Books and materials about Ability Diversity and Disability Pride will be highlighted at Bellingham Public Library in July.
“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 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
“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
Ability Diversity Books for Teens
Young Adult Ability Diversity and Disability Pride Book List
Library Staff Recommend…
The No-girlfriend Rule by Christen Randall
“A great example of how stepping out of your skin for a little while and trying on a different version of yourself can help you build confidence and figure yourself out. Also a great example of how an anxiety disorder can affect day to day life. As someone with anxiety disorder who loves D&D, this was a very fun and relatable story!”
– Lorena, Library Assistant
Ability Diversity Books for 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
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
“The thing I love most about this story is that it looks like it’s going to be another story about a kid running away to do something their parents said no to, but instead she runs away with her grandma to do something her parents said no to, and that made it delightful. Those two going on an adventure together, sorting through their grief and frustrations, and have fun together made for a really fun and emotional read. 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.
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 America Whatcom County Chapter