Stories, Learning, and Representation for Children Living with Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida in Canada
Families raising children with hydrocephalus and/or spina bifida often search for books where their child feels seen, understood, and empowered. The Hydrocephalus Canada Kidz & Youth Book Club offers carefully curated books and resources designed specifically for children and youth living with hydrocephalus and/or spina bifida,Â
Our book selections help children understand their experiences, build confidence, and connect with characters facing similar journeys while giving parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals tools to support meaningful conversations.
1. Tell us about your child
Fill out a 2 minute form to share a bit about your child and your family. This helps us choose the perfect books. Find the form HERE.
2. Enjoy Your First Book.
Your child’s first handpicked book will be mailed and carefully chosen to celebrate and reflect their unique journey with hydrocephalus or spina bifida.
3. Love It? Become a Member!
If your child enjoys their first book, we hope you join our book club and consider a family membership for just $40 a year. This membership will continue to support programs like these.Â
Why Representation Matters
Children living with hydrocephalus or spina bifida may experience hospital visits, surgeries, mobility differences, learning challenges, or social questions from peers. Seeing these realities reflected in books helps children:
• Feel less alone
• Build self-confidence and resilience
• Understand their medical journey
• Develop social and emotional skills
• Connect with peers and communities
At the same time, these stories help siblings, classmates, and friends better understand disability, accessibility, and inclusion.
Books Created for Kids Like Yours
Our Kidz & Youth Book Club highlights books that include:
✔ Stories featuring children living with hydrocephalus or spina bifida
✔ Books about medical journeys and hospital experiences
✔ Stories promoting disability inclusion and accessibility
✔ Confidence-building and mental wellness themes
✔ Educational resources for families and classrooms
✔ Canadian and international stories supporting diverse experiences
Each title is selected with families in mind, helping children see that their differences are strengths.
Who Is This Book Club For?
Our curated book collection is designed for:
• Children ages 3–18
• Youth living with hydrocephalus
• Youth living with spina bifida
• Families seeking disability-positive books
• Educators teaching inclusion and accessibility
• Canadian families seeking community resources
Youth Ages 12 to 18 Collection
Our youth book club is designed for teens with hydrocephalus and spina bifida, ages 12–18. We send a curated book that reflects the changes, questions, and challenges that come with growing up like identity, friendships, and independence.
Young Adults ages 16 to 21 Collection
We have chosen book that explores themes like self-discovery, transition, independence, and belonging. Books that reflect your journey into adulthood
Helping Kids and Youth Build Confidence Through Storytelling
Stories give children language to describe their experiences and help them build confidence when navigating school, friendships, and healthcare settings. Reading together can open conversations about:
• Medical differences
• Self-advocacy
• Accessibility needs
• Mental wellness
• Building friendships
• Confidence and resilience
Join Our Community of Families Across Canada
Join families across Canada and receive two curated book packages in your first year, personalized and addressed to your child, featuring stories and resources created for kids and youth living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
As a member of Hydrocephalus Canada you become part of a supportive and understanding community, helping your child access empowering stories while also supporting programs that benefit families nationwide.
Where Your Membership Support Goes
Your membership helps Hydrocephalus Canada continue delivering vital programs and services for Canadians living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida, including:
• Family and caregiver support groups
• One-on-one support and navigation assistance
• Education and awareness initiatives across Canada
• Research advocacy and community programs
• Resources and supports for children, youth, and families at every stage of their journey
Together, we are building stronger support networks and brighter futures for families across Canada.
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A Message From Our Director, Shauna Beaudoin impacted by Spina Bifida.
We hope that you take advantage of our programs and services, such as community support networks, educational webinars and information, health and well-being program, social media platforms, one-to-one support and much more.
Reach out to us anytime for information and support,
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Shauna
