Children’s Books About Down Syndrome
As we strive for a more inclusive world it’s important to talk about differences to all children at a young age. Stories have been teaching us for centuries and continue to be a great way to explain Down Syndrome to kids.
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My son, Max, was born with Down Syndrome and later diagnosed with autism. He’s older now and he notices when kids stare at him. It makes him uncomfortable and he doesn’t like it which we can understand.
We try to approach this situation in a positive way by engaging the child. We may say hi or wave. We may try to introduce ourselves and strike up a conversation. Sometimes though Max is just over it and he says “Stop looking at me!” My heart breaks.
I realize these children are not being malicious. It’s very likely they’ve never met someone with Down Syndrome, seen them in a movie, or read about them in a book. Yes, I know we’ve made great strides in these areas over the past several years but there’s still much to be done.
Choosing to read a book about Down Syndrome to a class of elementary students or during story time at the library or in the comfort of your own home is a great place to introduce children to differences like Down Syndrome.
Here are a few great books to read about Down Syndrome that are geared towards preschool and young elementary age kids.
Children’s Books About Down Syndrome
Hannah’s Down Syndrome Super Powers by Lori Leigh Yarborough
In this book we meet Hannah. Hannahs’ superpower is that she has Down Syndrome. This book is great at explaining chromosomes, how people with Down Syndrome have an extra 21st chromosome, common characteristics of people with Down Syndrome, and how Down Syndrome can be a superpower!
I love that this book makes suggestions on how kids can be a good friend to someone with Down Syndrome and it includes a few common ASL signs! A great book to read to an elementary class!
My Friend Has Down Syndrome by Amanda Doering Tourville
Carmen tells us about her friend Sarah who happens to have Down Syndrome. In addition to telling us about Sarah as a friend, Carmen helps us learn more about Down Syndrome too!
At the end of the story there is a brief paragraph giving us more information about what Down Syndrome is. There’s also a glossary and suggestions of additional books to read to learn about Down Syndrome.
This book would be perfect to read to an elementary class!
My Life With Down Syndrome by Mari Schuh
Peter is a boy with Down Syndrome. Peter tells us all about Down Syndrome such as the physical characteristics, some of the health issues people with Down Syndrome may encounter, as well as what school is like for him.
Eli, Included by Michelle Sullivan
Follow Eli, a boy with Down Syndrome as he experiences his first day at a new school. As Eli is introduced, the teacher, Eli, and the class discuss how Eli was born with Down Syndrome and what that means.
In the beginning of the book you’re told to keep an eye out for numbers throughout the story. Each number is special and at the end of the book their significance is explained.
47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code by Becky Carey
In this book, Casin’s parents explain to him that his little sister, Tessa, has Down Syndrome and what that means. The book talks about the differences and similarities between the two siblings.
This book would be a good choice for a sibling of a child with Down Syndrome.
We’ll Paint The Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
Emma is 6 years old and is going to have a baby brother. At first she’s not thrilled but as she imagines all the fun things she will do with him she becomes excited. When Emma’s brother, Isaac, is born with Down Syndrome her Dad is the parent to tell her about his diagnosis. Through their talk they realize that Isaac will be able to do all the fun things Emma imagined doing with him, he just may need a little more help and it may take him a bit longer.
This is another great book to read to a sibling if their brother or sister is born with Down Syndrome but it would also be appropriate to read to a class. At the end of the story there are also several common questions about Down Syndrome and their corresponding answers which I love.
My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson
In this book we meet Charlie who talks about his friend Isabelle. Charlie tells us how he and Isabelle are different and how they are the same. Charlie tells us life is more fun with friends like Isabelle. At the very end of the book we learn that Isabelle has Down Syndrome and that through their friendship Isabelle and Charlie are helping to make the world a more tolerant place.
This book is best for children under 5 years old.
Katie Can by Erin Palmer
In this book we meet Katie. Katie is friendly, loves school and works hard. Katie also has a disability called Down Syndrome. This is another great book for children under 5 years old.
So there you have it Mama Bears! Book suggestions to read to young children to help them understand and learn more about Down Syndrome.
If you enjoyed this post then you check out…
The 10 Best Books For A Mom Of A Young Child With Down Syndrome
How To Talk To Your Child’s Class About Down Syndrome
What To Do When Someone Uses The R-Word
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I hope this post helps you rock this special life.
