Read Widely-Disability in Fiction By Abby Byers Over time, the perception of persons with disabilities have changed signifi - cantly, especially after the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Situations that at one point in history were considered justifi cation for institutionalization, are now celebrated as differences that highlight individual uniqueness. While October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is important to celebrate disability representation in all types of literature, not just biographies or history books. The following list of fi ction feature disabled characters that are more than their disabilities. All these books are available at Toledo Lucas County Public Library- don’t forget to check out toledolibrary.org for 24/7 access to materials! One Two Three by Laurie Frankel In the tiny town of Bourne, nothing ever happens. Until, suddenly, everything changes. Seventeen years ago, the town made national headlines when its water suddenly turned green. Factory chemical pollution poisoned the town’s water supply, which made the residents and animals sick. Nora Mitchell has been fi ghting for justice for her deceased husband and disabled triplet daughters since the water turned green. Frankel weaves a story of wonder that celebrates the differences of each triplet, the accessibility of the town, and will keep you turning the pages. The Bergman Brothers Series by Chloe Liese Chloe Liese’s #OwnVoices romance series pulls out all the stops. This series will make you laugh, cry, and blush, all while featuring characters that are neurodivergent and have disabilities. With classic romance tropes like enemies to lovers, grumpy/ sunshine, and marriage in crisis, don’t miss this heart warming series. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant Seven years ago, a ship from production company Imagine sets off to fi lm in the Mariana Trench. The ship was lost at sea, but not before leaving behind some gruesome footage. Now, Imagine is sending out another ship to uncover that really happened seven years ago. This thrilling horror novel is inclusive and #OwnVoices. Mira Grant writes characters that are deaf, have autism spectrum disorder, and experience chronic pain from nerve damage. The Brown Sisters Trilogy by Talia Hibbert In this fabulous and fun trilogy, three sisters with various interests and abilities fi nd true love in the most unexpected of places. Each sister’s journey to love follows a new trope, including enemies-to-lovers, co-workers romance, and fake relationships. Author Talia Hibbert writes characters that live with autism, chronic illness, anxiety, and depression and shows the world that everyone is deserving of a happy ending. If you love the Brown sisters, try Chloe Liese’s disability #OwnVoices series, The Bergman Brothers. The Unbroken by C.L. Clark Solider Touraine has been raised to kill and die for her empire as an indentured servant. After all she’s been through, she is set to return to her home country and rise in the ranks Page 7 So Lucky by Nicola Griffi th Successful CEO Mara Tagarelli faces two crises at once: her wife leaves her and she receives a diagnosis of of power. When princess Luca, who walks with the assistance of a cane, comes to Touraine with a plan to overthrow her uncle and unite with a rebel clan, Touraine can’t say no. This richly woven fantasy story has its roots in the history North Africa and its colonization. Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai Katrina King is a former model who escaped an abusive household at a young age. After a traumatic experience in her mid-20s, Katrina has panic disorder and barely leaves her house. When a seemingly meetcute moment between Katrina and a stranger is fi lmed and goes viral, she fears for her life. Her bodyguard Jas Singh, an Iraqi war veteran who has PTSD, swoops in to take Katrina to safety. This slow-burn romance is sweet and steamy all in one. multiple sclerosis. In the wake of her diagnosis, Mara is astonished by the ableism in the world, especially at her own workplace. She opens a new nonprofi t to help disabled people gain independence in a world that wants to pretend they don’t exist. Author Nicola Griffi th wrote this novel after her own multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
8 Publizr Home