“The act of reading outside of your experience increases empathy. It broadens our understanding of humanity and our ideas about who we are and about what we can be.” – Jesmyn Ward, author of Salvage the Bones and Sing, Unburied, Sing
Many of us experience lifelong challenges that impact, and yet often enrich, our lives. When considering ability diversity, it’s important to remember that not all challenges are visible to the eye, and not all differences are considered disabilities by those living with them. Reading about the lived experience of others is a valuable way to find understanding and connection, and it’s equally important to to see ourselves reflected and represented in the stories we read.
Ability Diversity Books for Adults
Adult Nonfiction and Fiction Book Lists:
Adult Nonfiction
Library Staff Recommend…
Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space by Amanda Leduc
“This book made me consider the impact of fairy tales on our society’s ‘othering’ mentality. Fairy tales often tell a story of someone who is different from others, a protagonist who must persevere through high morals and personal sacrifice to become the become the beautiful swan, the mermaid with legs, the princess who arrives at the ball in a beautiful carriage…into someone who is accepted and admired. Through personal memoir and a sweeping history of fairy tales across cultures, the author examines our collective legacy of placing the responsibility to conform on those who are different, rather than the need for society to adjust to adequately meet the needs of all of its members.”
– Miranda, Library Events Coordinator
Synesthesia by Richard E. Cytowic
“This book is a fairly short guide to an unusual neurodivergence – synesthesia. It’s a condition that produces people who, for example, smell gasoline when they hear E-flat, or are adamant that the letter “M” is orange. Research on synesthesia has expanded (or upended ) a lot of assumptions about brain function. It’s very well written, and I recommend it for both adults and teen readers.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Sitting Pretty: the View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig
“According to author Rebekah Taussig, ‘Ableism in its most boiled-down, squished together, simplified form, is the process of favoring, fetishizing, and building the world around a mostly imagined, idealized body while discriminating against those bodies perceived to move, see, hear, process, operate, look, or need differently from that vision’.
The author makes the valid point that if we live long enough, all of us will experience disability of some sort during our lives whether from illness, a broken bone, aging, dwindling eyesight or some other unknown. She states that ‘The idea that some of us are firmly fixed in the “able-bodied” category is a fiction’ and this is why ableism affects us all, not just those born with a disability or whose disability is visible.”
– Jenni, Community Relations Specialist
Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Dr. Devon Price
“From autistic voices, an important discussion of masking, unmasking, intersecting disabilities, and how it feels to be a neurodivergent adult.”
– Arbor, Public Services Clerk
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann
“This is the powerful story of Judith Heumann’s lifelong fight for equality for herself and for all individuals with disabilities, including the right to receive an education, participate in the workforce, and live independently. Her efforts resulted in the Individuals with Disabilities Act, which led to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and she went on to serve in the U.S. Dept of Education, and in the U.S. State Department.”
– Annette, Head of Community Relations
Adult Fiction
Library Staff Recommend…
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
“Hate the surprise pregnancy trope? So do I. Using said trope to tell a story of two people communicating and working together to handle a stressful and unexpected situation, growing closer, and building a fulfilling life together in the process though? That’s super sweet, heartwarming even. On top of that, the characters are nerdy, adorable, and just plain endearing.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
“A perfectly sweet and awkward story about two loveable characters learning each other’s needs and boundaries and showing there are many different ways to express and experience love.”
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
Teens
Young Adult Ability Diversity and Disability Pride Book List
Library Staff Recommend…
Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
“After a failed attempt to alchemically raise their mother from the dead cost Edward his arm and leg, and Alphonse his whole body, the brothers set out in search of the fabled Philosopher’s Stone in order to restore their bodies.
This is one of my favorite series of all time. It’s action packed, exciting, full of loveable characters and complex, terrifying villains. It’s got an interesting magic system, high stakes, a perfect conclusion, and to top it all off, the manga has a very well adapted anime to go with it.”
– Lorena, Library Assistant
Run on Your New Legs by Wataru Midori
“The story of a high-school boy getting back into sports after losing his leg at the knee in an accident. This series is by turns funny, exciting, emotional, and very informative without feeling like an info-dump.” Teen Manga
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
“A well-plotted heist novel with a crew of chaotic teenagers who are simultaneously managing flirtation, dodging the law, nefarious deals, chronic pain, PTSD, and literal witch-hunters as well as, you know, the heist. These books are a wild ride with a lot of fun twists and turns.” Teen Fiction
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
Children
Ability Diversity and Disability Pride Book Lists for Kids
Library Staff Recommend…
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
“11-year-old Addie discovers that her small Scottish town used to burn “witches” simply because they were different. Addie refuses to let them be forgotten and relentlessly pursues a memorial in their honor. McNicoll, herself autistic, authentically portrays the deep intense empathy her neurodivergent character feels for this historical injustice.” Recommended for ages 9 and up
– Mandee, Children’s Specialist
“I love this very sweet picture book about two children becoming friends despite their different languages. If you’re fascinated with language like I am, you’ll love learning more about Filipino Sign Language (and other sign languages around the world) in this book’s backmatter.” Recommended for ages 3+
– Ali, Children’s Librarian
Sincerely, Harriet by Sarah Winnifred Searle
“In this heartfelt graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Harriet learns just how powerful stories and imagination can be, especially when dealing with her own loneliness and chronic illness over one long, empty summer.” Children’s Graphic Novel. Recommended for ages 9 – 14.
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee
“After tragically losing both parents, a young blind girl is sent to live with her mysterious and reclusive aunt who was cursed with a monstrous appearance by an ancient relic. Together, they share heartfelt moments and embark on daring adventures. This is such a fun adventure story, and the characters are all so loveable.” Children’s Graphic Novel. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
Marshmallow and Jordan by Alina Chau
“A very sweet story about a girl building her swimming strength with the help of a mysterious and adorable elephant friend. This story is very sweet and emotional, with loveable characters and a fun, friendly art style.” Children’s Graphic Novel. Recommended for ages 9 and up
– Lorena, Public Services Clerk
BPL Ability Diversity Services for Patrons
- Hearing Loops at Public Service desks
- Closed circuit TV (magnification device) for the visually impaired (Central Library)
- Magnifying glass and reading glasses for in-house use (Central Library)
- Outreach services to the homebound, nursing homes, and adult care facilities
- SkillShare programs that provide information for folks in need of resources. Click HERE to visit our online calendar.
Upcoming Local Events
NAMI Whatcom and M.A.D. H.O.P.E. End of Summer Event
September 8, 1:00 – 5:00pm
The Blue Room, 202 E. Holly St. Bellingham, WA, 98225
The NAMI Whatcom mission is to provide hope and improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health conditions through support, education and advocacy. NAMI Whatcom programs are no-cost and led by peers. Visit the NAMI Whatcom website for more information about regular support groups, workshops, and special events.
M.A.D. H.O.P.E.’s mission is to eliminate youth suicide by empowering school communities with opportunities for interpersonal connectedness, accurate information about youth suicide and practical tools designed to prevent it.
Brigadoon’s Annual Gala and Auction
Hotel Bellwether Ballroom
September 14, 2024
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom where you will be transported back to the roaring 1920’s for a night of fun and entertainment to CELEBRATE 20 years of Brigadoon! So dress to impress, and get ready to give generously! It’s going to be a “Barking Good Time”.
Local Organizations and Resources
- Max Higbee Center
- Northwest Regional Council
- Whatcom Resource Directory
- The ARC of Whatcom County
- Cascade Connections
- The AIROW Project
- Brigadoon Service Dogs
- Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
- Center for Independence
- NAMI Whatcom
- M.A.D. – H.O.P.E.
- Hearing Loss Association of American Whatcom County Chapter