18 Books to Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Hampton lets readers experience, through her eyes, the first year of life for her daughter, Nella, who has Down syndrome. It’s a journey full of fear, sadness, joy, and ultimately, transformation.

Krekeler was moved by the way the author doesn’t sugarcoat her thoughts, but rather sees “moments for what they are and the people for who they are.”

What can you expect during those very first days with your newborn with Down syndrome? This book provides both professional guidance from a medical doctor specializing in developmental-behavioral pediatrics as well as firsthand insight from a mother whose child has Down syndrome.

Now in its third edition, this guide covers a comprehensive range of topics including the initial adjustment period, medical treatments, daily care, family life, learning development, and even legal rights and financial issues. 

Krekeler told me this book was overwhelming to read all at once, but she enjoys reading it a few passages at a time. “In the beginning,” she told me, “I was reading it to absorb [and] learn.” Later, she approached this book with a more informed perspective, recognizing some parts did apply to her experiences and others didn’t.

Parents will learn about the physiological reasons behind delays in gross motor development in children with Down syndrome. More than 400 photos with step-by-step instructions provide a physical development plan for children up to age 6, including skills for head control, sitting, using stairs, riding a tricycle, and more.

While Krekeler and her husband relied on this book while working with their son with Down Syndrome, they also recognized that they would find it “informative, practical and useful for all developing children.”

Through a series of interviews, Kingsley and Levitz share their experiences growing up with Down syndrome. In addition to discussing their hopes and dreams, they cover a variety of topics including their careers, marriages, friendships, education, and more.

Created by photographer Graham Miller, this collection of black and white photographs shares the experiences—some heartwarming, some painful—of eight families that include a member with Down syndrome. Miller shares more about this project in this interview.

Uuganaa Ramsay grew up in Mongolia as a member of a pastoral population who are referred to as “Mongols.” When her newborn is diagnosed with Down syndrome, Ramsay confronts prejudice within her community. Although her son didn’t live long, Ramsay experienced a personal transformation as she developed the strength to stand up to bigotry and become a champion of love and tolerance.

Painted acrylic and collage illustrations help tell a story about how everything and everyone—big or small, old or new, human or not—matters in this world.

As Sabeel, who has Down syndrome, goes about her daily life, she discovers that she’s surrounded by superheroes, from the crossing guard to her therapist to everyone in her family.

In this book (yes, written by the Supreme Court justice), a group of friends sets out to plant a garden. Along the way, they learn that asking each other about their differences, including Down syndrome, diabetes, asthma, stuttering, autism, and more, helps everyone feel understood and less alone.

In this board book, a diverse group of children with Down syndrome help introduce each letter of the alphabet. Every image features a child holding an object, plus the uppercase and lowercase versions of the letter.

Brought to life through lyrical prose and vivid illustrations, this is a story of what it’s like to feel like an outsider—whether it’s because of how we look, what we eat, where we’re from, or something else. But good things can happen when we’re brave enough to carry on—and maybe even to share our stories with others.

At the beginning of this story, which defies all stereotypes, teenager Alex is injured when someone shatters the window of his car. The mystery of who did it unfolds from the perspectives of three very different people: Alex, who is Latino and HIV-positive; Daria, who has Down syndrome and always tells the truth; and Clinton, who has been very clear about his dislike for Alex.

Dane might be a bully, but he lives by a code: he doesn’t hit girls or kids with disabilities. When Billy D., a classmate with Down syndrome, interrupts one of Dane’s fights, it’s the beginning of an unlikely friendship that eventually leads them on a search for Billy’s father.

Sixteen-year-old Skye is a busy high school student juggling straight A’s, the swimming state championships, and a relationship with her boyfriend. While her single mother works two jobs, Skye looks after her brother Sunny, who has Down syndrome. As Skye tries to navigate all of her obligations, she’s challenged to figure out what’s important to her and who she wants to be.

At the heart of this tale is a 25-year-old family secret: a set of twins separated at birth because one of them was born with Down syndrome. When Dr. Henry, delivering his own twins in 1960s Kentucky, realizes his daughter has Down syndrome, he tells his nurse to take the baby to an institution in an effort to protect the emotions of his wife. The nurse, however, decides to raise the baby as her own. Both families live separate lives until the past finally begins to reveal itself.

Twin brothers Samson and Jonah are staying with their grandfather in the mountains of Tasmania. However, what was supposed to be a temporary visit turns out to be more permanent, and these three very different personalities—inquisitive Samson, who has Down syndrome; resentful and moody Jonah; and their grandfather, who is obsessed with finding his long-missing daughter—must learn to how to get through life together.

In 1940s Mississippi, Jewel, already a mother of five, gives birth to Brenda Kay. Months later, Jewel and her husband find out their baby has Down syndrome. Jewel rejects the suggestion to send Brenda Kay to an institution, and instead develops an unbreakable mother-daughter relationship with her.