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Normalising disability

Updated: Apr 2

Introducing the topic of disability with kids can sometimes be tricky to navigate, especially for those of us who are not disabled ourselves. Not because we can't explain the obvious difference between able-bodied and disabled people, but more because we're apprehensive that our children's uninhibited questions might cause us embarrassment and worse still, offend or annoy the person with a disability. These two books, by disabled authors James (and Lucy) Catchpole, are written simply and clearly from the perspective of a disabled boy. They give an insight into how it feels when able-bodied people constantly ask the same question or make the same comments highlighting their differences, ignoring all ways which they are the same!


The first book, What Happened to You?, finds a young boy named Joe engrossed in an imaginative game of 'Pirates' in the park. Along comes a kid, who loudly points out that Joe has no leg. Based on his response to her comment, and to the multiple questions enquiring about what happened to his leg, it is clear that Joe gets fed up answering strangers' inquisitiveness. All it takes is one emotionally intelligent little girl, Simone, to realise that Joe is just a kid like her, and what makes him happy is playing imaginary games - like her. Together, the two pirates tackle sharks and crocodiles, before all the kids join in their game. Simone, through her discovery, helps the reader understand that all Joe wants is for her (and others) to focus on how they are the same, not different.


The second book, You're SO Amazing!, presents an alternative stereotype commonly associated with disabled people where the same disabled character, Joe, is labelled as "amazing" for doing everyday ordinary things. Whether he is playing an imaginary game in the park, sliding down a slide, hanging from the monkey bars, queuing for an ice-cream or even scratching his bottom, bystanders are in awe of these so-called "amazing" feats! All the attention, made Joe wish he was invisible, and not the star of the Joe Show. His friends understood this and treated him just like them. Not Amazing Joe or Poor Joe - just Joe.


Once again, this book helps give readers an awareness and understanding of the disability experience, and in particular disabled children. The two narratives that are most commonly attached to disability are: tragedy coupled with pity and triumph coupled with inspiration. What we come to realise through reading this book, is that disabled kids find it confusing and frustrating when strangers treat them with pity, or admiration, at first sight. Disabled people do not want to be defined by their differences, but rather share in the sameness that is being human.


Titles: What Happened to You? and You're SO Amazing

Authors: James and Lucy Catchpole

Illustrator: Karen George


What's to LOVE about these books:

  • The credibility of these books; written by disabled authors about a disabled young boy for able bodied readers.

  • The simple narratives and relatable storylines makes it easy for children to understand and put themselves in Joe's (or Simone's) shoes.

  • They help educate us grown ups and provide tips on how to handle and anticipate those inevitable but humiliating questions from curious little ones who are still learning the art of diplomacy and whose sensitivity skills still need some polishing.

  • Charming illustrations in pastel hues bring the stories to life.


Favourite quotes:

What Happened to YOU?

"Later Simone asked, "Do you ever get bored of that question, about your leg, that you don't have?"

"What do you think?" said Joe. Simone did know how to asker that. But Joe had a question of his own.

"Do you still need to know what happened?"

"No!" said Simone. And Joe seemed happy with that.


You're SO Amazing!

"And that's how it was with people Joe knew...With them, Joe wasn't Amazing Joe, and he wasn't Poor Joe.

He was just Joe."


Messages:

  • An honest account of how able-bodied people (adults and children) tend to treat disabled people, whether consciously or subconsciously. This sparks a thought-provoking conversation about ways we can change our words and behaviour to normalise disability and relish our similarities.

  • The books give kids an insight into what it might feel like to be seen as different, prompting discussion about what we can do differently next time we encounter someone with a disability.

  • These books promote empathy and awareness, with a beautiful reminder to treat everyone the same NO MATTER their differences.


If you consider these two books a worthwhile addition to your personal library, here is a link to buy them:

What Happened to YOU?


You're SO Amazing!

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