Criteria to consider when choosing a novel for students with significant disabilities:

• Age respectful topic and format
• A compelling story line with substance to support ‘big questions’
• Credible characters
• Topic or issue that readers can make personal connections to
• Careful introduction and reinforcement of difficult vocabulary and concepts
• Straightforward plot development (e.g., avoiding flashbacks, time shifts, and confusing changes in point of view)
• Simple sentence structure
• Illustrations, audio support and/or video versions available
• Reasonable length (e.g., less than 200 pages)