Having blind, deaf, and wheelchair-bound team members seems like an impossible way to win a soccer game. However, Ezra’s determination to make his team inclusive is rewarded when his team members’ heightened senses and unique skills secure the victory and silence the bullies. Antsy Addie’s ADHD causes hyperexcitability, a short attention span, and loud outbursts. But Addie’s unique brain also makes her an extremely creative, quick thinker. Mona is a new student from Italy. When she is teased about her accent and unique sense of style, the Realabilites crew organizes a culture festival to make Mona feel welcome. Seymour meets a fellow hearing impaired student from another school and learns about deaf culture—seeing deafness as an identity to be celebrated. RJ’s excitement over building a rocket for an upcoming competition turns into disappointment when his plans run into a snag. But he soon learns the benefits of asking for help. The Realabilities friends repeatedly band together to help fellow students overcome anxiety, develop dyslexia-friendly systems, and tackle difficulties.

This twelve-issue comic book series showcases the strengths and challenges of a group of children with various disabilities. Inventive storytelling explains conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, deafness, blindness, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, stuttering, Tourette syndrome, William syndrome, and dyslexia. The series artfully presents the struggles associated with these conditions but still manages to depict the characters as strong, capable, and heroic. The overarching themes are inclusivity, anti-bullying, and viewing persons with disabilities as unique rather than lacking. This collection also celebrates cultural diversity and different ways of thinking. Well-developed characters, skillful illustrations, and interesting storylines make for an engaging read. Portrayals of children with disabilities as heroes vanquishing bullies will resonate with special needs readers, victims of bullying, and anyone who roots for the underdog.

Return to USR Home