Books with positive images of disability and neurodivergence: see the best of the year 2024

Lights Up

Here are the children's books which we highlighted in 2024 as useful for discussing disability, neurodiversity and inclusive issues with young readers. 

  • Mama Car

    Author: Lucy Catchpole Illustrator: Karen George
    Publisher: Faber
    Interest age: 4-5

    A hugely appealing picture book offering a child’s perspective on family life with wheelchair-using mum.

  • Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf

    Author: Craig Barr-Green Illustrator: Francis Martin
    Publisher: Little Tiger
    Interest age: 4-5
    Reading age: 6+

    Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a neurodivergent protagonist.

  • We Can! - Make a Difference

    Author: Alexandra Strick Illustrator: Steve Antony
    Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
    Interest age: 6-8
    Reading age: 5+

    An inclusive picture book about 15 children who are planning a We Can festival, written with real children.  

  • The Invisible Story

    Author: Jaime Gamboa Illustrator: Wen Hsu Chen Translator: Daniel Hahn
    Publisher: Lantana Books
    Interest age: 4-8
    Reading age: 6+

    A beautiful translated picture book celebrating braille.

  • One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List

    Author: Tricia Seabolt Illustrator: Lucy Rogers
    Publisher: Lantana
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 7+

    A light-hearted middle-grade story about family and friendship with a protagonist who has Down syndrome.

  • Flora Stormer and the Golden Lotus

    Author: Isabella Harcourt Illustrator: Hannah McCaffery
    Publisher: Orchard Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 7+

    A pacy, accessible and high-drama adventure with a neurodivergent protagonist.

  • Reggie Houser Has the Power

    Author: Helen Rutter
    Publisher: Scholastic Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    A touching, light-hearted book about finding confidence and friendship.

  • Tosh’s Island

    Author: Linda Sargent & Joe Brady Illustrator: Leo Marcell
    Publisher: David Fickling Books
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    When Tosh meets Louis, they bond over their shared imagining of a magical island. A moving graphic novel about friendship, imagination and chronic illness.  

  • Witchspark

    Author: Dominique Valente Illustrator: Eleonora Asparuhhova
    Publisher: Usborne
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    An enthralling story of two witches learning that magic is within us all.

  • Lights Up

    Author: Lisette Auton Illustrator: Valentina Toro
    Publisher: Puffin Books
    Interest age: 9+
    Reading age: 9-11

    A magical story told across three different centuries, aboutfriendship, loss, ghostsand lots of spiders.

  • When I Feel Red

    Author: Lily Bailey
    Publisher: Orion
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    A touching and accessible book about finding your own way.

  • I Am Wolf

    Author: Alastair Chisholm
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 9-14
    Reading age: 9+

    pacy dystopian page-turner.

  • Moving on Up

    Author: Rosie Jones Illustrator: Hayley Wells
    Publisher: Wren & Rook
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    Written by comedian Rosie Jones, this superb book about growing up explores a range of topics that will resonate with readers as they transition from childhood to their teenage years.  

  • A History of My Weird

    Author: Chloe Heuch
    Publisher: Firefly Press
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    An absorbing story about friendship and acceptance, featuring a neurodivergent protagonist.

  • Raz Beri

    Author: Matt Stephens
    Publisher: Firefly
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 12+

    A humorous yet hard-hitting book about football, friendship and standing up for what’s right.

  • Keedie

    Author: Elle McNicoll
    Publisher: Knights Of
    Interest age: 12+
    Reading age: 9-11

    A powerful book about a neurodivergent protagonist taking a stand against bullying and hypocrisy.