I'm searching for a Young Adult book that gives a central role to a character with severe cerebral palsy. Emma Henderson's Grace Williams says it loud [Sceptre, March 2011] comes closer than any to a realist account of profound disability, read my review here:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2U95R94JQ7Q6J
It has its moments of profound injustice which, I suppose matches the paternalistic times: 1950's and 60's institutions and it has a resourceful and enjoyable main character who holds the book together. Emma manages to avoid the well known dangers of disabled characters: undue pathos, early death, escape into fantasy, implausible cure, mind over matter or special powers.
More to come: Sarah Hammond's The Night Sky in my Head which features a main character with learning needs is due for release next year by OUP. And I'm told there are more titles in the offing in this challenging area.
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