractions.
