Hi, I’m Maddy, a 14-year-old with cerebral palsy who uses a power wheelchair. For my Girl Scout Silver Award, I created a library display for Disability Awareness Month because when I was younger, I had trouble finding books with characters like me.
One of my favorite books on the display is I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood. It’s for ages 4 to 8 and features a character with cerebral palsy who learns to dance just like me—I wish I had books like this when I was little.
Another great book is Air by Monica Roe, for ages 9 to 12, which teaches that disabilities don’t stop people from reaching their dreams.
Daredevil by Jake Maddox is a rare graphic novel for ages 8 to 12 about a kid in a wheelchair at a skatepark who overcomes challenges.
I also love Daniel’s New Friend by Becky Friedman, for ages 3 to 7, because I remember reading it as a kid and thinking that character looked like me—I want other kids to feel that same connection. New books about disabilities are coming soon but aren’t on display yet so keep an eye out for them.
I hope you’ll come check out the display at the Hedberg Public Library and see these stories that show kids with all disabilities in a positive light!
