Outside Amelia's Window

Reach for this book when your child is feeling like an outsider or is struggling with the social anxiety that often accompanies 'newness.' Whether it is a move to a new neighborhood or a change in ability, this story speaks to the quiet courage required to open one's door to the world. Amelia is a young girl who uses a wheelchair and prefers the safety of her room to the unpredictability of the neighborhood. By observing a family of birds outside her window, she finds a natural parallel for her own growth: first watching, then wanting, and finally joining. This is a gentle, secular story perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who need to see that bravery doesn't have to be loud. It is an excellent choice for normalizing physical disabilities while keeping the focus on the universal emotional experience of making friends.