User:Annabellefine99/sandbox

Disability representation within children’s literature is very slim, to say the least. With 1 in 4 of the people on this planet having a disability, it is not shown nearly enough. One of the most popular books Wonder written by R.J. Palacio is about a young boy, Auggie, who has a facial deformity and is judged and bullied at school. He takes his insecurity and views it as a powerful part of his identity. It accurately describes the harsh reality of students being remarkably unkind to someone with a disability but having them understand that it doesn’t change who he is as a person.

Having inspirational books like Wonder can build compassion in students who might not struggle with a disability. It can help young children understand certain disabilities and how to become empathetic instead of gawking at someone who might look different than them. Children can look at others with a disability and not understand what they are going through in terms of mental or physical health. However, increasing disability representation within children’s literature can educate them on the reality of not being “normal” and what that is like growing up.

"In the United States, 17-20% of the population has a disability, a rate that is slightly greater than the 17% worldwide figure." Add to wiki page.