Some of the best recommendations include:
"The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan is especially good for teaching in the special ed. classroom setting as "its main character, Percy Jackson, learns that his own learning disabilities are what makes him different and powerful," says Carol Emmerich, founder of Firecracker Learning.
"The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis has been around since the late 1940's and is still captivating children of all ages with its fantasy through the "Chronicles of Narnia." Its emphasis on morals is presented in such a way as to keep interest peeked in typical as well as special needs classes. It's quite adaptive to team teaching when special needs students are mainstreamed.
"The Carrot Seed" by Ruth Krauss is another book that has had a profound effect on many young children's view of themselves. In this story, a little boy plants a carrot seed that everyone insists will never grow; he even shocks his parents with such resolve by standing his ground no matter what others think or say about his endeavor. The outcome is overwhelmingly positive.
"The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg, winner of a Newberry Medal, is one of several books by an author who relates to the longings, pain and triumphs of kids who have experienced some, or all, of these circumstances.
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll and William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" are offered as great examples of secondary level novels. High school special education students often find these classics in their curriculum as part of HS Diploma certification requirements. The works of Shakespeare, in general, span all levels of learning when a dedicated teacher finds a way to be creative!
