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Children's Books that Promote Understanding of Difference, Diversity and Disability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 November 2016

Linda Gilmore  and
Glenn Howard
Linda Gilmore*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
Glenn Howard
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
*
address correspondence about this article to: Linda Gilmore, Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059Australia Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

An important goal of inclusive education is to create an environment in which individual differences are appreciated, and where all children are valued. Books are an important way in which children learn about themselves, others and the world around them. Children's literature can potentially promote awareness of individual differences and similarities, acceptance of self and others, and information that counteracts ignorance, misperceptions and stereotypes about disability. This awareness, acceptance and knowledge should ultimately contribute to greater understanding, empathy and respect for diversity. In this article, we review over 50 children's books that may be of value for assisting children of different ages to understand and appreciate individual differences and disabilities. Most of the reviews were contributed by postgraduate psychology students who were enrolled in a disability unit at Queensland University of Technology.

Keywords

children's booksbibliotherapydisabilityindividual differencesawarenessacceptance
Type
Review Article
Information
Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 26 , Special Issue 2: Developmental Disabilities , December 2016 , pp. 218 - 251
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2016 

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References

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