Children's Books and Disabilities

Fear … stereotyping … labeling … misunderstanding … Any one of these might surface when we look at those with a disability. Our guest today, Dr. Tina Dyches, shares tips on what to look for when choosing children’s books that accurately and positively portray young characters with disabilities. Such books can be a great help for us and our children, if they lead us to be more accepting of those with these special challenges. Dyches, a professor in the BYU School of Education, is the founder and current chair of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award, which recognizes high quality children’s books that portray characters with developmental disabilities. Tina Dyches has worked in the field of education for 30 years, as a special educator, professor, and administrator. Her scholarship has resulted in three books about our conversation today – how best to use children’s literature featuring characters with special needs. Books mentioned in the interview:  Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko My Friend Suhana by Shaila Abdullah and her young daughter, Aanya Abdullah The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Simon Stephens (winner of the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award)