About the book
A warm, funny and empowering guide to what you can expect growing up disabled, written by disabled journalist and mum Cathy Reay.
Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2026: Children's Book of the Year: Wellbeing Category
Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere?
Or like no-one understands what it feels like to be you?
Maybe you feel like you’re the only person in the world who looks, moves or thinks like you do.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone, and you belong in the world exactly as you are.
In this honest, funny, empowering guide, Cathy Reay draws on her own experiences of growing up disabled to encourage young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta OK with) their disabled identity.
This book will guide disabled readers through navigating the move from primary to secondary school, voicing their accessibility needs, finding disabled community and gaining the confidence to stand up for their rights, and for others too. Cathy examines the challenges faced by disabled children, touching gently on issues such as bullying and discrimination, and what to do when people just don’t get it, with comforting and practical advice to help readers through tough times.
How To Be Disabled and Proud empowers disabled readers to value and appreciate themselves for who they are, exactly as they are, and acts as a powerful call to action for both disabled and non-disabled children to advocate for a more accessible, more understanding world.
Featuring interviews from a wide range of disabled changemakers and friends, including Ellie Simmonds, Jameisha Prescod, Nina Tame, Dr Shani Dhanda, Ellie Middleton, Elle McNicoll, Simon Wheatcroft and even a couple of disabled kids.
This is the essential guide to growing up disabled, perfect for children aged 9+ to read together with their families.
Editions of How To Be Disabled and Proud
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780241676967
- EBook
- ISBN 9780241676974
Read an Excerpt
A warm, funny and empowering guide to what you can expect growing up disabled, written by disabled journalist and mum Cathy Reay.
Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2026: Children's Book of the Year: Wellbeing Category
Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere?
Or like no-one understands what it feels like to be you?
Maybe you feel like you’re the only person in the world who looks, moves or thinks like you do.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone, and you belong in the world exactly as you are.
In this honest, funny, empowering guide, Cathy Reay draws on her own experiences of growing up disabled to encourage young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta OK with) their disabled identity.
This book will guide disabled readers through navigating the move from primary to secondary school, voicing their accessibility needs, finding disabled community and gaining the confidence to stand up for their rights, and for others too. Cathy examines the challenges faced by disabled children, touching gently on issues such as bullying and discrimination, and what to do when people just don’t get it, with comforting and practical advice to help readers through tough times.
How To Be Disabled and Proud empowers disabled readers to value and appreciate themselves for who they are, exactly as they are, and acts as a powerful call to action for both disabled and non-disabled children to advocate for a more accessible, more understanding world.
Featuring interviews from a wide range of disabled changemakers and friends, including Ellie Simmonds, Jameisha Prescod, Nina Tame, Dr Shani Dhanda, Ellie Middleton, Elle McNicoll, Simon Wheatcroft and even a couple of disabled kids.
This is the essential guide to growing up disabled, perfect for children aged 9+ to read together with their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is How To Be Disabled and Proud about?
A warm, funny and empowering guide to what you can expect growing up disabled, written by disabled journalist and mum Cathy Reay.
Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2026: Children's Book of the Year: Wellbeing Category
Have you ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere?
Or like no-one understands what it feels like to be you?
Maybe you feel like you’re the only person in the world who looks, moves or thinks like you do.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone, and you belong in the world exactly as you are.
In this honest, funny, empowering guide, Cathy Reay draws on her own experiences of growing up disabled to encourage young readers to embrace (or at least, feel kinda sorta OK with) their disabled identity.
This book will guide disabled readers through navigating the move from primary to secondary school, voicing their accessibility needs, finding disabled community and gaining the confidence to stand up for their rights, and for others too. Cathy examines the challenges faced by disabled children, touching gently on issues such as bullying and discrimination, and what to do when people just don’t get it, with comforting and practical advice to help readers through tough times.
How To Be Disabled and Proud empowers disabled readers to value and appreciate themselves for who they are, exactly as they are, and acts as a powerful call to action for both disabled and non-disabled children to advocate for a more accessible, more understanding world.
Featuring interviews from a wide range of disabled changemakers and friends, including Ellie Simmonds, Jameisha Prescod, Nina Tame, Dr Shani Dhanda, Ellie Middleton, Elle McNicoll, Simon Wheatcroft and even a couple of disabled kids.
This is the essential guide to growing up disabled, perfect for children aged 9+ to read together with their families.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in How To Be Disabled and Proud?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics > Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Diversity, equality, equity and inclusion
Where can I read a sample of How To Be Disabled and Proud?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780241676967
Who is/are the Author/s of the book How To Be Disabled and Proud?
Cathy Reay
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
How To Be Disabled and Proud is available as paperback(ISBN 9780241676967) and ebook(ISBN 9780241676974)
Where can I buy How To Be Disabled and Proud online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy How To Be Disabled and Proud from below
Where can I buy How To Be Disabled and Proud?