Resources
Dwarfism Organizations
(there are many more)
- Little People of America, founded in 1957. https://www.lpaonline.org
- Short Statured People of Australia, founded in 1968. https://sspa.org.au
- Little People of New Zealand, founded in 1969. https://lpnz.org.nz
- Restricted Growth Association UK, founded in the 1970s. https://rgauk.org
- Little People of Canada, founded in 1984. https://www.littlepeopleofcanada.com
- Little People UK, founded in 2012. https://littlepeopleuk.org
- Understanding Dwarfism. Program. https://www.udprogram.com/about
Cross Disability Organizations
- American Association of People with Disabilities. https://www.aapd.com
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund. https://dredf.org
- National Center for Independent Living. https://ncil.org
- Not Dead Yet. https://notdeadyet.org
Individual Stories on YouTube
- Danielle Kisser. PSA | “The effects of calling someone a midget (an honest talk).” This Little Light. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbXz4hzd2MsM_NAnifLKRQ
- Addie and Chelley Martinka. Dwarfism Awareness Month 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqqO9-tZfps
- Supermarkets and Educating People. October 1, 2018. https://littlepeopleuk.org/information-about-dwarfism-conditions/raising-awareness/dwarfism-awareness-month/dwarfism-awareness-month-2018-day-1
- Sofiya Cheyenne Brown. Dwarfism Awareness (Design). October 15, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGFjCvjhF5M
Shane Leonard. Dwarfism Awareness Month – Your Kinda Heart – Sometimes, No One Sees Me Down Here – Cambells Story.” Solid Rock Studios. October 20, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2WbKlT5wAY
Anthony Cumberbatch Jr. October 26, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puHu6fFNQEs
- Ellie – Dwarfism Awareness Video. October 20, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbbUje4lM5E
Kevin Kissler. “In Focus: Little Matters.” November 30, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUd8DfNakao
Federal Government
- Air Carriers Access Act. https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities
- Americans with Disabilities Act. https://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm
- Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. https://www.access-board.gov
- Equal Employment Opportunity Act. https://www.eeoc.gov
- Housing and Urban Development. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
- National Council on Disability. https://ncd.gov/about
- United States Congress. https://www.congress.gov/
- Your Legal Disability Rights. https://www.usa.gov/disability-rights
Recent Books Authored By Little People
Recommended Reading List
“Looking Up: How a Different Perspective Turns Obstacles into Advantages,” Michele L. Sullivan, Harper Collins Leadership 2020. Hardcover, 208 pages, $27.99.
“A Little Me,” Amy Roloff, Indigo River Publishing 2019. Paperback, 276 pages, $19.95.
“LITTLE LEGS, BIG HEART: One Girl’s Journey of Acceptance, Perseverance, and Growth,” Kristen DeAndrade, Balboa Press 2019. Paperback, 223 pages, $16.99.
“TEN FEET TALL: Step Into Your Truth and Change Your Freaking World,” Brandon Farbstein, 2018. Paperback, 110 pages, $14.99.
“Fierce at Four Foot Two,” Terra Jolé, Post Hill Press 2017. Hardcover, 178 pages, $12.39.
“THINK BIG: Overcoming Obstacles with Optimism,” Jennifer Arnold MD and Bill Klein, Howard Books 2017, Paperback, 237 pages, $16.00.
“LIFE IS SHORT (No Pun Intended): Love, Laughter, and Learning to Enjoy Every Moment,” Jennifer Arnold MD and Bill Klein, Howard Books 2016. Paperback, 288 pages, $16.00.
Books On Marriage
- Dr Gary Smalley (Author), Dr John Trent (Author). Love Is A Decision. Paperback – January 1, 2001. https://www.amazon.com/Love-Decision-Gary-Smalley/dp/0849942683
- Bill Hybels (Author) and Lynne Hybels (Author). Fit to Be Tied. June 14, 1993. https://www.amazon.com/Fit-Be-Tied-Bill-Hybels/dp/0310533716/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Fit+to+be+Tied&qid=1592860983&s=books&sr=1-2
Children's Books on Dwarfism
“We all need to read books where the heroes are relatable to our own selves. It’s even more important for kids. It helps develop hope, solutions, connection and a strong sense of identity, belonging.”
Meriah Nichols, deaf mom to three children with disabilities
https://www.meriahnichols.com/blog/
Louie’s Together Playground
by Dr. Nicole Julia (Author), Jeff Crowther (Illustrator)
January 23, 2023
Louie is a crafty llama with dwarfism who loves to build, construct, and create. Together, he and his friends dream up a plan to bring the very first all-inclusive playground to their town.
Reading age: 2 – 7 years
Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different
by Peet Montzingo & Rockwell Sands
November 1, 2022
A picture book that addresses the universal themes of being different, feeling like you don’t fit in, and finding yourself along the way. The story is told through the perspective of Peet Montzingo, who grew up as the only “tall” sibling in a family of little people.
Reading age: 4 years and up
I Got This
by Cara Mailey & Chrissie Sains
April 14, 2022
A novel about loving yourself for being exactly who you are! When Erin, a girl with achondroplasia, competes for a part in the next music video of a mega-famous pop group she shows her younger brother that in life, there are no limits – even if you don’t look like most other kids.
Reading age: 9 – 11 years
Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All)
by Lori Orlinsky
February 11, 2022
A picture book about a little girl who is scared to go to school because she’s the shortest kid in the class. She talks about all of the reasons that being short is a challenge, but her mother presents to her funny and unique advantages that only she has because of her height, instilling self-confidence in her. This book is a must-read for any child who has ever fallen behind the curve on the growth chart.
Reading age: 2 – 6 years, from customers
Mummy There’s a New Girl
by Danielle Webb
June 24, 2021
A book that highlights diversity and that it’s ok to be different.
When a new girl joins the class, many of the children pick on her for her looks, but one brave little boy looks past her differences and learns that really – size is no big deal!
Reading age: Baby – 7 years
A Little Warrior With a Mighty Purpose
By Ayanna Brown (Author), Teguh Sulistio (Illustrator)
May 24, 2021
A story of a young boy who visits the doctor and learns that he has a special trait that affects his growth.
Break the Mould: How to Take Your Place in the World
by Sinéad Burke
October 15, 2020
Sometimes we can feel like we are not good enough. That we don’t belong. Or that we want to be more like our friends. In this empowering guide, Sinéad Burke draws on her own experiences and encourages young readers to believe in themselves, have pride in who they are and use their voice to make the world a fairer, more inclusive place.
Reading age: 9 – 13 years
Short Or Tall Doesn’t Matter At All
by Asaf Rozanes
February 3, 2018
This illustrated story is about a little girl who is picked on in school because she is short delivers the anti-bullying message to help young kids understand that they are not alone and that something can be done.
Reading age: 3 – 8 years
Short
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
January 9, 2018
Julia is very short for her age, but during the summer playing a munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz” she befriends Olive—one of the adults with dwarfism also in the production—she discovers her own sense of self.
Reading age: 8 – 12 years
The Tiny Tale of Little Pea
By Davide Cali (Author), Sebastien Mourrain (Illustrator)
September 5, 2017
A picture book about Little Pea who was born tiny and suddenly realized just how small he was when he started school. By using ingenuity to overcome challenges, Little Pea empowers children to do the same.
Reading age: 3 – 7
Rosie the Raven
by Helga Bansch (Illustrator)
March 22, 2016
Rosie is born different than her raven siblings and resembles a tiny girl. Eventually, she accepts that she’s different. “And if the others talk about me, what do I care!”
Reading age: 5 – 8
Josie The Itty-Bitty Elephant
by Lacee Moretti (Author), Angela Moretti (Illustrator)
September 11, 2014
A little girl named Mia had an itty-bitty pet elephant named Josie who was so small she could fit in the palm of Mia’s hand. Mia wonders if Josie wishes to be as big as other elephants, but Josie explains why being little can be the best thing in the whole world.
Reading age: 6 – 8 years
Not Too Big…Not Too Small…Just Right For Me
by Jimmy & Darlene Korpai (Authors and Illustrators)
2013, http://understandingdwarfism.com/childrens-book
The book teaches children that we are all different in some way and we should all celebrate who we are. It explains dwarfism in a simple way and answers some of the most common questions asked by children.
Don’t Call Me Names: Learning To Understand Kids with Disabilities
by C. W. Graham (Author), Kristy Lyons (Illustrator)
January 15, 2010
This book teaches children to appreciate other children who are in some way different by treating others as they want to be treated. Several important lessons about respect, compassion, and friendship are featured.
Reading age: 4 – 8 years
The Thing About Georgie
by Lisa Graff
August 26, 2008
A warm and humorous novel starring an unforgettable young boy with dwarfism.
Reading age: 7 – 10 years
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
by Patty Lovell (Author), David Catrow (Illustrator)
August 27, 2001
Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. When Molly Lou is bullied on her first day in a new school she remembers her grandmother’s advice to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud.
Reading age: 3 – 6 years
Little Squarehead
By Peggy O’Neill (Author), Denise Freeman (Illustrator)
August 1, 2001
Rosa, a lonely young girl with a square shaped head was tormented by her classmates. When Rosa discovers a mystical pool in the forest she sees a brilliant diamond shining in her heart and begins her quest to discover her inner strength.
Never Sell Yourself Short
By Stephanie Riggs
January 1, 2001
In this photo-essay, Josh a 14-year-old boy with achondroplasia dwarfism, talks about his life, describing the challenges he faces along with his plans for the future.
Reading age: 4 – 8 years
You’ll Grow Soon Alex
by Andrea Shavick (Author), Russell Ayto (Illustrator)
January 1, 2000
Alex follows the advice of his parents, sister, and teacher hoping to grow taller, but it is his very tall uncle’s advice that really makes a difference.
Reading age: 5 – 6 years
The Shortest Kid in the World
By Corinne Demas Bliss & Nancy Poydar
January 1, 1995
Shorter than anybody she knows, even her own little brother, Emily meets a tiny new girl with a positive attitude and learns more ways than one to rise above being short.
Reading age: 4 – 8 years