Children's Books About Cerebral Palsy
* This image uses the old name of the ‘Is There a Book for That?’ blog/book list.
I was excited to find quite a few different books about cerebral palsy. This is exciting because CP can present very differently, and so one child's CP experience can be quite different from others. Read below to find the resources that fit the children in your life.
Also, I shared books about different aspects of limb differences on February 12. Check out that blog to find a few more great books that relate to kids with CP and keep following as I share a few additional books about inclusion in the near future!
What is Cerebral Palsy? A Simple Explanation of a Complex Diagnosis by Hailey Adkisson
This book aims to explain CP in a way that kids can understand. I appreciated a lot of the analogies and the way it took on a lot of the different presentations and causes of CPs. It isn’t any easy task. The illustrations were beautiful and helped communicate the information. I will say that the explanations did sometimes use words that might be confusing for kids, but I think the adult reader can help clarify some of these things. While I think this book could be useful for classrooms or peers, I think that sometimes the reader might want to read ahead of time and maybe choose to leave certain pages out for younger kids. It packs so much information in the one book, it could get to be too much. Would be appropriate for elementary school kids (but maybe shorten for the younger grades)
https://amzn.to/4o4sZRn
Completely Emme: A Cerebral Palsy Story by Dr. Justine Green
This is a rhyming story about a girl named Emme. The kids at school start to talk about why she walks on her tip toes and why she wears braces. They want her to move faster. Her friend who has her own unique struggles helps encourage her to be strong and confident. Emme gets up in front of the class and explains to them all that she has braces because of her CP. It ends with a message of inclusivity, as the girls embrace their differences. This book is great for young children and could be great for a child with CP, a peer, or a classroom. Best for young ages 3-6.
https://amzn.to/49Y9aHS
C is for Cerebral Palsy by Amy E. Strurkey, PT
This book tells one child’s story by talking about different aspects of her life from A to Z. This child has significant CP including needing a power wheel chair and needing help with eating and communication. The book uses easy to understand concepts and words and covers a lot of different aspects of CP including feelings someone with CP might have and how to be a good friend. I would say this book would be appropriate for elementary school children, especially if they are impacted by someone with quadriplegia CP.
https://amzn.to/48i5vDw
Caleb Has Something to Say by Chanita Stone
This book specifically addresses one boy’s CP and the way he communicates. Caleb is non-verbal but communicates with his face. His mom has learned the cues he gives with his eyes and mouth. This book would be helpful for peers with a non-verbal friend or classmate. It could be helpful to have a caregiver share some recognizable signs that the non-verbal child uses. Good for preschool through young elementary.
https://amzn.to/4i3rTUp
My Life With Cerebral Palsy by Mari Schuch
This is a book about a boy with quad CP. It also mentions a few other ways that CP can present. The book shares a lot about the different adaptations he can use including a wheelchair, a gait trainer, computer communication using foot pedals, big screens, a taller desk, a railed bed, a tandem bicycle and a handicap accessible playground. This book would be especially helpful to address adaptive equipment and questions kids have about that. This book would be good for lower elementary.
https://amzn.to/3M80MeX
I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood
This book tells the story of one girl with cerebral palsy who uses a power chair. She dreams of dancing, but doesn’t know how she will ever make the dream come true. She doesn’t want to pretend or watch. She wants to dance. Her mom finds an all abilities dance class and the book tells of all the different ways that the class has her move and perform. It is all a big success and she feels proud and happy. I love that this book isn’t just teaching peers about CP, but instead is a book focused on kids with CP and a story of how they can thrive and do the things they dream of doing. This book would be good for elementary school kids.
https://amzn.to/4pmwe7T
Daniel’s New Friend by Becky Friedman
This is a Daniel Tiger book. It is about the first time he plays with his friend, Chrissie, who uses braces and crutches. Daniel learns a little about how the braces feel and when Chrissie wears them. A lot of the book is them negotiating the best way to play together. Daniel tries to be cautious and mindful of what Chrissie needs, but in the end, Chrissie is able to tell Daniel and the other playmates what simple changes they can make to make it work for her. This is a great book to expose young children to crutches, braces, inclusivity, and kindness. Great for young children.
https://amzn.to/3LLK5WC
(I am adding links to all of the books to help you all easily find and purchase. I do receive a small commission, but it doesn't cost you any more and it doesn't take anything away from the author. It's just Amazon that makes a little less per purchase. :) This helps me justify spending time in my week finding more great books for you!)
