20 best books on down syndrome for kids – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you looking for the perfect book on Down syndrome for kids? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 20 best books about Down syndrome that are not only educational but also engaging. These books are designed to help children understand and embrace differences, while also celebrating the unique abilities and strengths of individuals with Down syndrome. From heartwarming stories to informative picture books, this collection has something for every young reader. Discover the magic of these Down syndrome for kids books and open their hearts and minds to the beautiful diversity of our world.


My Friend Isabelle

by Eliza Woloson

My Friend Isabelle is a heartwarming and inclusive book about a friendship that knows no limits. In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, Eliza Woloson introduces us to Isabelle, a young girl with an extra chromosome, and her best friend, Charlie. Isabelle may have Down syndrome, but that doesn’t stop her from being a fun and loving friend.

This book about Down syndrome for kids celebrates the unique qualities and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome, while also teaching children about acceptance, empathy, and the true meaning of friendship. The story is told in a gentle and relatable way, making it a perfect tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to introduce the topic of Down syndrome to young readers.

Through My Friend Isabelle, children will learn that differences should be embraced and that everyone deserves love and friendship, regardless of their abilities. This down syndrome for kids book is a must-read for any child who wants to understand and celebrate diversity.

47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code

by Becky Carey

47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code is an extraordinary book about a remarkable girl named Tessa who has a unique way of seeing the world. This heartwarming and empowering story, written by Becky Carey, celebrates the beauty and strength of individuals with a special genetic condition known as Down syndrome.

Tessa’s journey is filled with love, friendship, and adventure as she discovers her own special code, made up of 47 strings. With each string representing a different trait or characteristic, Tessa’s code helps her navigate the world and embrace her uniqueness.

This beautifully illustrated book is an invaluable resource for parents, educators, and children alike, providing a positive and inclusive portrayal of individuals with Down syndrome. It promotes understanding, acceptance, and empathy, making it a must-read for anyone looking to learn more about this incredible community.

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale

by Jewel Kats

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale by Jewel Kats is a captivating book about autism for kids. This enchanting tale follows Princess Sophie, who has a special gift – she sees the world in a unique way. Sophie’s adventures take her on a magical journey, where she encounters challenges and discovers the power of her own resilience. With beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming storyline, this book is a must-read for children who want to learn about autism in a fun and engaging way. It is an empowering story that promotes understanding, acceptance, and celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. The Princess and the Ruby is a gem of a book that will capture the hearts of young readers and inspire them to embrace differences with compassion.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

by Deborah Heiligman

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos is a captivating biography that tells the extraordinary story of a brilliant mathematician who was obsessed with numbers from a young age. Paul Erdos, often referred to as “The Mozart of Mathematics,” had a mind that worked in mysterious ways. He saw numbers and patterns everywhere, and his love for math was unparalleled. This book takes readers on a journey through Erdos’ life, from his childhood in Hungary to his globe-trotting adventures as he collaborated with fellow mathematicians. With its engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations, this book not only celebrates Erdos’ genius but also highlights the power of passion and determination. It is a must-read for anyone who loves math or simply enjoys an inspiring true story.

The Shape of My Heart

by Mark Sperring

The Shape of My Heart by Mark Sperring is a heartwarming and inclusive picture book that celebrates the uniqueness of every child. This delightful story follows a group of diverse and playful children as they explore the world around them. One of the children, named Finn, happens to have an extra special heart. Finn has a condition called Down syndrome, which makes him wonderfully different from his friends. Through beautiful illustrations and gentle rhymes, this book promotes understanding, acceptance, and love. It is a fantastic resource for parents, educators, and caregivers looking for a book about Down syndrome for kids. Discover the magic of The Shape of My Heart and embrace the beauty of diversity!

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a heartwarming and insightful book about a young boy named Brian who feels invisible in his classroom. Brian is not diagnosed with down syndrome, but he has many qualities that make him stand out from his classmates. Through beautiful illustrations and a touching storyline, this book explores themes of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. It teaches children the importance of recognizing and valuing the unique qualities in others, regardless of their differences. The Invisible Boy is a must-read for kids to learn about acceptance and understanding, making it a valuable resource for parents and educators. This book about down syndrome for kids will inspire young readers to embrace diversity and create a more inclusive world.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

by Julia Finley Mosca

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is an inspiring children’s book about a remarkable woman who defied all odds. Written by Julia Finley Mosca, this captivating biography tells the story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a brilliant scientist and advocate for autism. With her unique mind and extraordinary abilities, Temple overcame the challenges of autism and became a pioneer in animal welfare and autism education. This book is a celebration of neurodiversity and the power of embracing individual strengths. With engaging illustrations and a powerful message, The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is a must-read for children who are curious about neurodiversity and the extraordinary potential within each of us.

The Don’t-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences

by Jeanne Gehret

The Don’t-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences is an inspiring and heartwarming book that celebrates the uniqueness of children with learning differences, including Down syndrome. Written by Jeanne Gehret, this book is a must-read for children and adults alike who want to understand and embrace diversity.

Through the story of a young boy named Brian, who has Down syndrome, the book explores the challenges he faces in a world that sometimes misunderstands him. With the support of his family, friends, and a caring teacher, Brian learns to overcome obstacles and succeed in his own way.

This engaging and informative book provides valuable insights into the experiences of children with learning differences, promoting empathy, understanding, and acceptance. It is a fantastic resource for parents, educators, and anyone looking to foster a more inclusive society.

The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism

by Julie L. Coe

The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism is a heartwarming and educational book that teaches children about acceptance and inclusion. Written by Julie L. Coe, this engaging book explores the world of autism through the eyes of Tim, a young boy with Down syndrome. It offers valuable insights and practical tips to help children understand and embrace differences. With colorful illustrations and a relatable storyline, this book is a wonderful resource for parents, educators, and children alike. Whether you’re looking for a book about Down syndrome for kids or a book on autism, The Friendship Puzzle is sure to inspire empathy and foster a more inclusive society.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

by Julia Finley Mosca

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is an inspiring and captivating book about a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of autism to become a renowned scientist and advocate for animal rights. Written by Julia Finley Mosca, this beautifully illustrated biography introduces young readers to the incredible life of Temple Grandin, highlighting her unique way of thinking and her groundbreaking contributions to the field of animal science. This book is a must-read for children who are interested in learning about the power of perseverance, the importance of embracing differences, and the limitless potential of the human mind.

The Don’t-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences

by Jeanne Gehret

The Don’t-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences is an inspiring and empowering book about a young girl named Sarah who has unique learning differences. This heartwarming story, written by Jeanne Gehret, captures the essence of Sarah’s journey and how she faces the challenges associated with her learning differences head-on.

This book is not just about down syndrome for kids, but it encompasses a broader range of learning differences that children may encounter. It is a book that celebrates diversity and encourages children to embrace their individuality.

Through Sarah’s determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit, young readers will be inspired to believe in themselves and never give up, regardless of any obstacles they may face. This beautifully illustrated and engaging book is a must-read for children and adults alike, reminding us all that our differences should be celebrated and that we can achieve anything with the right mindset.

The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism

by Julie L. Coe

The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism by Julie L. Coe is a heartwarming and informative book that teaches children about accepting and including kids with autism. This engaging book uses colorful illustrations and relatable characters to explain what autism is and how it affects individuals. Through a story about a young boy named Max who has autism, children learn about the challenges Max faces and how they can be a friend to him. The book encourages empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, making it a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and children alike. With its accessible language and positive message, The Friendship Puzzle is a must-read for anyone seeking to promote acceptance and friendship among kids.

The Shape of My Heart

by Mark Sperring

The Shape of My Heart by Mark Sperring is a heartwarming and inclusive book about Down syndrome for kids. It beautifully captures the essence of love, acceptance, and celebrating differences. Through vibrant illustrations and lyrical prose, the book explores the unique qualities and strengths of children with Down syndrome.

This book on Down syndrome for kids encourages readers to embrace diversity and teaches them the importance of kindness and understanding. It highlights that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has their own special shape and purpose in the world.

With its gentle message of acceptance and its celebration of individuality, The Shape of My Heart is a must-read down syndrome for kids book that will inspire children to cherish their own unique shapes and to appreciate the diverse shapes of others.

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig

The Invisible Boy is a heartwarming and compassionate book about a young boy named Brian, who is often overlooked and ignored by his classmates. This beautifully illustrated story, written by Trudy Ludwig, explores the themes of empathy, kindness, and inclusion. Brian, who has a condition similar to Down Syndrome, is portrayed as an “invisible” boy, but his true potential and worth are revealed when a new student, Justin, joins the class. Through the power of friendship and understanding, Justin helps Brian find his voice and feel seen for the first time. This touching book about Down Syndrome for kids teaches important lessons about acceptance and celebrating differences, making it a must-read for children and adults alike.

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos

by Deborah Heiligman

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos by Deborah Heiligman is a fascinating biography that tells the story of a brilliant mathematician who saw the world through numbers. Paul Erdos, known as the “Magician of Budapest,” had an incredible mind that never stopped thinking about math. From a young age, he was obsessed with numbers and patterns, solving complex problems that even adults couldn’t understand. But there was something unique about Erdos – he had a condition called “mathematical autism,” which made it difficult for him to interact with others. Despite this challenge, Erdos traveled the world, collaborating with other mathematicians and making groundbreaking discoveries. This book is a celebration of Erdos’ incredible life and his love for mathematics. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of passion and perseverance.

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale

by Jewel Kats

The Princess and the Ruby: An Autism Fairy Tale by Jewel Kats is a heartwarming and enchanting story that celebrates the uniqueness of children with autism. This beautifully illustrated book is a must-read for anyone looking for a book about down syndrome for kids. It tells the story of Princess Sophie, a young girl with autism who embarks on a magical adventure to find a precious ruby. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and self-acceptance. This book on down syndrome for kids is filled with colorful characters and captivating storytelling that will captivate young readers. It is a wonderful resource for parents, educators, and children alike, promoting understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism.

47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code

by Becky Carey

47 Strings: Tessa’s Special Code by Becky Carey is a heartwarming and inspiring book about a young girl named Tessa who has an extra chromosome, a condition commonly known as Down syndrome. This book is a fantastic resource for children to learn about Down syndrome in an engaging and relatable way. Through Tessa’s story, readers will discover her unique abilities and the special code that makes her who she is. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates diversity, encourages empathy, and promotes inclusivity. It is a must-read for anyone looking to educate children about Down syndrome and foster a more inclusive society.

My Friend Isabelle

by Eliza Woloson

My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson is a heartwarming and inclusive children’s book that celebrates the beauty of friendship and diversity. This delightful story follows two best friends, Charlie and Isabelle, who have an unbreakable bond despite their differences. Isabelle has a condition called Down syndrome, which the book sensitively portrays as a unique and wonderful aspect of her identity. Through colorful illustrations and simple yet powerful language, Woloson teaches young readers about acceptance, empathy, and the power of friendship. My Friend Isabelle is a must-read for children and parents alike, as it promotes understanding and celebrates the beauty of diversity. This book about Down syndrome for kids will capture hearts and minds, reminding readers that everyone deserves love, respect, and friendship.

The Boy from Tomorrow

by Camille DeAngelis

The Boy from Tomorrow by Camille DeAngelis is a captivating and heartwarming book about a young boy named Alec who has an extraordinary gift – he can communicate with a girl named Josie from the future. Josie, who has a condition called Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome, becomes friends with Alec across time through a magical letterbox. As they share their lives and experiences, both children learn valuable lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the power of empathy. This unique and touching story beautifully explores the themes of connection and understanding, making it a must-read for young readers interested in time travel, friendship, and diverse representation. The Boy from Tomorrow is not just a book about Down syndrome for kids, but a tale of hope and love that transcends time and differences.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter

by Kim Edwards

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards is a powerful and heart-wrenching book that explores the complex themes of love, secrets, and the consequences of our choices. It tells the story of a family whose lives are forever changed when their newborn daughter, Phoebe, is diagnosed with a condition similar to Down syndrome. In a moment of panic, the father, Dr. David Henry, makes a fateful decision to give the baby away, unbeknownst to his wife. The novel follows the lives of the Henry family over the course of several decades, as they grapple with the consequences of this secret and the impact it has on their relationships and identities. Edwards skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that will leave readers reflecting on the power of love and the weight of our actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about Down Syndrome for kids are valuable resources for children to learn about and understand the experiences of individuals with Down Syndrome. These books promote inclusivity, empathy, and acceptance, while also providing educational and entertaining content. Whether you have a child with Down Syndrome or simply want to teach your child about diversity and inclusion, these books are a great addition to any library. Explore these books about Down Syndrome for kids and embark on a journey of understanding and compassion.