Children's Perceptions of Peers with Disabilities.

Children’s books with characters that have disabilities have been touted as an avenue to introduce children to their peers with disabilities. Children’s literature specialists have suggested that the use of these books may result in a more positive attitude on the part of children without disabilities toward their peers with disabilities. Working with fifth grade children in an urban school setting, structured book discussion groups were held during the reading of two books that feature a main character with a learning disability. Data was gathered using an attitude survey, audiotapes of group discussions and focus group interviews before and after the intervention. Results showed there was not a clear increase in positive attitudes toward peers with learning disabilities. In fact, the focus on the topic may have reinforced some children’s negative attitudes. Further study is warranted to examine the premise that these books will improve children’s attitudes toward their peers.