Inclusion Libraries

In 2021, Sammy’s Buddy Program began a new initiative, “inclusion libraries.” We provide a library of books for each participating classroom and school library that builds understanding, celebrates differences and promotes inclusion, kindness, advocacy, and disability representation. Additionally, we host presentations by authors, activists, students, and leaders within the disability community to share their life experiences as they encourage students with disabilities, and their typical peers, to speak up and speak out for inclusion and equality. Our buddies learn invaluable lessons that will make them better friends and stronger leaders.

"I am the librarian at Columbia Elementary. I stepped out for lunch today but when I returned, there was a box of beautiful books! THANK YOU! These books are wonderful. The efforts you are making are helping this generation understand more about meaningful support and sensitivity for the feelings of others. Having a brother who was offered no such mercy, this dynamic shift brings me so much hope. If there is anything I can be doing to help or support your efforts, please let me know. A million heart-shaped THANK YOUs,"
Trishelle Duncan
School Librarian
Image of a boy with Cerebral Palsy holding a book
"I have never seen myself as a main character in a book before!"
5th grade student with Cerebral Palsy
After a classroom read aloud of the book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.

Inclusion Library Sets

Showing a collection of books

2024 - 2025

Book List

Fish In a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper

Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer by K.A. Holt

A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll

Honestly Elliott by Gillian McDunn

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Roll with It by Jamie Sumner

Summer of June by Jamie Sumner

Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt

I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell

All the Way to the Top by Annette Pimentel

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Mosca

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott

Rescue and Jessica by Jessica Kensky

When Charlie Met Emma by Amy Webb

Six Dots by Jen Bryant

Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayer

A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbott

All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph

The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin

Hiya Moriah by Victoria Nelson

Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson

A Sky Blue Bench by Bahram Rahman

Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker

The Girl Who Figured It Out by Minda Dentler

A Little Extra Jayne by Summer Adamson

Shout by Pat Loewi

"Through Sammy’s Buddy Program, I have witnessed students grow and mature. With exposure to individuals with disabilities, many general education students become advocates for their peers with disabilities."
Erica Villareal
Special Education Teacher
"I learned so much more about people with disabilities. I’ve always tried to be kind, but I learned I can do more than that! I can advocate for them and we can use our voices to make things better for everyone."
Elise
Sixth Grade Student

Sponsors

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