Disability etiquette

This entry in the Understanding Disability series (8 titles) gives much-needed--given non-disabled people's frequent discomfort--advice on appropriate behavior around people with disabilities. Author Evans writes in a conversational direct address to readers, sharing her personal story of being disabled, which makes what would be otherwise tedious into a more engaging experience. She covers, in brief, the concepts of both visible and invisible disabilities, the importance of recognizing disabled people as people, the need to think before you speak and ask for permission before attempting to help anyone, and how to reinforce respect and dignity for disabled folks. A clean, colorful layout and accessible voice make this a nice, if general, introduction to the topic and a good step toward building a more inclusive community.

Gr 3--5--Written with the perspective of children with disabilities in mind, these titles address topics relevant to children and their caregivers. Important topics are discussed in each title such as service dogs, the media, and how one defines disabilities that are framed through the lens of children's experiences in new ways. In particular, the information about the Americans with Disabilities Act is helpful for children's self-advocacy and stands as a shining star in this series. VERDICT School librarians and parents will find these to be valuable resources not only for information, but also for developing understanding among peers.