2025 Summer Reading Roundup: Tales That Embrace All Children

Enter a universe of creativity and disability representation through our carefully selected 2025 Summer Reading Roundup. These captivating narratives fuel wonder, build understanding, and encourage young readers to honor the varied experiences that make us who we are.

Summer provides the ideal time for all children to set off on literary adventures. Books have the unique ability to captivate, educate, and inspire change—and this selection is designed to achieve just that.

We’ve assembled a diverse array of titles that authentically portray disability inclusion. Each book invites young minds to celebrate human diversity and promotes a kinder, more accepting society.

Download our complimentary Book Discussion Guide to ignite dialogues on compassion, respect, and disability inclusion. Click the image to access it.

2025 Summer Reading Roundup

Explore our 2025 Summer Reading Roundup below and uncover narratives where children and teens of all abilities find genuine representation and connection.

Books for Ages 4-8

You’re SO Amazing! – Winner, 2024 Inclusive Books for Children Awards

Synopsis: This delightful tale follows Joe, a young boy with a limb difference, who grows tired of being labeled “amazing” for ordinary feats. He just wants to be treated as himself. With wit and candor, the story dismantles stereotypes about disabilities.

About the Authors: James and Lucy Catchpole, a UK-based writing pair, focus on genuine disability portrayals in kids’ literature. James, who lives with an amputation, co-authored this with Lucy; they also created What Happened to You? and manage The Catchpole Agency.

Monster Hands – Honor Book, 2025 Schneider Family Book Awards

Synopsis: Join Milo as he confronts a bedtime monster, aided by his friend Mel, who communicates via American Sign Language (ASL). Together, they craft shadow puppets to conquer fear, showcasing the bonds of friendship and bravery while introducing ASL to little ones.

About the Authors: Karen Kane, a U.S. children’s writer and ex-sign language interpreter, draws from deaf community insights. With an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts, she teamed up with Jonaz McMillan for this rhythmic picture book that incorporates ASL to soothe nighttime worries. Jonaz, a Deaf screenwriter from LA with an MFA from Emerson College, ensures an immersive ASL experience.

A Little Like Magic – 2025 Children’s Literature Awards for Inclusive Storylines

Synopsis: In this enchanting picture book, a wheelchair-using girl uncovers delight at a winter ice celebration amid sparkling figures and a delightful twist. Vibrant, blue-hued artwork captures her evolving emotions and sense of wonder.

About the Author: Sarah Kurpiel, a self-taught author-illustrator and librarian who uses a power wheelchair, infuses her Schneider Family Book Award-winning work with joyful disability narratives.

Books for Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-11)

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn – 2024 Schneider Family Book Award

Synopsis: After a wildfire uproots her life, autistic Maudie relocates to a coastal trailer with her dad. Through surfing lessons, she uncovers her resilience and learns to advocate for herself in this tale of growth and acceptance.

About the Author: Sally J. Pla crafts neurodiversity-affirming stories for young readers, including ALA Schneider winner The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn; Dolly Gray Award recipient The Someday Birds; and more. Diagnosed with autism later in life, she advocates for neurodiversity via speaking engagements and her site A Novel Mind, championing kindness and the splendor of varied minds.

Good Different – 2024 Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book

Synopsis: This uplifting story tracks a neurodivergent girl’s path to embracing her distinct worldview, highlighting self-love and the strengths of diversity.

“Neurodivergent” refers to individuals whose cognitive processing varies from the “neurotypical” norm, encompassing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and beyond. It’s a variation in thinking and sensing, not a flaw—just a unique lens on life.

About the Author: Meg Eden Kuyatt, a 2020 Pitch Wars alum, instructs creative writing at Anne Arundel Community College. Her latest, Good Different (Scholastic, 2023), joins her portfolio of children’s novels.

Goodcorn – 2025 Schneider Family Book Award

Synopsis: Follow a young boy grappling with social anxiety, whose story weaves themes of camaraderie, determination, and personal growth in navigating daily challenges.

About the Author: Rob Harrell creates graphic novels, series, and the syndicated comic Adam@Home, seen in over 140 papers.

Young Adult Books (Ages 12-18+)

Tilly in Technicolor – 2024 Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book

Synopsis: This lively YA romance pairs neurodivergent teens Tilly and Oliver on a global trip for their families’ perfume ventures. Amid clashes and travels, they find connection, humorously exploring neurodiversity, romance, and authenticity.

About the Author: Bestselling writer and dentist Mazey Eddings advocates for mental health, weaving empathy and wit into tales that challenge stigma.

Where You See Yourself – 2024 Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book

Synopsis: Wheelchair user Effie Galanos, a senior with cerebral palsy, chases her dream of NYC college and a career in political outreach. Balancing applications, crushes, friends, and barriers, she claims her path in this story of ambition and empowerment.

About the Author: Claire Forrest, a Minneapolis writer with an MFA from Hamline University, specializes in YA, picture books, and essays stressing true disability stories.

Extend your exploration of disability inclusion beyond these reads. Integrate this list into your summer initiatives and check out KIT Academy’s courses on inclusion and behavior strategies. Let’s unite to build a world that cherishes every child.

Reach out for details on our organizational inclusion training packages.