Books that feature disabled main characters are few and far between. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center conducted a study in 2019 to explore the prevalence of diversity in children’s and YA books and found only 3.4% of children’s books have a disabled main character. According to the CDC, 26% of Americans are living with disabilities.
The disconnect between stories and true representation is worrying because books are an invaluable source of information and values for children. Stories affirm children’s identities and introduce people who differ from them and their family. Books can also allow kids to interact with new topics in a safe and familiar way before confronting the topic in the real world.
Even though the publishing industry has a lot of work to do in the diversity department, it’s important to celebrate the books that are available. For these reasons, we’re celebrating a new book series about a precocious pup.
Introducing Roxy and Maliboo
Roxy and Maliboo: It’s Okay to Be Different is a sweet story about Roxy, a dog who recently lost her leg and is learning to adapt to this change. At her beloved dog park, Roxy meets a dog named Maliboo who is missing an ear. The two bond over their shared differences and Roxy convinces Maliboo to gain the confidence to play with the other dogs. The two are welcomed by the group and discover together that it’s okay to be different.
Roxy and Maliboo: It’s Okay to Be Different is available for purchase online at Amazon.com. A portion of every sale of the book will be donated to the Amputee Coalition. Click here to view updates about the next book in the series to be published in November, Roxy and Tully: Words Matter.
About the Author
As a physical therapist for over 20 years, Hillary Sussman has worked with many clients with physical and cognitive challenges. Taking inspiration from her professional experiences and her dog Roxy, who underwent multiple surgeries, Sussman wrote the story to help young children overcome their fears and insecurities surrounding differences.
To learn more about the author, her future projects, and to download fun, and educational activities that reinforce inclusion and kindness; please visit her website, or follow her on Instagram, on Twitter, or on Facebook.
The next book in the series, Roxy and Tully: Words Matter, will be published in November. Click here to learn more.
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