Elementary

A Guide Dog Goes to School: The Story of a Dog Trained to Lead the Blind

Elizabeth Simpson

Guide dogs for persons who are blind go through a long period of training before they assume their life’s work. This true story follows Cinderella, a golden retriever, through the stages of her training to become a guide dog. For grades 2-4.

Adventures of Abby Diamond

Kristie Smith

Abby Diamond is an eleven year old girl who loves to solve the mysteries that surround her and her three best friends: Neils, Andrea and Alison. Being blind does not stop this girl detective from solving the mysterious cases that happen in her home and at school.

Blooming besties

Mary Tellefson

Should Ruby, a blind 4th grader, be suspended when she hits a boy who pulled a nasty prank on her at school? What if the boy she hit wasn’t really the culprit? Blooming Besties is the story of a blind elementary school student, Ruby, and her goofy, sighted sidekick and best friend Charleigh, who sticks up for her in the principal’s office. This is just one of several experiences the girls have together that solidify their bond, challenge their values, and cause hilarious growing pains. Themes of blindness, using a cane, responsibility, lying, bullying, no-tolerance policies, inclusion, and growing up with a best friend weave together in a sensory-rich storyline spanning the girls’ fourth through seventh grade years.

Can I Tell You About Nystagmus?

Nadine Neckles

In this friendly guide, a girl called Amber explains all about her ’dancing eyes,’ or nystagmus. Amber explains how children with nystagmus might need to read, learn or play differently, and what their families, school and friends can do to help. She invites readers to learn the causes and symptoms, to help others understand the condition and help increase the self-esteem and confidence of those who have it.

I See Without My Eyes

Mark Brauner Hayward

A young blind girl tells how she adapts and functions with her disability and how she does not let it stand in her way of living her life as best she can. The story teaches children about Braille, senses, guide dogs, and more.

Keep Your Ear on the Ball

Genevieve Petrillo

Davey is blind-and he is perfectly capable of doing everything on his own. His well-meaning classmates stop offering help when they see how able Davey is. They respect his selfreliance-until he tries to play kickball. After several missed kicks and a trampled first baseman, no one wants Davey on his or her team. But by working together, the children figure out a way to offer help that respects Davey’s unique abilities and his desire for freedom. In this seamless tale, based on a true story, the children realize that interdependence can be just as important and rewarding as independence.

Reading Guide

My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay

Cari Best

Zulay is a blind girl who longs to be able to run in the race on field and track day at her school.

The Seeing Stick

Jane Yolen

This inspirational book tells the story of a young emperor’s daughter without vision, who can see with her fingers to open up a whole new world. It’s a beautiful story and will offer children a perspective on our many senses and how we can use them to experience our world.