As a disabled writer, I recognize that every individual’s experience is distinct, shaped by their unique intersectionality with disability. This diversity is reflected in the books written by disabled authors, each offering a personal perspective on living with disability. Even those who share similar disabilities have varied opinions and experiences, making it essential to prioritize representation and amplifying diverse voices.
I’m drawn to reading fiction and nonfiction that authentically explores disability, moving beyond simplistic or able-bodied-centric portrayals. Many of the books on this list include trigger warnings for topics like substance abuse disorder, intimate violence, suicide, medical procedures, and episodes of psychosis. Furthermore, some texts may incorporate historical language or reclaim slurs as a form of empowerment.
To further blur genre boundaries, disabled authors often experiment with formats, incorporating visual art, diary entries, medical records, or literary analysis into their work. Some authors explicitly acknowledge their privilege, highlighting access to education or treatment options that have been historically denied to others. For those from the United States, landmark laws like IDEA and ADA have played a crucial role in enabling greater accessibility in schools and public spaces.
Awards and Literary Journals
There are numerous awards and literary journals that celebrate the work of disabled writers. A notable example is The Barbellion Prize, a British literary prize that welcomes international entries from disabled authors. In the United States, the Schneider Family Book Award recognizes children’s and young adult books that authentically depict disability.
Moreover, there are several literary magazines run by and for disabled authors and editors, such as Deaf Poets Society, Kaleidoscope, and Wordgathering. I’m delighted to have had some of my work published in these publications, although I don’t have any financial interests in them. To increase their accessibility, Wordgathering and Deaf Poets Society have been offering audio recordings of written pieces since at least 2016, making the content more inclusive for a broader audience.
Nonfiction
Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life By Alice Wong
Alice Wong’s life story is intertwined with the Chinese Zodiac, as she was born in 1974, the Year of the Tiger. A full circle moment occurred when her memoir was published in another Year of the Tiger, 2022. This unique individual describes herself as a ‘mutant from planet Cripton,’ showcasing her quick wit and lifelong passion for science fiction and fantasy, which is exemplified by her love for diverse worlds like Star Trek and X-Men.
Wong’s upbringing in Indiana with Chinese immigrant parents laid the foundation for her journey. She later moved to California for graduate school, where she discovered greater accessibility and a larger Asian American community. This diversity was further reflected when she appeared as a fictionalized version of herself on Netflix’s Human Resources series in June 2023.
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century edited by Alice Wong
A groundbreaking anthology brings together diverse voices from the disability community, tackling topics that are often stigmatized or underrepresented. The collection features personal essays on guide dogs, navigating religious obligations with a disability, and the struggles faced by Indigenous people within predominantly white disability spaces.
The book sheds light on lesser-discussed issues within disabled communities, including asexuality, incontinence, brain injury, and cognitive disabilities. At its core is the Disability Visibility Project, founded by Alice Wong, which uses its blog and podcast to amplify the voices of disabled individuals through written and oral narratives.
Golem Girl by Riva Lehrer
A Face for Picasso by Ariel Henley
Born with Crouzon syndrome, a craniofacial condition, author and her twin sister Zan underwent multiple life-saving surgeries as children. This unique experience would later influence the author’s fascination with Pablo Picasso’s art and biography. The title of Henley’s memoir stems from a childhood profile where a journalist compared their faces to the works of Picasso, saying ‘Their faces resembled the work of Picasso.
‘ This observation sparked an interest in Western beauty standards and how they prioritize proportions and symmetry, often marginalizing individuals with facial differences. The memoir also delves into Henley’s childhood spent in California before becoming more independent by attending college in Vermont.
Mean Baby by Selma Blair
Blair’s moniker ‘mean baby’ poignantly captures the phenomenon of adults projecting narratives onto children, who are still learning to manage their emotions. This theme is echoed in Blair’s own life story, which has unfolded like a narrative arc over three decades. Her impressive acting career, marked by notable roles in films such as Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, serves as a testament to her talent and dedication.
However, it was her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 2018 that brought a new dimension to her story. The following year, Blair made a powerful statement by walking the Oscars red carpet using a customized cane, an act of defiance and resilience that resonated deeply with fellow individuals living with disabilities. Her 2022 memoir offers a candid account of her childhood, career, and journey as she navigates life with multiple sclerosis.
Such a Pretty Girl by Nadina LaSpina
Nadina LaSpina’s life was forever altered when she contracted polio as a child in Sicily, born in 1948. As her family relocated to the United States around age 13, Nadina found herself at an NYC hospital following surgery, confined to a body cast for nearly a year. The experience of being wheelchair-bound introduced her to like-minded individuals with disabilities, forming lasting bonds and, surprisingly, a sense of liberation that many disabled authors share.
As she matured into adulthood, Nadina joined forces with fellow activists, participating in protests that ultimately contributed to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its precursor, Section 504.
Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma
Haben Girma, a disability rights advocate and lawyer, poignantly remarked that communities designed with a singular focus can inadvertently isolate individuals who don’t fit their narrow definition of personhood. This observation is deeply personal for Girma, having been born to Eritrean immigrant parents in California. Her remarkable journey includes being the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, achieving this milestone in 2013.
To navigate her world, Girma relies on her guide dog and assistive technology, using these tools to communicate effectively. Moreover, she dedicates time to volunteering, playing a key role in building schools in Mali.
The Pretty One by Keah Brown
This thought-provoking essay collection seamlessly blends intimate personal reflections with incisive pop culture analysis. The author shares candid stories about growing up with cerebral palsy and her complex relationships with her twin sister and close-knit friends. Notably, she sheds light on how societal biases towards race and ability influenced her self-perception, acknowledging the profound impact of these forces on her life.
Furthermore, Brown has ventured into fiction writing, penning novels that proudly feature young Black protagonists living with cerebral palsy, including ‘Sam’s Super Seats’, a picture book beautifully illustrated by Sharee Miller, and ‘The Secret Summer Promise’, a queer YA romance that promises to captivate readers.
Brilliant Imperfection: Grappling with Cure by Eli Clare
The notion of cure is a contentious issue within the disabled community, with individual perspectives varying widely. This book delves into the interconnected concepts of personhood, bodily autonomy, and consent, often denied to marginalized individuals by systemic oppression.
To provide context, it explores the historical intersection of racism, anti-LGBTQIA hate, and ableism, highlighting examples such as the ableist and racist history of circus sideshows, as well as the egregious case of Ota Benga, a Mbuti man forcibly displayed in the Bronx Zoo against his will in 1906, exemplifying the dehumanizing effects of systemic oppression.
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
Judith Heumann was a trailblazing activist whose life’s work was shaped by her experiences as an individual with disabilities. Born to parents who had survived the Holocaust and lost their own families, they refused to institutionalize her when she was born. Instead, they fought for her right to access education, a decision that set her on a path towards activism.
At Camp Jened, which would later be profiled in the documentary Crip Camp, Heumann honed her organizing skills and connected with other future disability rights leaders. Her fight for equal access didn’t stop there – in 1970, she became New York’s first teacher to use a wheelchair after successfully suing the state. Her tireless protests played a significant role in the passage of Section 504 in the 1970s and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.
Sadly, Heumann passed away in 2023 at the age of 75. Her legacy continues to inspire through her memoir Being Heumann and Disability Visibility, which have also been adapted for young readers.
Sick: A Memoir by Porochista Khakpour
Porochista Khakpour’s journey to diagnosing her late-stage Lyme disease was marked by frustration, misdiagnosis, and experiences of medical racism and sexism. Born in Tehran, Iran, the novelist and essayist recounts moving across the U. S., attempting various supplements and treatments, only to be met with delay after delay.
As she navigated this long and arduous process, Khakpour felt a deep sense of disconnection from her own body, poignantly capturing the sentiment in her memoir: ‘To find a home in my body is to tell a story that doesn’t exist.’
The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde
In the early 1980s, Lorde, a pioneering figure in the fight against breast cancer, shared her remarkable story of survival through a unique blend of poetry, personal essays, and journal entries. Her account delves into the profound impact that a breast cancer diagnosis had on her sense of self as a Black, feminist, lesbian woman. At the heart of her narrative is the theme of bodily autonomy, exemplified by her deliberate decision not to wear a breast prosthesis following a mastectomy.
This powerful exploration laid the groundwork for many future works in feminist and disability literature that would also grapple with these themes.
Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation by Hannah Gadsby
Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby’s memoir reflects their quest to reclaim their narrative. As a queer, autistic individual with a versatile career spanning Netflix comedy specials and visual art shows, Gadsby weaves together dry wit and sharp social commentary to critique systemic biases against LGBTQIA individuals, women, and those with disabilities.
Their experiences with autistic masking as a teenager left a lasting impact on them, serving as a poignant reminder of the toll this practice can take.
The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang
Being Seen: One Deafblind Woman’s Fight to End Ableism by Elsa Sjunneson
Sjunneson, an educator and writer of speculative fiction, brings a unique perspective as she explores ableism in popular culture through her debut memoir. The book delves into the consequences of inaccurate and stereotypical portrayals on everyday life for Deafblind individuals. One particular incident at her favorite bar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
A bartender incorrectly refers to her guide dog as a ‘pet’ and attempts to eject both herself and her companion, brazenly disregarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Sjunneson argues that this landmark civil rights law, enacted in 1990, is long overdue for an update. Specifically, she suggests that it should be expanded to encompass online accessibility and provide more effective enforcement mechanisms, ultimately promoting a more inclusive environment.
Fiction
Accidents of Nature by Harriet McBryde Johnson
In the midst of a heated debate with philosopher Peter Singer, who argued that parents should have the legal right to euthanize their disabled infants in 2008, Johnson stood firm in her advocacy for disability rights. As an attorney and activist, she was a champion for those often overlooked or marginalized. Her 2006 young adult novel explores themes of identity and belonging through the character of Jean, a teenager with cerebral palsy living in the early 1970s.
At a summer camp specifically designed for disabled youth, Jean finally finds a sense of community and belonging among her peers. It is here that she meets Sara, a longtime camper who introduces her to the core principles of the disability rights movement. Sara’s ‘telethon to stamp out normalcy’ serves as a biting satire of fundraising efforts that often perpetuate pity and ableism towards disabled individuals.
However, Jean also grapples with the feeling that Sara manipulated her fellow campers into participating in her own agenda, highlighting the complexities and challenges that come with building a sense of self within a marginalized community.
Good Kings Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum
In this poignant and thought-provoking novel, a group of employees and young residents at a nursing home in Illinois take center stage. What sets them apart is their rich diversity – not just in terms of race or disability, but also in their unique personalities, perspectives, and life experiences. The protagonist, Joanne, an individual who became paralyzed later in life, forms a special bond with the residents and introduces them to the powerful world of disability history and activism.
However, the harsh realities of overcrowding and under-staffing create a toxic environment where abuse and neglect can thrive. As the residents become aware of their mistreatment, they begin to organize and protest against the corrupt institution that has failed them.
This critically acclaimed novel, which won the 2012 PEN/Bellwether Prize for Socially Engaged Fiction, is a testament to the author’s skill in weaving together complex characters, compelling storylines, and important social commentary. Interestingly, the author is also a playwright who drew upon her best-unproduced play to craft this powerful novel.
True Biz by Sara Nović
In the world of ‘ boarding school for the Deaf, the story revolves around Charlie, a new student, and February, an alumna turned headmistress, as they work together to preserve the institution. The novel delves into the rich Deaf culture, incorporating illustrations of American Sign Language (ASL) throughout.
A striking aspect is the diverse backgrounds of the students, with some, like Austin, hailing from Deaf families that have signed since birth, while Charlie’s own experience as a hearing student provides a poignant counterpoint. Her struggles to connect without access to sign language serve as a powerful reminder of the social isolation that can accompany a lack of cultural understanding.
Furthermore, the novel thoughtfully explores the complex attitudes towards cochlear implants among Deaf individuals, with Charlie’s own experiences serving as a cautionary tale. As she becomes embroiled in a school production of ‘Peter Pan’ and finds solace within a tight-knit group of misfit friends, readers are treated to a nuanced portrayal of adolescence, identity, and the power of community.
Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens edited by Marieke Nijkamp
This thought-provoking 2018 YA anthology celebrates diversity in its eclectic mix of styles and subjects. The collection features a wide range of genres, from science fiction and fantasy to contemporary tales of love and relationships. What’s equally impressive is the inclusion of diverse protagonists and characters, whose experiences are deeply personal and often shaped by their unique identities, abilities, or disabilities.
As these complex characters navigate their relationships with others, they also confront their own struggles and growth, making for a compelling read that will resonate with many.
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
In the young adult novel at hand, the title’s dual connotation – referencing both the act of taking a deep breath before anesthesia and before diving into the water – is thought-provoking. The protagonist, Veró, embodies this duality as a Peruvian American teenager living with hip dysplasia who harbors ambitions to perform at a mermaid-themed amusement park. Her crush on her neighbor adds an extra layer of complexity to her narrative.
For adolescents with disabilities, the prospect of undergoing surgeries can be overwhelming and disrupt their daily routines, including school and extracurricular activities. This novel poignantly explores how surgeries, ableist bullying, first loves, and initial job experiences can collectively shape a teenager’s life.
More Books on Disability
In addition to the literary gems we’ve already discussed, our team is passionate about celebrating the works of disabled poets and exploring the rich history of disability. In fact, we believe that books like these are not only essential reading but also a vital part of creating a more inclusive and accepting society. As such, we’re happy to recommend all of these titles from our 2019 list as must-reads for anyone looking to expand their literary horizons.