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Accessibility Diversity and Diverse Learners Core Competencies Electronic Resources English Inclusive Classroom

Disabilities Representations in Picturebooks

Listed below are selected books and read aloud links of those materials, to give a variety of ways to experience stories of diverse representations of disabilities in children’s literature.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de livres et de liens de lecture à haute voix de ces documents, afin de vous permettre de découvrir diverses représentations des handicaps dans la littérature pour enfants.

Picturebooks

Just ask!: be different, be brave, be you,

by Sonia Sotomayor; illustrated by Rafael López

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 3 (PreK-3)

Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges–and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we’re not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.

It was supposed to be sunny,

by Samantha Cotterill

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (PreK-2)

Laila’s birthday party, perfectly planned with her autism in mind, goes awry due to a change in weather and an accident with her cake, but with the help of her mom and her service dog, Laila knows she can handle this

A boy and a jaguar,

by Alan Rabinowitz; illustrated by Cátia Chien

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2 (PreK-2)

The renowned cat conservationist reflects on his early childhood struggles with a speech disorder, describing how he only spoke fluently when he was communicating with animals and how he resolved at a young age to find his voice to be their advocate.

Rescue & Jessica: a life-changing friendship,

by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes; illustrated by Scott Magoon

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 4

Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog — it’s the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he’s better suited to being a service dog, he’s worried that he’s not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she’d imagined it, too.

El Deafo,

by Cece Bell; colour by David Lasky

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): 2 – 7

Starting at a new school is scary, especially with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here, she’s different. She’s sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Nope. Never. Not for me!,

by Samantha Cotterill

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2

A young child refuses to try a bite of broccoli–that is, until her mom guides her through a careful exploration of the new food. First she looks, then she sniffs, then touches, and finally takes one tiny bite. What do you know? Broccoli isn’t so overwhelming after all!

This Beach is Loud!,

by Samantha Cotterill

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 2

Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky…and it gets everywhere! A sensitive boy gets overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, and sensations at the beach. Luckily, this kiddo’s dad has a trick up his sleeve to help his son face these unexpected obstacles.

Not so different: what you really want to ask about having a disability,

by Shane Burcaw; with photographs by Matt Carr

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 4

A picture book answering the questions young children ask Shane Burcaw about his wheelchair and life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with equal parts optimism, humor, and empathy.

When Oliver Speaks,

by Kimberly Garvin, Saadiq Wicks; design and illustration by ATH Arts Worldwide; editor: Hamishe Randall; illustration & layout: Anthony Tyrone Howard

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 3

A heartfelt story about a young boy who struggles to overcome his stutter while finding the courage to accept it, When Oliver Speaks is the story of an underdog who learns to rise. The story comes from a place of personal experience in that co-author Saadiq is a person who stutters and has done so for as long as he could speak.

We move together,

by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire; illustrated by Eduardo Trejos

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 4

A bold and colorful exploration of all the ways that people navigate through the spaces around them, and a celebration of the relationships we build along the way. We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers, and find joy and connection in disability culture and community.

Rolling through life with Mommy,

by Talisha Grzyb; illustrated by Winda Mulyasari

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): Préscolaire – 1

There are millions of parents but not all of them have a story like Mommy TaLisha. Her three sons take us on an adventure of a day in the life of a wheelchair-bound mother. It shows a new perspective of a struggle many endure but now in the eyes of their children.

Wiggles, stomps, and squeezes calm my jitters down,

by Lindsey Rowe Parker; illustrated by Rebecca Burgess

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 2

The vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of her fork on the table at mealtime, the trickle of cool water running over her hands — these are the things that calm her jitters down. This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp, or squeeze!

A day with no words,

by Tiffany Hammond; illustrations by Kate Cosgrove

Niveau scolaire (Grade level): K – 5

Young children will learn what life can look like for an autistic child who uses nonverbal communication by following a mother and child on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others.


Trouver d’autres ressources

Voici quelques conseils pour trouver d’autres ressources dans ce domaine :

  • Sur la page principale du site de la bibliothèque de l’UBC, utilisez la boîte de recherche générale pour rechercher des matériaux à travers toutes les succursales de la bibliothèque de l’UBC.
  • Pour limiter vos résultats aux matériels disponibles à la Bibliothèque de l’éducation, visitez le site web de la Bibliothèque de l’éducation et effectuez une recherche à l’aide de la case “Search Education Resources” située dans la bande à gauche de l’écran.
  • Remarque : les ressources étant principalement cataloguées en anglais, les termes ci-dessous donnent généralement plus de résultats que les recherches effectuées en français. Vous pouvez filtrer votre liste de résultats par langue dans la barre latérale de gauche.
  • Utilisez des termes de recherche spécifiques, tels que
    • “people with disabilities”, “individual differences”, “senses and sensation”, “sensitivity” AND “picture books for children” AND “ emotions”, ou “children with disabilities”.
  • Pour trouver des plans de cours, incluez “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” dans vos termes de recherche.

Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Search using “Search Education Resources” box in the left hand bar on the Education Library website to limit your results to physical materials in the Education Library.
  • Use specific search terms, such as
    • “people with disabilities”, “individual differences”, “senses and sensation”, “sensitivity” AND “picture books for children” AND “ emotions”, and “children with disabilities”.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.
Categories
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Open Access Electronic Resources

Below is a list of resources that are available online and are free to access for everyone.

Global Storybooks

Grades: K-4. This global project provides free access to illustrated and interactive stories from around the world. Includes access to Storybooks Canada and Indigenous Storybooks

Classic Books: Read.gov (Library of Congress)

Grades: K-5. Over 50 classic children’s books available for free online. Books in the collection include Peter Rabbit, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more.

Unite for Literacy

Grades: K-5. A large selection of digital picture books which include narration. Narration is available in numerous languages including English, French, Tagalog, Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, Russian, and more.

Scholastic Learn at Home

Grades: K-9. Scholastic has prepared five learning journeys a week for students. Each learning journey is based on a specific theme and includes a video of a story to watch, a book to read, and relevant activities. New learning journeys will be released weekly. See also, Scholastic’s Things to Do portal which has a variety of games, quizzes, activities, videos, discussion guides, and more.

UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach

Grades: K-12. UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach is a non-profit organization organized and operated by UBC students that aims to promote science, engineering, and technology to youth across British Columbia. Their new online learning site has resources for families and teachers, including live-stream daily activities, online events on Saturdays, weekly homework club, virtual workshops, one on one online teaching support, and more.

Keep Learning 

Grades: K-12. This website was created by the BC Ministry of Education to offer parents and caregivers resources to support students’ learning at home. The site includes tips and tricks, activity ideas with curriculum connections, daily activity ideas, additional resources, and more.

Lit2Go

Grades: 8-12+. A large collection of free audiobooks which includes short stories, poetry, and full length novels.

Categories
Electronic Resources

Electronic Resources

Listed below are selected teacher resources, picture books, non-fiction, and some additional resources which are available online.

Teacher Resources

How to teach poetry writing: Workshops for ages 5-9, by Michaela Morgan

Grades: K-4. This book is a practical, activity-based guide to developing poetry workshops that will help students read and poetry, and also improve their speaking and listening skills. Includes activities, poetry writing frames, poems from diverse cultures, word games, and an A to Z guide to poetry. See also, Poetry – from reading to writing: A classroom guide for ages 7-11

The really useful book of science experiments: 100 easy ideas for primary school teachers, by Tracy-Ann Aston

Grades: K-7. This book includes 100 easy to plan and execute science experiments across four broad categories — It’s Alive, A Material World, Let’s Get Physical, and Something a Bit Different. The experiments included don’t require specialist equipment or knowledge, but will help students grasp basic science concepts in a fun hands-on way. See also, The really useful book of secondary science experiments: 101 essential activities to support teaching and learning

The school garden curriculum: An integrated K-8 guide for discovering science, ecology, and whole-systems thinking, by Kaci Rae Christopher

Grades: K-8. Focuses on the intersection of science, permaculture, environmental education and place-based, immersive learning. Helps students to gain skills and knowledge related to science while also developing their sense of environmental stewardship. Includes over 200 weekly lessons.

Jumpstart! maths: Maths activities and games for ages 5-14, by John Taylor

Grades: K-9. This book offers practical and engaging activities that will introduce students to math in a new way. Includes oral games, differentiated games and quizzes, and activities which utilize technology. Areas covered include, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, fractions, ratio and proportion, algebra, measurement, geometry and statistics. See also, A practical guide to transforming primary mathematics: Activities and tasks that really work

Powerful understanding: Helping students explore, question, and transform their thinking about themselves and the world around them, by Adrienne Gear

Grades: K-12. This book focuses on helping students develop social emotional skills, make connections, question what they read, and become reflective learners. Includes classroom examples and hands-on activities which will be useful across a variety of subjects.

Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives in the classroom: Moving forward, by the BC Ministry of Education

Grades: K-12. This resources is designed to answer a number of questions, including what is meant by Aboriginal education and by Aboriginal worldviews and perspectives; what is required of teachers and of the education system in order to provide appropriate and authentic teaching in line with the First Peoples Principles of Learning; and where teachers can turn for guidance and support in modifying their practice to incorporate new content and approaches.

Teaching history creatively, edited by Hilary Cooper

Grades: K-12. This book introduces teachers to a range of available approaches to historical inquiry which involve creative, active and effective learning. Topics include the link between history education and creativity, investigating sources, using archives, using drama to explore events, and more. See also, Enlivening secondary history: 50 classroom activities for teachers and pupils

Gymtherapy: Developing emotional wellbeing and resilience in children through the medium of movement, by Rebekah Pierre

Grades: k-12. This book explores the connection between movement and emotional wellbeing, seeing the former as a way of improving the latter. This connection is explored across five key areas: Identity and Self Esteem, Mindfulness, Anger Expression, Protective Behaviour, and Gender Stereotypes. Includes lesson plans, real-life examples, and case studies that help to link active living with emotional well-being. See also Teaching physical education creatively.

Developing thinking skills through creative writing: Story steps for 9-12 year olds, by Stephen Bowkett

Grades: 4-7. An easy to use guide which help teachers develop creative writing activities across different genres that will build skills and excitement related to creative writing. Covers key concepts in storytelling including narrative structure, plots, characters and settings, vocabulary, word choice, sentence structure, and punctuation.  See also, Descriptosaurus: Supporting creative writing for ages 8-14.

Powerful readers: Thinking strategies to guide literacy instruction in secondary classrooms, by Kyla Hadden and Adrienne Gear

Grades: 8-12. A combination of theory and practical lessons, this book showcases tools to help students develop their ability to think as they read. Key strategies discussed include, connecting, visualizing, questioning, inferring, determining importance, and transforming. See also, Reading power: Teaching students to think while they read

More secondary starters and plenaries: Ready-to-use activities for teaching any subject, by Mike Gershon

Grades: 8-12. This book has 25 starters and 25 plenaries that will help to get students engaged and excited about any subject. Includes step by step instructions, teacher’s tips, worksheet examples, PowerPoint slides, and printable resources.

Picture Books

You hold me up, written by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel

Gray Smith and Daniel created this book to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

My heart fills with happiness, written by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett

A celebration of happiness which encourages children to take note of and appreciate what brings them joy.

Salmon forest, written by David Suzuki and Sarah Ellis, illustrated by Sheena Lott

Kate heads down to the river with her father, a biologist, and learns about how salmon, rivers, bears, forests, and humans are all connected. A fun and informative introduction to the salmon lifecycle.

Fraser bear: A cub’s life, written by Maggie de Vries, illustrated by Renné Benoit

Follows a black bear cub’s life in the Pacific Northwest from his birth to his first salmon catch at the Fraser River, uniting the cycles of bear and fish. A map and further information about bears and salmon are included.

Nimoshom and his bus, written by Penny M. Thomas, illustrated by Karen Hibbard

Nimoshom (my grandfather in Cree) picks up the kids from the community each morning and takes them to school. Nimoshom always has something to say to the kids along the way. Provides an introduction to basic Cree words.

What’s going on at the time tonight, written by Gerald Mercer, illustrated by Holly DeWolf

In Newfoundland a party is called a “time” and this time the time is taking place underwater! Join the barnacles, jellyfish, and sea lice as they get ready for a big shindig.

The boy & the bindi, written by Vivek Shraya, illustrated by Rajni Perera

This book explore cultural and gender difference, through the eyes of a 5-year-old South Asian child.

Non-fiction

Island kids, edited by Tara Saracuse

Grades: 3-7. This book includes 22 stories based primarily on real life events occurring as early as 1800 on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The stories are told from the perspective of children making it engaging and relatable for students.

Protest movements series, by Duchess Harris

Grades: 4-7. This series offers an introduction to some of the most influential protest movements in history, including the Black Lives Matter movement, Environmental Protests, Women’s Suffrage, and more.

Get-into-it guides series, by various authors

Grades: 4-7. A series of books to help young people explore their interests and build skills in new areas. The series includes books on getting into yoga, mixed media, chess, Minecraft, knitting, photography, claymation, citizen science, and more.

#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American women, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale

Grades: 8-12. A collection of poems, essays, interviews, and art written by Native women about their experiences. The book includes stories of abuse, strength, stereotyping, resilience, and more, which will encourage readers to think deeply about the representation and experience of Native women.

One in every crowd: Stories, by Ivan E. Coyote

Grades: 9-12. A collection of autobiographical short stories written by Coyote which delve into navigating growing up and adulthood when you don’t feel like you fit in.

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Additional Resources

Curio, by CBC and Radio-Canada

Grades: K-12. Curio provides streaming access to educational content from CBC and Radio-Canada. Includes documentaries, news reports, archival material from 1990-2018, audio, and more across a range of subjects. Teacher guides are provided for many of Curio’s documentary series and for recommended books.

Primary Search Reference eBooks Collection

Grades: K-7. A collection of roughly 100 fiction and non-fiction books for kids. Books in the collection cover a range of topics including math, science, social studies, and history.

MAS Reference eBook Collection 

Grades: 8-12. A collection of over 250 eBooks specifically geared towards teens. Includes books on developing money, life, and job skills, managing anxiety, math, science, history, and more.

Global Storybooks

Grades: K-4. This global project provides free access to illustrated and interactive stories from around the world. Includes access to Storybooks Canada and Indigenous Storybooks


Finding More Resources

To find more resources in this area, try the following:

  • Search using the General tab on the UBC Library website to look for material in all UBC Library branches.
  • Narrow results to online only by selecting “Full Text Online” under the “Refine Your Search Heading” in the left hand bar. Then, under the “Content Type” heading, select “Book/eBook” to limit your results to only eBooks.
  • Use specific terms such as “juvenile fiction” and “juvenile literature” in the search bar to help narrow results to materials for youth.
  • Use specific codes such as “PZ4.9” or “PZ7” in the search bar to help narrow results to materials for youth.
  • Use specific terms such as “study and teaching”, “lesson planning”, “activity programs”, elementary, or secondary to help narrow the results to education specific resources.
  • To find lesson plans, include “lesson plans”, “lesson planning”, or “activity programs” in your search terms.

For more help with searching, please visit the Library Service Desk or e-mail ed.lib@ubc.ca.

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