59 books like Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

By Sonia Sotomayor, Rafael López (illustrator),

Here are 59 books that Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You fans have personally recommended if you like Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You. Shepherd is a community of 9,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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All the Way to the Top

By Annette Bay Pimentel, Nabi Ali (illustrator),

Book cover of All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything

Meeg Pincus Author Of So Much More to Helen: The Passions and Pursuits of Helen Keller

From the list on real people with disabilities.

By Meeg Pincus Author

Who am I?

I’ve lived most of my life with invisible disabilities that affect my daily activities, and I hope to encourage nuanced, empowering, and inclusive conversations about disabilities with my book, So Much More to Helen! All of my nonfiction picture books—Miep and the Most Famous Diary, Winged Wonders, Cougar Crossing, Ocean Soup, Make Way for Animals!, and more—are about “solutionaries” who help people, animals, and the planet. They’ve won Golden Kite and Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Awards, starred reviews, and spots on best book and state reading lists. Mostly, I hope they inspire compassion, curiosity, and action.

Meeg's book list on real people with disabilities

Book cover of I Talk Like a River Book cover of Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah Book cover of All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything Book cover of I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present Book cover of Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

Why did Meeg love this book?

This book, for me, is important as the first trade nonfiction picture book about the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I hope and assume more books on this topic are in the pipeline, as there is so much more to share with kids about this crucial social justice movement! Jennifer Keenan’s story is great for kids because she was a kid herself when she crawled up the U.S. Capitol steps to fight for disability rights. This book offers an inspiring, personal entryway into the disability rights movement and the importance of having laws and systems to back up beliefs about access for all.

All the Way to the Top

By Annette Bay Pimentel, Nabi Ali (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked All the Way to the Top as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

2021 Schneider Family Book Award Young Children's Honor Book (American Library Association)
Experience the true story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins and her participation in the Capitol Crawl in this inspiring autobiographical picture book. This beautifully illustrated story includes a foreword from Jennifer and backmatter detailing her life and the history of the disability rights movement.
This is the story of a little girl who just wanted to go, even when others tried to stop her.
Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change-even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but…

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I Am Not a Label

By Cerrie Burnell, Lauren Mark Baldo (illustrator),

Book cover of I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present

Meeg Pincus Author Of So Much More to Helen: The Passions and Pursuits of Helen Keller

From the list on real people with disabilities.

By Meeg Pincus Author

Who am I?

I’ve lived most of my life with invisible disabilities that affect my daily activities, and I hope to encourage nuanced, empowering, and inclusive conversations about disabilities with my book, So Much More to Helen! All of my nonfiction picture books—Miep and the Most Famous Diary, Winged Wonders, Cougar Crossing, Ocean Soup, Make Way for Animals!, and more—are about “solutionaries” who help people, animals, and the planet. They’ve won Golden Kite and Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Awards, starred reviews, and spots on best book and state reading lists. Mostly, I hope they inspire compassion, curiosity, and action.

Meeg's book list on real people with disabilities

Book cover of I Talk Like a River Book cover of Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah Book cover of All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything Book cover of I Am Not a Label: 34 Disabled Artists, Thinkers, Athletes and Activists from Past and Present Book cover of Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You

Why did Meeg love this book?

I chose this illustrated collected biography because it highlights a wonderfully diverse array of real people living with visible and invisible disabilities. Featuring both famous and non-famous people of various races, genders, and sexualities, with both physical and mental health conditions, it’s incredibly inclusive. The people’s stories, at one page or less, are short enough to keep kids’ attention and the back matter includes an important glossary of terms for talking about disabilities. This book celebrates many different ways people live and work with disabilities and encourages openness and inclusion.

I Am Not a Label

By Cerrie Burnell, Lauren Mark Baldo (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Am Not a Label as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Intelligent, politically bold, and beautiful to browse [...] Every bookshelf needs a copy." - Disability Arts Online

In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 34 artists, thinkers, athletes and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.

These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges which have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates and makers. Each person is a leading figure…

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Emmanuel's Dream

By Laurie Ann Thompson, Sean Qualls (illustrator),

Book cover of Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

Anne Broyles Author Of Priscilla and the Hollyhocks

From the list on real-life children who overcame hardships.

By Anne Broyles Author

Who am I?

Ever since I read Island of the Blue Dolphins in 5th grade I’ve loved historical fiction. I am inspired by amazing humans who lived across centuries and around the globe and left their mark on the world. My 2023 book I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People is about a social activist artist. Future published books include middle grade novels on the 1838 Trail of Tears, a day on Ellis Island in 1907, and a 1935 book about Eleanor Roosevelt and the planned community of Arthurdale, WV. Like I said, I love exploring history! I read in many genres, but still enjoy learning about history through fiction.

Anne's book list on real-life children who overcame hardships

Book cover of The Story of Helen Keller: A Biography Book for New Readers Book cover of The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Book cover of Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille Book cover of Malala: Activist for Girls' Education Book cover of Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

Why did Anne love this book?

I’ve had an easy life in so many ways, so I appreciate learning from people whose childhood adversities shaped them to make positive changes in the world. When Emmanuel was born in Ghana with a deformed leg, his future looked bleak. Some considered him “cursed.” His mother encouraged him to dream big and become independent. He refused to be defined by his disability and ended up showing “that being disabled does not mean being unable.” To bring attention to the difficulties disabled people face Emmanuel organized and completed a 400-mile bike ride across Ghana. 

I love this book because Emmanuel’s mother believed he was more than his disability, and the way Emmanuel proved this to be true prompted the Ghanaian Parliament to pass the Persons with Disability Act. 

Emmanuel's Dream

By Laurie Ann Thompson, Sean Qualls (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Emmanuel's Dream as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's inspiring true story—which was turned into a film, Emmanuel's Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey—is nothing short of remarkable.

Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today,…

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I Talk Like a River

By Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (illustrator),

Book cover of I Talk Like a River

Mónica Armiño Author Of A Wolf Called Wander

From the list on pictures that you will enjoy more as an adult.

By Mónica Armiño Author

Who am I?

I have been a professional illustrator for 20 years. In all this time I have gathered a vast collection of picture books, animated movie artbooks, children's books... I use them as a source of inspiration for my work, but I really collect them because they are my treasure. I don't just look for books with beautiful illustrations, but that really give me something, that make me think, or that stay in my memory. They are timeless books, that are not aimed at any age, that anyone can enjoy, but that at the same time have deep meaning if you know how to look at them. Not all picture books are just for kids.

Mónica's book list on pictures that you will enjoy more as an adult

Book cover of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Book cover of I Talk Like a River Book cover of Promenade Book cover of Through a Life Book cover of The Red Tree

Why did Mónica love this book?

When my oldest son was little, he was so nervous that he began to stutter. I thought it would be a problem for him, but luckily it was just a phase. That is why the theme of the book, in which the author recalls his childhood as a stuttering child, caught my attention. Regardless of the problem, I think we can all identify with that child who feels vulnerable, who fights against himself, and who accepts himself. We have all felt this way in childhood. And now as adults, we can identify with that father, who serenely accompanies and supports his son. The illustrations are beautiful, they are fresh, expressive, and perfectly reflect the feelings of the protagonist.

I Talk Like a River

By Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked I Talk Like a River as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner

 
What if words got stuck in the back of your mouth whenever you tried to speak? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to?
 
Sometimes it takes a change of perspective to get the words flowing.

A New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year

I wake up each morning with the sounds of words all around me.

And I can't say them all . . .

When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd…

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Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix

By Jacqueline Briggs Martin, June Jo Lee, Man One (illustrator)

Book cover of Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix

Christine J. Ko Author Of Sound Switch Wonder

From the list on promoting curiosity about our differences.

By Christine J. Ko Author

Who am I?

I love reading, partly because I believe in the power of books to feed curiosity, promoting understanding, inclusivity, and belonging. While growing up, my favorite books didn’t have anyone that looked like me. Through reading diverse books to my kids, I realized I’d missed out on this meaningful experience as a child. Even more, I wanted my son, who has bilateral cochlear implants, to be able to read a picture book with a main character with cochlear implants. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as, in unique ways, they all celebrate curiosity about our differences.

Christine's book list on promoting curiosity about our differences

Book cover of Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix Book cover of The Circus Ship Book cover of I Am Jazz Book cover of Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You Book cover of Owen

Why did Christine love this book?

Food can be a signal of our differences and bring us together. Chef Roy Choi is ethnically Korean (like me!) and believes food can represent love and culture.

It’s a treat to see his story illustrated by renowned graffiti artist Man One and read about how Chef Choi merges different cultures to create street food that is unique and appealing. As a bonus, the book has interspersed Korean words with their definitions!

Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix

By Jacqueline Briggs Martin, June Jo Lee, Man One (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY OF THE CHEF WHO KICKSTARTED THE FOOD TRUCK MOVEMENT.
Chef Roy Choi calls himself a “street cook.”
He wants outsiders, low-riders,
kids, teens, shufflers and skateboarders,
to have food cooked with care, with love,
with sohn maash.

"Sohn maash" is the flavors in our fingertips. It is the love and cooking talent that Korean mothers and grandmothers mix into their handmade foods. For Chef Roy Choi, food means love. It also means culture, not only of Korea where he was born, but the many cultures that make up the streets of Los Angeles, where he…

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The Circus Ship

By Chris Van Dusen,

Book cover of The Circus Ship

Christine J. Ko Author Of Sound Switch Wonder

From the list on promoting curiosity about our differences.

By Christine J. Ko Author

Who am I?

I love reading, partly because I believe in the power of books to feed curiosity, promoting understanding, inclusivity, and belonging. While growing up, my favorite books didn’t have anyone that looked like me. Through reading diverse books to my kids, I realized I’d missed out on this meaningful experience as a child. Even more, I wanted my son, who has bilateral cochlear implants, to be able to read a picture book with a main character with cochlear implants. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as, in unique ways, they all celebrate curiosity about our differences.

Christine's book list on promoting curiosity about our differences

Book cover of Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix Book cover of The Circus Ship Book cover of I Am Jazz Book cover of Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You Book cover of Owen

Why did Christine love this book?

Oh, if just for the gorgeous and relatable illustrations, please pick up this book!

But even more, the catchy rhymes tell a story of pre-judging animals and how hearts become changed so that all can coexist in a vibrant community. Together, we are better!

As a bonus, the book has hidden pictures that my son and I enjoyed discovering each time we read the book.

The Circus Ship

By Chris Van Dusen,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Circus Ship as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With stunning artwork and a rhyming text, the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books tells a tale of human-animal connection full of humor and heart.

When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. Staggering onto a nearby island, they soon win over the wary townspeople with their kind, courageous ways. So well do the critters blend in that when the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, villagers of all species conspire to outsmart the bloated blowhard. With buoyant rhymes and brilliantly caricatured illustrations…

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Owen

By Kevin Henkes,

Book cover of Owen

Christine J. Ko Author Of Sound Switch Wonder

From the list on promoting curiosity about our differences.

By Christine J. Ko Author

Who am I?

I love reading, partly because I believe in the power of books to feed curiosity, promoting understanding, inclusivity, and belonging. While growing up, my favorite books didn’t have anyone that looked like me. Through reading diverse books to my kids, I realized I’d missed out on this meaningful experience as a child. Even more, I wanted my son, who has bilateral cochlear implants, to be able to read a picture book with a main character with cochlear implants. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as, in unique ways, they all celebrate curiosity about our differences.

Christine's book list on promoting curiosity about our differences

Book cover of Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix Book cover of The Circus Ship Book cover of I Am Jazz Book cover of Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You Book cover of Owen

Why did Christine love this book?

My son and I love this book about a boy (named Owen! Like my son!), his special blanket (most kids and parents can relate to having a special lovie), and how the parents creatively respect the child’s needs while navigating societal standards. Read this to see how everyone gets what they want!

Owen

By Kevin Henkes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Owen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Fuzzy goes where I go.”

Owen’s fuzzy yellow blanket is his favorite possession. Everywhere Owen goes, his blanket goes with him. Upstairs, downstairs, in-between. Inside, outside, upside down. Everywhere! Owen’s parents are in despair—soon Owen will begin school, and he can’t take Fuzzy with him then. Whatever can be done?

This Caldecott Honor Book will provide reassurance and laughs whether shared at home or during circle time. Every child uses some sort of security object, whether it’s a toy, a thumb, or a binky. For those not yet ready to let go and for those who have moved on, here’s…

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I Am Jazz

By Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, Shelagh McNicholas (illustrator)

Book cover of I Am Jazz

Christine J. Ko Author Of Sound Switch Wonder

From the list on promoting curiosity about our differences.

By Christine J. Ko Author

Who am I?

I love reading, partly because I believe in the power of books to feed curiosity, promoting understanding, inclusivity, and belonging. While growing up, my favorite books didn’t have anyone that looked like me. Through reading diverse books to my kids, I realized I’d missed out on this meaningful experience as a child. Even more, I wanted my son, who has bilateral cochlear implants, to be able to read a picture book with a main character with cochlear implants. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as, in unique ways, they all celebrate curiosity about our differences.

Christine's book list on promoting curiosity about our differences

Book cover of Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix Book cover of The Circus Ship Book cover of I Am Jazz Book cover of Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You Book cover of Owen

Why did Christine love this book?

I read this book to my son when he was in second grade because his classroom was paired with a seventh-grade classroom in his school buddy system.

One of the seventh graders was transgender, and the school recommended this book. In simple prose, the book introduces the concept of being transgender in a way that both my son and I could understand, and we both appreciated that it is based on the author’s real-life experience.

Two favorite lines: “Be who you are.” And, “Different is special!”

I Am Jazz

By Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings, Shelagh McNicholas (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Am Jazz as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boy's clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.

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I Never Thought of It That Way

By Monica Guzman,

Book cover of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

Linda Rising Author Of More Fearless Change: Strategies for Making Your Ideas Happen

From the list on talking to people who don’t agree with us.

By Linda Rising Author

Who am I?

I have been on this journey for decades. I have just celebrated my 81st birthday and I am still learning. What I have seen is that most problems are people problems. That’s hard for me as a technical person with a Ph.D. in computer science. I have learned a lot the hard way and books like these have helped me. The books that helped the most were Fearless Change and More Fearless Change, written with my good friend and writing partner, Mary Lynn Manns. They changed my life. I hope these books will change yours.

Linda's book list on talking to people who don’t agree with us

Book cover of Humankind: A Hopeful History Book cover of Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist Book cover of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times Book cover of High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out Book cover of How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion

Why did Linda love this book?

Mónica Guzmán is not just another author and storyteller.

She’s also a supporter of an organization that is doing amazing things to bring our divided nation together – Braver Angels (check out BraverAngels.org).

I thought I knew a lot about facilitation and listening but the folks at Braver Angels have opened doors for me that I didn’t know were there.

Please, please, please check them out and read Monica’s book!

I Never Thought of It That Way

By Monica Guzman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Never Thought of It That Way as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

PORCHLIGHT BOOKS JUNE 2022 NONFICTION BESTSELLER

"I can see this book helping estranged parties who are equally invested in bridging a gap-it could be assigned reading for fractured families aspiring to a harmonious Thanksgiving dinner." -New York Times

"Like all skills, these techniques take practice. But anyone who sincerely wants to bridge the gaps in understanding will appreciate this book. Guzman is emphatic about making an effort to work on difficult conversations." -Manhattan Book Review

We think we have the answers, but we need to be asking a lot more questions.

Journalist Monica Guzman is the loving liberal daughter of…

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Bird Hugs

By Ged Adamson,

Book cover of Bird Hugs

Sandra Horning Author Of The Giant Hug

From the list on children’s books about hugs.

By Sandra Horning Author

Who am I?

As a children’s author of board books through picture books (Baby Code series, Chicks!, Bizarre Birds, and The Biggest Pumpkin) and as a librarian, I love books that make children feel good and loved. When I was working on my picture book The Giant Hug, I researched what other hug books had been published. There weren’t many back in 2002, but I continued to be on the lookout even after mine was published. I’m happy to report that there are quite a few hug books out there now, spreading love, hugs, and kindness to readers of all ages. We all need them!   

Sandra's book list on children’s books about hugs

Book cover of Group Hug Book cover of How to Hug a Pufferfish Book cover of Hugs and Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug Book cover of Bird Hugs Book cover of Hug

Why did Sandra love this book?

I couldn’t resist a title with two of my favorite things, hugs and birds. (In fact, I’ve written early readers about birds.) Bird Hugs, by author-illustrator Ged Adamson, tells the story of Bernard, a sweet little bird with wings too long to fly. He tries to fly many times, but isn’t successful. He feels useless and lonely until he meets an orangutan who needs a hug. It turns out Bernard’s long wings are just perfect for hugging. One hug leads to another and soon all the animals come to Bernard when they need comfort. Bird Hugs tells a lovely story with a positive message about fitting in when you’re different and, of course, how a hug can brighten your day. 

Bird Hugs

By Ged Adamson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bird Hugs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bernard isn't like other birds. His wings are impossibly long, and try as he might, he just can't seem to fly. He's left wondering what his wings are good for...if they're even good for anything at all. But a chance encounter with a dejected orangutan leads Bernard to a surprising discovery: that maybe what makes him different is actually something to be embraced.

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5 book lists we think you will like!

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The best picture books that promote curiosity about our differences
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The best children's picture books about how the U.S. Supreme Court works
The best picture books about (more elusive than ever) kindness

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