Best Fiction on Disabilities Books for Teens & Young Adults of 2026

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen is a powerful and healing story that follows Jessica, a teenage runner who loses her leg in a car accident. As she struggles to cope with the aftermath of the accident, Jessica feels invisible to those around her. With the help of her family, friends, and track teammates, she learns to dream bigger than ever before, setting her sights on not only running again but also taking her tutor, Rosa, who has cerebral palsy, with her. The book is a moving and inspiring read that highlights the importance of perseverance, friendship, and the power of the human spirit.

"Tangerine" by Edward Bloor is a heartwarming story of an underdog who discovers his true potential in a new and strange town. Paul Fisher, a soccer player with thick glasses, moves to Tangerine County, Florida, where peculiar things happen, like a sinkhole swallowing the school. Despite his football-star brother's constant harassment, Paul joins the soccer team and makes new friends who help him uncover the secrets of his family and his town. This book is a must-read for middle graders who love stories about sports, friendship, and self-discovery. "Tangerine" is a modern classic that breaks the mold of traditional sports fiction books.

Gallant by V. E. Schwab is a bone-chilling standalone novel, which combines the gothic horror of Shirley Jackson with the dark whimsy of Neil Gaiman. The story follows Olivia Prior, who after receiving a letter inviting her to Gallant, discovers a place where the world meets its shadow, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Olivia is determined to uncover the secrets of Gallant, which unravels generations of her family. The book is a well-crafted, vivid, and lush novel that grapples with the deep desire to belong somewhere. Overall, Gallant is a unique and gripping novel, perfect for readers of Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.

The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli is a classic tale set in the fourteenth century that tells the story of a young boy's personal heroism after he loses the use of his legs. The book is a heartwarming and inspiring read for children, and its historical setting offers a unique perspective on medieval life. Marguerite de Angeli's beautiful illustrations add to the overall charm of the book. Overall, The Door in the Wall is a must-read for young readers interested in historical fiction and tales of personal triumph.

The book, A 5 Is Against the Law, is an excellent resource for teens and young adults who have difficulty understanding social boundaries. It provides a compassionate but honest guide for those who struggle with social situations, using a concrete, direct, and simple approach. The author includes systemized scales and stories to visually illustrate what is meant by social boundaries. The book is user-friendly, with excellent suggestions and activities that can be done in a 1:1 format or a small group. Overall, this book is a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and therapists who work with adolescents and young adults with behavioral disorders.

Girl, Stolen: A Novel (Girl, Stolen, 1) is a gripping thriller that follows the story of Cheyenne, a blind sixteen-year-old girl who is kidnapped and held for ransom. As she tries to outwit her captors and escape alive, readers are taken on a fast-paced and suspenseful journey. The book highlights the struggles of living with a disability and the strength and resilience needed to overcome such challenges. Overall, the book is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre, especially those interested in exploring the experiences of people with disabilities.

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman is a National Book Award and Golden Kite Award-winning novel that explores mental illness through the eyes of a high school student named Caden Bosch. Caden is designated the artist in residence on a ship headed for the southern part of the Marianas Trench, and the novel delves into his struggles with schizophrenia. The story is both haunting and powerful, with illustrations by the author's son adding an extra layer of intensity. Overall, Challenger Deep is a deeply personal and moving novel that offers a unique perspective on mental illness.

"Where You See Yourself" is a heartwarming YA novel about Effie Galanos, a girl determined to follow her dreams despite the obstacles she faces as a wheelchair user. Effie knows exactly what college she wants to attend and what she wants to study, but as she navigates the admissions process and deals with ableism, she learns that growing up means being open to new possibilities. The book is an important addition to YA shelves, with an effervescent and emotional story that is sure to become a classic. The author expertly communicates the challenges of navigating an ableist world through honest and uplifting prose.

The Red Palace by June Hur is a gripping historical mystery set in Joseon (Korea) in 1758. The story follows Hyeon, an eighteen-year-old palace nurse, who finds herself embroiled in court politics when her closest friend and mentor is accused of murdering four women. Hyeon launches her own secret investigation to prove her teacher's innocence and teams up with Eojin, a young police inspector. As evidence begins to point to the Crown Prince himself as the murderer, Hyeon and Eojin must work together to uncover the deadly secrets behind the bloodshed. This beautifully written story is full of historical and cultural details that leave readers aching for a follow-up.

The Ghost of Spirit Bear is a gripping and fast-paced sequel to the acclaimed novel Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. This tale of survival and self-awareness follows fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews as he faces the daunting challenge of returning to high school after a year of exile in the Alaskan wilderness. With gangs and physical altercations haunting the hallways, Cole and his former victim Peter must face it all together. Mikaelsen provides a seamless transition between the two stories, and readers will find this novel just as much a survival story as its predecessor. Overall, this book is highly recommended for teens and young adults interested in fiction on boys' and men's issues.