The Schneider Family Book Award

According to the American library Association the Schneider Family Book Award is given to books that “embody an artistic expression of the disability experience”. It has recognized a book for each of three different interest levels annually since 2004. The titles feature characters and their families who deal with a wide range of topics such as dyslexia, cerebral palsy, or Asperger Syndrome.

Here are this year’s winners:

For readers ages 0 to 10:

The Pirate of Kindergarten written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avril is a picture book about a Pippi Longstocking look alike who sees double. She struggles in school, but doesn’t realize her vision could be better until the kind school nurse tests her. Fitted with an eye patch, she feels on top of the world.

For middle-school readers (ages 11-13):

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick is from the perspective of Jeffery--whose cancer has recently gone into remission. Now he has to tackle eighth grade, girls, a changing family, and being That Boy Who Had Cancer.

For teen readers (ages 13-18):

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John is about Piper—high school senior, rock band manager, and deaf. Filled with sarcastic, gutsy, and clever characters, this is a story about family and a band trying to make it big.

If you are interested in previous Schneider award winners or would like more information on the award, click here.

The Scheider family book award committee also has a pdf bibliography of similar books for these age groups.

- Miss Emily