Young Reader Books

By Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 27, 2025
The following books feature characters who are blind or visually impaired or explore the experiences of individuals impacted by vision loss. These titles are appropriate for upper elementary and middle-grade readers, offering insights that promote empathy, inclusion, and understanding. If you know of other titles that should be included, please let me know so I can add them.
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​Biographies & Real-Life Perspectives

  • Alexander, Sally Hobart. Do You Remember the Color Blue: And Other Questions Kids Ask About Blindness. (2002, Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers) – Grades 4–7
    With honesty and humor, this book answers common questions children have about blindness—covering topics such as guide dogs, dark glasses, relationships, and public perceptions.
  • O'Connor, Barbara. The World at His Fingertips. (1997, Carolrhoda Books) – Grade 6+. This accessible biography explores the life of Louis Braille and how he came to invent the braille alphabet, changing the world for readers who are blind.
  • Thompson, Gare. Who Was Helen Keller. (2003, Grosset & Dunlap) – Grades 3–7. This illustrated middle-grade biography introduces readers to Helen Keller’s life, with engaging line drawings and informative sidebars on related figures such as Louis Braille.​
  • White, Peter. Being Blind (Think About Series) (1999, Smart Apple Media) – Grades 2–5 Written by a man who is blind, this book explains what blindness is, its causes, and how individuals adapt. A great introduction to the topic from a first-person perspective.

​Fiction Featuring Characters Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

  • Anderson, Laurie Halse. Teacher's Pet (Vet Volunteers, Name: Maggie)
    (2009, Puffin Books) – Grades 3–7
    Maggie navigates the challenges of middle school with unexpected help from her new biology teacher—who happens to be blind—and his guide dog.
  • Burcaw, Shane. Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability
    (2017, Roaring Brook Press) – Grades 3–6
    Though not specific to visual impairment, this engaging Q&A-style book tackles common misconceptions about disability with humor and insight.
  • Creel, Ann H. Water at the Blue Earth
    (1998, Roberts Rinehart Publishers) – Grades 5–9
    In 1850s New Mexico Territory, pioneer Wren Taylor befriends Luther, a blind Ute boy. As conflict brews, Wren must choose between loyalty and friendship.
  • Denenberg, Barry. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Diary of Bess Brennan
    (2002, Scholastic) – Grades 4–9
    After becoming blind in a sledding accident in 1932, Bess attends the Perkins School for the Blind and discovers independence, confidence, and friendship.
  • Dickinson, Peter. Annerton Pit
    (1977, Little Brown & Co.) – Grades 5–9
    When their grandfather disappears, two boys search for him in a mysterious mine. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, who is blind.
  • Hardwig, Jay. Just Maria
    (2022, Regal House Publishing) – Grades 4–7
    Maria Romero is a sixth-grader who is blind and just wants to be "normal." But life gets complicated with glass eyes, a missing child, and rubber chickens.
  • Hermann, Spring. Seeing Lessons: The Story of Abigail Carter and America’s First School for Blind People
    (1998, Henry Holt & Co.) – Grades 4–7
    Ten-year-old Abigail becomes one of the first students at the Perkins School for the Blind and sets out to prove that people who are blind can live full lives.
  • Ingold, Jeanette. The Window
    (2003, Harcourt Trade Publishers) – Grades 6–9
    After losing her sight in the accident that killed her mother, Mandy moves to Texas, uncovers family secrets, and rediscovers her inner strength.
  • Johnson, Terry Lynn. Dog Driven
    (2019, HMH Books for Young Readers) – Grades 5–8
    McKenna hides her deteriorating vision while racing sled dogs in a rugged wilderness competition. An empowering story about self-acceptance and courage.
  • Moore, Peter G. Blind Sighted
    (2002, Viking Juvenile) – Grades 7–9
    Kirk, a lonely teen, takes a job reading to a young woman who is blind. Through their relationship, he begins to understand his own strengths and emotions.
  • Ryden, Hope. Wild Horse Summer
    (1997, Clarion Books) – Grades 4–6
    Alison, visiting a Wyoming ranch, is helped by her blind cousin Kelly as she overcomes her fears, builds confidence, and learns to ride horses.

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