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Books for siblings with special needs are invaluable. As a Special Education Teacher, I love to have tools at my disposal to pass along to my student’s families. A universal trait of Teachers is that we tend to care about the families we work with well beyond the time they are in our classrooms. So, I try to keep tools and strategies at my finger tips. Books have been my long standing favorite way to do this!
Books require no prep and just a tiny time commitment. They go such a long way to teach acceptance, empathy, and understanding in the classroom and they can do the same at home. I have been known to have a picture book for every occasion (you can see my favorite books about anger or my favorites about special needs) and even make them into full lessons. Today, I am excited to share my top three books for siblings with special needs!
A Book for Students Experiencing Loss
“The Invisible String” written by Patrice Karst
One of my absolute favorites! I have read this one over the years to my social skills groups. This book is particularly helpful for students who are dealing with loss. Students who have siblings with special needs that may not live in the home will benefit from reading this book.
What I like about it: The illustrations provide a tangible interpretation of the connection between family members. It simplifies a very complex topic and has a message of hope.
A Book for Students with Similarly Aged Siblings with Disabilities
“Super Socks” written by Connie Bowman
I have to admit, I am a little bias here. When Connie heard that I was a special education teacher she generously donated two of her books to my library. She is as amazing as her books!
What I like about it: The story is about adventure and the relationship between siblings who are having fun. One of the siblings in this story has down syndrome and the other is typical. This story has a message of inclusion and celebrating individuality which is… everything!
A Book for Teens or Young Adults who will take Responsibility for a Sibling
“The Sibling Survival Guide” written by Emily Holl
I have gifted this book to more than one family in the last few years. This book tackles some challenging topics! It is written for older students (or even adults) who are helping think about long term support for a sibling with a disability.
What I like about it: This book gives siblings a blueprint for conversations they need to have surrounding guardianship, medical care, legal issues and so much more. The information is delivered in an empowering and clear way!
If you are looking for a way to increase understanding and foster a more peaceful relationship for siblings with special needs, get a book! Which books do you reccommend to support the families in your classroom? I would love for you to share them with me!
