Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie: Disability Informed Reading Guide

Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie: Disability Informed Reading Guide PDF

Many commonly taught books and stories that feature disabled characters and/or themes related to disability include portrayals that can be confusing, stereotyped, or unintentionally harmful. Our disability informed reading guides help educators navigate these texts with care. These resources are not endorsements of the books themselves, but tools to support thoughtful conversations, offer important context, and encourage more inclusive, accurate discussions about disability. Like all of our resources, they’re designed to help classrooms be places where all students feel respected and represented.

Captain Hook is an example of a character who contributes to stereotypes of disability being connected to evil, or causing a character to be a villain. 

Written in the early 20th century, this story also reflects old, stereotypical thinking about how to speak and write about disability - which unfortunately can still be seen in contemporary times. It is useful to study older books like this for this reason, because it helps us notice and name this older way of thinking.