As the temperature drops, the flannel shirts come out of the closet, and the hearths ignite, you may find yourself hoping for a quiet moment to curl up and read a book.

Can’t figure out what to read? This list has you covered, with perspectives ranging from all disabilities, cultures, races, and creeds. While you read, open your mind to new perspectives, challenge your preconceived notions, and applaud the ability of your fellow humans to overcome.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Disability Theme: Blindness
Description: Set during WWII, this novel follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier trained to track illegal radio broadcasts, as they navigate the devastation of war. Marie-Laure’s story is one of resilience and sensory exploration.
Why It Matters: All the Light We Cannot See challenges stereotypes about blindness and shows how disabled characters can be central to powerful, nuanced storytelling.

Ghost Boy by Martin Pistorius

Disability Theme: Locked-in Syndrome
Description: Martin was trapped in his body for years, fully conscious but unable to communicate. His memoir recounts his journey back to communication and independence.
Why It Matters: It’s a profound reminder of the importance of dignity, awareness, and not underestimating people with severe disabilities.

Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann

Disability Theme: Polio and Disability Rights
Description: Judy Heumann shares her life as a disability rights activist, from fighting for education access to helping pass the ADA.
Why It Matters: This book charts the beginning of the disability rights movement and the power of collective advocacy.

The Pretty One by Keah Brown

Disability Theme: Cerebral Palsy
Description: A collection of essays by Keah Brown, who celebrates her identity as a Black disabled woman and explores pop culture, beauty, and self-love.
Why It Matters: The Pretty One brings intersectionality into the disability conversation and promotes pride and visibility.

Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw

Disability Theme: Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Description: Shane shares his life with humor and honesty, breaking down misconceptions about living with a severe physical disability.
Why It Matters: It uses humor to normalize disability and encourages readers to rethink what it means to live a full life.

Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Disability Theme: Paraplegia
Description: Sitting Pretty is a memoir-in-essays by Rebekah Taussig, who uses a wheelchair and writes about growing up disabled, navigating relationships, and challenging ableism.
Why It Matters: A deeply personal and thought-provoking read, Sitting Pretty offers a nuanced look at disability as a lived experience, not a tragedy.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Disability Theme: Craniofacial Difference
Description: This bestselling novel follows August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference, as he attends school for the first time. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie, his sister, and classmates. It explores themes of kindness, bullying, and acceptance.
Why It Matters: Wonder brings visibility to facial differences and promotes empathy, inclusion, and the idea that everyone deserves to be seen beyond their appearance. It’s widely used in schools to teach compassion and understanding.