Halloween Books for Kids Featuring Disability and Neurodiversity

Halloween can mean costumes, candy, spooky stories, and plenty of excitement — but every kid experiences the holiday a little differently. It’s nice to open a book and see a character who experiences the world a little more like you do.

That’s why we’ve rounded up Halloween books that celebrate disability and neurodiversity, make room for different ways of participating, and offer plenty of opportunities to talk about inclusion, sensory needs, flexibility, and being yourself. From wheelchair costumes and Deaf representation to neurodivergent characters navigating Halloween overwhelm, here are a few stories to add to your October reading pile.

The Wheels on the Costume — Cindy Jin and Lauren Lowen

A fun, inclusive spin on “The Wheels on the Bus,” this Halloween board book features a wheelchair that transforms into all kinds of imaginative costumes — from a race car to a princess carriage. A sweet celebration of disability, creativity, and the many ways kids can participate in Halloween fun.

Spooky Pookie — Sandra Boynton

Little Pookie is getting ready for Halloween and trying to decide what to wear! This is a good pick for little ones who are new to Halloween and all its costumes, decorations, and excitement.

Even Monsters Need Haircuts — Matthew McElligott

When the moon is full and the monsters come out, one young barber has a very unusual clientele. This silly, slightly spooky story follows a child who secretly cuts monsters’ hair — and proves that even the scariest creatures have everyday needs, too.

Reese Has a Halloween Secret — Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, and Mary Birdsell

Reese has a big Halloween secret: she wants to choose her own costume and participate in the holiday in her own way. Based on a true story, this book celebrates inclusion, self-determination, and giving children with disabilities the opportunity to make choices about their own lives and experiences.

Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween — Sivan Hong

Halloween is supposed to be fun, but for Benny J, all the noise, costumes, changes to his routine, and unexpected surprises make the holiday overwhelming. This story offers a window into the experience of a neurodivergent child and can help families talk about sensory needs, anxiety, and making Halloween more comfortable.

The Special Pumpkin (Emma Every Day) — C. L. Reid and Elena Aiello

Emma, who is Deaf and uses a cochlear implant, is excited to celebrate Halloween and find the perfect pumpkin. Part of the Emma Every Day early-reader series, this story features a child with a disability enjoying a familiar childhood tradition while offering young readers meaningful Deaf representation.

It’s Raining Bats & Frogs — Rebecca Colby

Delia is ready for the annual Witch Parade — until rain threatens to ruin her plans. As she navigates the unexpected change, this Halloween story offers an opportunity to talk with kids about flexibility, disappointment, and finding another way to enjoy a special event when things don’t go as planned.

Room on the Broom — Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

A friendly witch and her cat keep making room on their broom for new friends they meet along the way. With a message about friendship, kindness, and making space for others, this Halloween favorite is a fun choice for talking about inclusion and accepting people who may be different from you.

Bonus: a tv show

A Fuzzytown Halloween — Carl the Collector

Carl, an autistic raccoon, and his friends are excited to go trick-or-treating when a spooky rumor makes some of them nervous. The episode recognizes that kids can have very different comfort levels with costumes, scary things, and Halloween traditions — and that friends can work together to make the experience more comfortable for everyone. Carl and Lotta are both autistic characters, and the characters are voiced by neurodivergent actors. Ages: 3+