Schneider Family Book Award

About the Schneider Family Book Award The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
Click here for the Schneider Family Book Award Manual (PDF)
Bibliography of Children's Books about the Disability Experience (pdf)

Administered by:

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Teen

2013 Winner(s)

Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am

written by Harry Mazer and Peter Lerangis and published by Simon & SchusterBFYR, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division

Ben surprises everyone by enlisting in the army after his high school graduation.  When his convoy is caught in an IED explosion, Ben suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in memory loss and other disabilities. His   15-year-old brother Chris, who has autism, becomes a critical catalyst to Ben’s recovery.


Middle School

2013 Winner(s)

A Dog Called Homeless

written by Sarah Lean and published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

A year after her mother’s death, Cally, a fifth grader, has stopped speaking when no one seems to care about what she has to say.  When her family moves to a new apartment, Cally meets 11--year-old, Sam who is deaf and blind.  Through her friendship with Sam and the mysterious appearance of a dog, Cally finds her voice.


Younger Children

2013 Winner(s)

Back to Front and Upside Down!

written and illustrated by Claire Alexander and published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Stan is excited about making a birthday card for his principal, Mr. Slippers, until he discovers that he has to write a message.  For him, letters come out back to front and upside down.  Stan learns that asking for help, a little coaching, and a lot of practice make for success.