2027 submissions: IBBY UK Outstanding Books For Young People With Disabilities
IBBY UK has revealed the books submitted for consideration for the 2027 Outstanding Books For Young People With Disabilities. A record number of submissions were received this year, and IBBY UK commented on the thoughtful progress publishers have made in this area, while encouraging more publishing in different formats.
Eleven books (listed below) have been submitted for consideration for the 2027 list. These show a wide range of disabilities and backgrounds and provide authentic, respectful representations and reflect the growing numbers of ‘own voice’ and ‘lived experience’ books. Several are from small publishers who have collaborated with agencies and family groups to develop and test their ideas. Mental health is well-represented in this list, as validating mental health struggles through fiction is vital in increasing understanding and tolerance. The two non-fiction titles, both written by disabled authors and focusing on the experience of physical disability, are important contributions.
2027 IBBY UK SELECTION of OUTSTANDING BOOKS for YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Jen Campbell, James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole, eds. Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words, illustrated by Sophie Kamlish. Faber, 2025
Fiona Carswell The Boy Who Loves to Lick the Wind, illustrated by Yu Rong. Otter Barry Books, 2024
Lucy Catchpole Mama Car, illustrated by Karen George. Faber, 2024
Jaime Gamboa The Invisible Story, illustrated by Wen Hsu Chen, translated by Daniel Hahn. Lantana Press, 2024
Rob Harrell Popcorn Piccadilly Press, 2024
Daniel McMurray Let’s Start in the Middle, illustrated by Andy Smith. Sweet Cherry Publishing, 2024
Maggie O’Farrell When the Stammer Came to Stay, illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini. Walker Books, 2024
Cathy Reay How to Be Disabled and Proud. Puffin, 2025
Jion Sheibani The Silver Chain. Hot Key Press, 2022
Cassie Silva Listening to the Quiet, illustrated by Frances Ives. Lantana Press, 2023
Alex Strick Let’s Play, illustrated by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow. Child’s Play International) Ltd, 2025
The final selection will be announced at the Bologna Book Fair in 2027.
