For teens seeking to understand the many forms of love, this collection shares authentic stories of interabled couples, celebrating diverse relationships and perspectives on disability.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is asking questions about love, dating, and disability, or expressing feelings of being different. This collection of true stories, curated by YouTubers Shane and Hannah Burcaw, explores the real lives of interabled couples. It moves beyond inspirational tropes to show the funny, messy, and deeply loving reality of their relationships. The book tackles themes of identity, empathy, and resilience, making it perfect for teens 14 and up. It provides vital representation and opens the door for conversations about ableism, intimacy, and the many valid ways love can look.
Includes discussions of medical challenges and societal judgment.
Sensitive Topics
The central topic is physical disability and the ableism couples face from the outside world. The approach is direct, personal, and secular, using firsthand accounts. The book frankly discusses mature themes including sexuality, intimacy, and the logistics of personal care within a romantic partnership. The resolution in each story is realistic and hopeful, grounding the narrative in the strength and validity of the featured relationships.
Ideal Reader
A teen aged 14 to 18 who follows Shane and Hannah online, has a disability themselves and is curious about romantic futures, or is simply interested in social justice and learning about experiences different from their own. It's also for the teen who appreciates candid memoirs and authentic, voice-driven nonfiction.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the book's directness regarding sexuality and the physical aspects of relationships. While not graphic, the content is honest and intended for a mature teen audience. Previewing a chapter or two may help a parent frame a conversation, but the book is designed to be accessible and can be read cold by a teen. A parent overhears their teen expressing anxiety about dating because of their own disability or chronic illness. Alternatively, a parent might see their teen watching videos from creators like Squirmy & Grubs and want to provide a deeper, more nuanced resource for their interest.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely connect with the humor, the stories about meeting and dating, and the frustration of being stared at in public. An older teen (16-18) will more deeply appreciate the nuances of long-term partnership, discussions of ableism as a systemic issue, and the frank talks about intimacy and building a family.
What Makes It Special
This book's key differentiator is its anthology format. By showcasing a multitude of couples and experiences, it avoids presenting a single, monolithic 'interabled story'. It gives equal voice to the disabled and non-disabled partners, offering a 360-degree view of the relationship. The authors' established, trusted voice lends it immediate credibility and appeal.
Read plot summary
This YA nonfiction book is a collection of essays and interviews from diverse interabled couples, curated and framed by the personal experiences of authors Shane and Hannah Burcaw (known online as Squirmy & Grubs). The stories cover the full spectrum of a relationship: meeting, first dates, intimacy, navigating societal prejudice, dealing with medical realities, and building a shared life. It's a frank, humorous, and heartfelt look at love that actively dismantles stereotypes about disability.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Shane and Hannah include stories from many couples. Which couple's story surprised you the most, and why?
2
Many of the non-disabled partners talk about being mistakenly called a 'caregiver' or 'nurse'. How do you think these labels affect a romantic relationship?
3
The book challenges the idea of disabled people as 'inspiration porn'. Before reading, what was your understanding of that term? How has the book changed or deepened your perspective?
4
After reading these stories, in what ways do you think interabled relationships are different from other relationships? In what ways are they exactly the same?
