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As March is the month in which we celebrate World Book Day, we thought we would compile a list of our favourite books featuring noteworthy disabled representation. These books include characters who are D/deaf, neurodivergent, have mobility needs and more, covering genres from romance to fantasy. Many of the authors are also part of the disabled community – so if you’re looking for a decent read this month, check some of these out.

Song for a Whale – Lynne Kelly

Middle Grade.
We follow the story of Iris, a 12 year old deaf girl who is also a genius and finds herself isolated from her peers, none of whom understand her. During the course of the book, she learns about a famous whale and in them, finds a kindred spirit.

Turn of Mind – Alice LaPlante
Mystery

This twisty mystery focuses on Dr Jennifer White, a retired surgeon, who is living with dementia. When her best friend is killed, she becomes the prime suspect and is trying to clear her name while also struggling to remember whether or not she could possibly be involved in the killing.

Brave Enough – Kati Gardner

YA
Partially inspired by the author’s own experiences as an amputee and surviving cancer, Brave Enough is the story of Cason, who dreams of attending an acclaimed dance conservatory but finds her life turned upside down when she is diagnosed with bone cancer. Far from being a story of doom and gloom, Brave Enough is a story of hope and bravery with a bit of romance thrown in.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown – Talia Hibbert

Romance

This romance centers around Chloe Brown, who after a near fatal accident is now living with chronic illness, but that doesn’t stop her wanting to live life to the fullest. Along comes Red and the pair embark on a whirlwind romance.

Six of Crows/ Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo

YA / Fantasy

This duology follows a group of outcasts attempting to pull off a daring heist. The gang is led by Kaz Brekker, who not only walks with a stick because of a childhood injury to his leg, inspired by the author’s own experiences, but also suffers from PTSD, as does another member of the crew, Inej.

A Room Called Earth – Madeleine Ryan
Contemporary Fiction

Taking place over the course of a single evening, A Room Called Earth is based on the author’s own experiences of living with autism.

So Lucky – Nicola Griffith
Contemporary Fiction
Also based on the author’s experience is this story about Mara Tagarelli, the head of a multi-million dollar organisation and successful martial artist, who receives a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and how her life changes. The book follows Mara’s decision to tackle hate crime in her community and ableism in the medical community.

The Witch Elm – Tana French
Mystery

This best seller follows Toby who, when recovering from a brain injury, visits his uncle who is also recuperating after suffering a stroke. While there, he discovers a skeleton buried under the elm tree he played under as a child and decides to solve the mystery himself.

The Bride Test – Helen Hoang

Romance

Like our main character, Helen Hoang is also autistic and this book is lauded for its representation of autism. The story follows Khai Diep, who’s mother has decided to try and set him up by sending Esme, a young woman, from Vietnam to America to seduce him.

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