Special Novels that Educators will <3

This post contains Amazon links.

I adore reading. Last year, I somehow managed to read 55 books in spite of my crazy schedule. I especially love fictional books containing strong, awesome characters (who happen to have disabilities)! These books contain similar themes to last week’s post, Special Chapter Books that Educators will <3, but with slightly more adult themes.

The following is a list of books that I personally have read and adored. I would highly recommend them to any teacher, parent, or therapist! I will add to this list as I read more and more amazing books! (Click on each image to see the book on Amazon.)

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks: Max has Autism. He also has an imaginary friend named Budo who helps him survive school, make friends, and ultimately saves his life. You will not want to this page turning novel!

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: This is a murder mystery as told by Christopher, a mathematical genius with very poor social skills. It is heart-warming and fun to read.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer: Johnathan lost his father on 9/11. He is now determined to find clues about learning more about his father from all over New York City. In spite of social difficulties, this nine-year old travels throughout the city meeting people and learning more and more about the parent that he lost.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion: This fast read is about a brilliant physicist who has decided that he needs to find a wife. He goes about it through speed-dating, an extensive survey and other completely full hardy methods. What he finds is that love cannot be determined by mathematical equations, and that it really does exist!

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova: After a car accident, Sarah has a brain injury leaving her with left neglect. She must try to re-navigate and re-define her previously stressful life with her new challenges.

600 Hours of Edward by Craig Lancaster: This quirky book chronicles the 600 hours that it took to completely change Edward’s life from one with a strict routine and rhythm, to one with friends, laughter, and spontaneity.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova: I read this book long before I had ever heard there would be a movie. It is a sad tale of a Harvard professor who has early (and rapid) onset Alzheimer’s. It goes through her fears, losses, and realizations that she will become more and more dependent on those around her… even while they are fading away.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: Marie-Laure becomes blind at the age of six and must learn to navigate the world without vision. Things become even tougher when the Nazis begin to occupy Paris and she and her father must flee to a new town and new life. This is an amazing and inspiring fictional story.

Looking for chapter books to read? Check out my list here.

I need more books like these! What do YOU recommend?