Children's Literature
Reviews of Selected Books
Students with Down syndrome are capable of reading and it is important to provide them with a literacy-rich environment. Regular reading can build a student's expressive and receptive language skills. The book titles below promote a positive image of individuals with Down syndrome. Educators can use the picture books and novels in the classroom or refer these titles to parents.
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My Brother Fights Pirates....Well Kind of by Missy Vaughn
A fun picture book to read that can be used to start a conversation about the qualities of people who have Down syndrome.
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Colin Gets a Chance by Brian Beale
This is a true story about a boy named Colin who had Down syndrome and plays on a baseball team. The day comes when the most important game of the season is about to be played. Colin's teammates rally around him and support him as he plays on the baseball field.
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47 Strings: Tessa's Special Code by Becky Carey
A picture book that uses simple language to explain the possible challenges a child with Down syndrome can incur on the family while maintaining a strong message that every family member is equally loved.
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Russ and the Firehouse by Janet Elizabeth Rickert
Russ, who has Down syndrome, gets to spend time with his firefighter uncle at the local fire station.
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Freddie's Super Summer by Kate Gaynor
Freddie attends summer camp for the first time. He is concerned that he will not be able to make new friends but then he meets Jerry and has a fantastic summer. The book consistently portrays Down syndrome in a positive light as well as emphasizes how important it is for their peers to recognize their contributions.
Enjoy this slide show of other stories that feature individuals with Down syndrome!
Created by Shawna Steunenberg
References
Holland, S. (n.d.). The road we've shared [Website]. Retrieved from http://roadwevesharedgzp.weebly.com/about-us.html
Ricci, L. (2011). Home literacy environments, interest in reading and emergent literacy skills of children with Down syndrome versus typical children. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55 (6), 596-609. http://dx.doi.org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01415.x