Welcome to my second post in the Disability Diaries. If you don’t know what I am talking about check out my introduction post to what these diaries are all about.  Today is all about the recommendations. One of the things I am also looking for are new books with disabilities, so I have created a list of some of the books that I have enjoyed.

Just a little note. I feel like these are good representations of disabilities in young adult. They may not be perfect, but to me, they show a little of what it’s like. If you believe that my recommendations are harmful in any way, please let me know. It’s all about learning and if something isn’t right, then it should not be a recommendation. Also remember that not everyone’s experience are the same and these books might just be one person’s experience.

Some of these books explore disabilities through the protagonist, while others deal with those around them. It’s not an equal or lesser value, but it shows that there are books that focus on the disability more than others.

Mental Health Recommendations

Highly Illogical Behaviour by John Corey Whaley: Highly Illogical Behaviour not only deals with agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder, where the person is afraid of leaving their environment that they know. But also deals with wanting to ‘heal’ someone with anxiety and the do’s and don’t of psychology | Full Review

All The Rage by Country Summers: All the Rage deals with the aftermath of rape. How now only this horrible experience, but the way that her peers treat her has left the protagonist with depression and even anxiety. It’s heartbreaking, but it explores the notion of rape culture and how it can affect someone to the point where they cannot do everyday things.

Hallowed Ground by Rebecca Yarros: While Hallowed Ground is New Adult. It deals with PTSD from war and seeing someone you know and care about die before your eyes. It deals with the aftermath and how PTSD not only affects the victim but, those that love them as well.

Paperweight by Meg Haston:  This book will rip you to pieces. It’s very heavily focused on mental illness and treatment centres. It’s heartbreaking and powerful and shows a different side of mental illness.

Physical Disabilities Recommendations

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: Six of Crows has a whole heap of diversity in it from race to disabilities and Kaz seems to be the focus of this. Kaz not only walks with a limp but also, suffers from Chronic pain something that I know a lot about. Kaz also deals with trauma-related mental illness. I think that Six of Crows deals with these different disabilities really well.

Magnus Chase by Rick Riordan: While not a main focus, deafness is explored throughout the Magnus Chase series. Hearthstone a companion of Magus and a true friend. Hearth has been deaf since birth and rejected by his parents because of his deafness. Magnus along with Blitz have learnt how to communicate with Hearth through Alf Sign Language.

This is What Goodbye Looks Like by Olivia Rivers: This book not only deals with grief, but the protagonist’s love interest is also blind. I’ve never read a book before this one where a character is blind. And I need more. It really opened my eyes.

Learning Disabilities Recommendations

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan: Dyslexia is explored throughout the Percy Jackson series mainly through Percy himself.  It’s very rare to see learning disabilities in middle grade and young adult, so I loved seeing it through these books. Percy Jackson also explores ADHD.