Not So Different
What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability
by Shane Burcaw
Roaring Brook Press 2017
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Themes include disability awareness
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- empathy
- inclusion
- disability awareness
- curiosity
- kindness
- identity
- resilience
- humor
About this book
In this candid and funny picture book, author Shane Burcaw answers the questions kids really have about what it’s like to live with a disability. Through friendly, straightforward text and engaging photos, he explains how his spinal muscular atrophy affects daily life while showing the many things he loves to do. The Q&A style invites curiosity and empathy, making tricky topics feel safe and approachable. It’s a great pick for classroom conversations and for families who want to talk about differences with warmth and honesty.
Setting: contemporary real-life; the author’s daily life and community
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Not So Different right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Not So Different. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include empathy, inclusion, disability awareness.
How long does it take to read Not So Different?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Not So Different takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Not So Different have an AR quiz?
Yes — Not So Different has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Not So Different?
Not So Different has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.