Celebrate Disability Pride Month with Books That Prioritize Representation

Americans celebrate Disability Pride Month every July, marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed on July 26, 1990. This landmark civil rights law was achieved through significant efforts and protests, such as the 1988 “Deaf President Now” protest by Gallaudet students and the 1990 “Capitol Crawl,” where disabled Americans crawled up the Capitol steps to highlight the issues of inaccessible architecture. Despite the ADA’s enactment 34 years ago, the battle for disability rights is ongoing.

Representation is crucial, especially in literature. Seeing characters with disabilities can be empowering for those who share those experiences. For others, reading about characters with disabilities can be a learning opportunity. This July, consider delving into these ten books that highlight disability representation.

“True Biz” by Sara Nović follows the headmaster and students at the River Valley School for the Deaf as they navigate first love, loss, and injustice. Perspectives from the rebellious transfer student Charlie, fifth-generation Deaf student Austin, and CODA headmistress February enrich the narrative. The book is engaging and features instructional ASL lessons throughout.

Talia Hibbert’s “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” introduces us to Chloe Brown, a chronically ill computer geek on a quest to rebel, aided by Redford “Red” Morgan, a motorcycle-riding handyman and artist. The Brown sisters trilogy, including “Take a Hint, Dani Brown” and “Act Your Age, Eve Brown,” continues to explore various disabilities and mental health issues with charm and wit.

“Disability Visibility,” edited by Alice Wong, is a contemporary collection of essays by disabled writers, celebrating the complexity and diversity of the disabled experience and disability culture in the 21st century. It offers a multi-faceted view into the lives and experiences of disabled individuals.

“Out On a Limb” by Hannah Bonam-Young is a contemporary romance where both main characters have limb differences. Hyper-independent Winnie McNulty finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, and Bo, the charming one-night-stand, steps up unexpectedly. The narrative explores whether their budding friendship can evolve into something more.

“Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams tells the story of two celebrated authors who reconnect twenty years after a teenage love affair, exploring modern motherhood, chronic pain, and second-chance romance. Eva and Shane’s story delves into whether they can reclaim their past amidst their present challenges.

John Green’s “Turtles All the Way Down” follows teenage friends Aza and Daisy in their quest for a fugitive billionaire. Aza juggles the investigation with managing her life and dealing with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, providing insight into living with mental health challenges.

“Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas features Yadriel, a trans teenager determined to prove himself within his family’s traditions. When he mistakenly summons the wrong ghost, his journey takes unexpected turns, providing representation for ADHD within a vividly imaginative narrative.

In “Two Wrongs Make a Right” by Chloe Liese, Jamie and Bea’s disastrous meeting evolves into a plan to fake-date for revenge, only to find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. This romantic comedy reimagines Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” featuring characters with autism and anxiety.

“Love from A to Z” by S.K. Ali introduces Zayneb, who, after standing up to an Islamophobic teacher, finds herself in Qatar where she meets Adam, a young man dealing with his mother’s death and a recent multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Their story is a heartfelt exploration of young love and facing personal challenges.

Lastly, “Alone With You in the Ether” by Olivie Blake narrates the chance meeting of Aldo, a doctoral student with destructive thought patterns, and Regan, a bipolar counterfeit artist. Their encounter at the Art Institute of Chicago propels them on a journey that might change their lives.

Source: USA Today