These Bodies Ain’t Broken

by Madeline Dyer (Editor), Dana Mele, Lillie Lainoff

A monstrous transformation within your own body.
A sacrificial imprisonment.
A fight to the death against an ancient evil.

These stories showcase disabled characters winning against all odds.

Outsmarting deadly video games, hunting the predatory monster in the woods, rooting out evil within their community, finding love and revenge with their newly turned vampire friend—this anthology upends expectations of the roles disabled people can play in horror. With visibly and invisibly disabled characters whose illnesses include Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, PTSD, and more, each entry also includes a short essay from the author about the conditions portrayed in their stories to further contextualize their characters’ perspectives. From breaking ancient curses to defying death itself, these 13 horror stories cast disabled characters as heroes we can all root for.

Contributors include bestselling and award-winning as well as emerging authors: Dana Mele, Lillie Lainoff, Soumi Roy, Anandi, Fin Leary, S.E. Anderson, K. Ancrum, Pintip Dunn, Lily Meade, Mo Netz, P.H. Low, and Carly Nugent.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Young Adult, Anthologies, Disability, Queer, LGBT

384 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2025

About the author

Madeline Dyer is a Lambda Literary Award finalist. A novelist, poet, and anthologist, she is drawn to all things dark, spooky, and scary.

Reviews

[Cece (ProblemsOfaBookNerd)]

Centering disabled and chronically ill teenagers protecting others from ancient evils, vanquishing ghosts, and defying death, these stories explore horror sub-genres including paranormal, gothic, psychological, and body horror. With a diverse array of own-voices representation for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Crohns Disease, Diabetes, PTSD, and more each entry complicates traditional horror with new perspectives.

well, this sounds fabulous!

[akacya ❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025 reads: 286/300

i received an advanced review copy from the publisher as part of a book tour. i am leaving this review voluntarily.

in this YA horror anthology, the expectations of the roles disabled people play in horror are upended, putting characters with visible and invisible disabilities at the forefront as heroes. this is a wonderful read for scary season, or for any time of year you’re in the mood to get chills! something i really liked about this anthology is how so many of the stories were told from a second person point of view. as a disabled reader, i already found myself in many of the stories, no matter the point of view, but i hope these stories in particular helped pre-disabled readers take a walk in our shoes. one of my favorite stories was “what this locket holds,” in which a disabled girl’s mother becomes…a bit too overbearing. we’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

highly recommend this to anyone looking for a YA horror anthology, especially if you are disabled and/or you want to incorporate more disabled authors into your reading!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for the opportunity to read this before release.

This read was not only a horror anthology but a lesson on disabilities of all types. I have learned so much about disabilities that I frankly didn’t even know existed. Each story has its own unique way of explaining the feeling of being disabled. It compares the feelings that come with being disabled to horror stories that we are familiar with: curses, supernatural beings, claustrophobia, and more.

This is a very solid anthology. I have had some bad luck with them in the past, with some stories I loved and others I really disliked, but this one has a great amount of really well written stories.

Below I have gathered some quotes and comments I have regarding each story.

Baby teeth:
“From somewhere deep inside me — rather, I could swear it came from the very back of my jaw — I heard a distinct whisper. Yes. More, please.”

“Baby Teeth” starts with a nightmare that I think we all have had at some point: teeth falling out. But, this story is so much more. Bullies get what they deserve in a satisfying albeit grisly manor.

Thy creature:
“The hardest part about coming back to life is remembering how to breathe.”

A modern retelling of Frankenstein, “Thy creature” studies the mortality of bringing someone back from the dead. Is that what they really wanted? Would they want to “live” on as merely pieces of others, no matter how much they might have disliked their body in life? The parallels of Frankenstein’s monster and not feeling like you have control over your disabled body are explored beautifully by the author in this short story.

Us of The Water

“The curse took it from me, the ability to be one of them.”

“Us of the Water” follows a character in which her disability is being manifested as a curse. It highlights the “otherness” that those of us with disabilities often feel. Others do not understand us, therefore we are isolated and treated as if we have a curse. But, there are amazing people out there, who will accept us as we are and help us navigate a world that wasn’t built for us.

House of Hades

“Death is already so big. Why is everything associated with death so big?”

This story highlights how escapism can be an addiction for those of us with depression and disabilities. I can very much relate to the main character in this story. Escapism is why I’m still here, but I also can’t go too deep for my own mental health. We have to confront our past to be able to move on.

I really enjoyed this story.

Kissed by Death

“The memory of Ilana was just like when you pulled a sticker off something. It left its residue behind, and no matter how hard you scrubbed, there were still pieces clinging to the surface, unwilling to let go.”

A vampire love story with a dash of revenge. Explores the “intersection of queerness, trans identity and disability”, according to the author’s note.

A great quote from the author: “You may choose to interpret vampirism as a metaphor for queerness, transness, disability, or vice versa. The real metaphors are the friends we loved and killed for along the way.”

Within the Walls

“You’ve been battling your body for so long, viewing it as an enemy, when all it’s ever tried to do is survive, to rid itself of what it can’t tolerate.”

Okay this one was immediately terrifying for me. Being stuck and/or lost are my top fears! True horror! Especially being in first person.. ahhh!

This really hit home for me. Hating your body and feeling like you are trapped in a loop of pain is very relatable.

The Worst of It

“They’ve made me a monster”

Omg. If you’re claustrophobic in any way, avoid this one. Ahhh! Also if you have any medical trauma, this story probably isn’t for you. I struggled through it for these reasons but it was very well written.

The Weepers and Washer-women of Loch Lomond

“And that’s how I’m alive. Because I’m disabled.”

A mystery about a disabled sister taking part in a kickboxing tournament to discover what happened to her late cousin.

Using a crutch as a weapon… huge fan of that.

When your disability actually saves you.

What This Locket Holds

“Pain. I don’t know life without it.”

This story is about a teen going off to college who feels too smothered by her mother who has regressed since her husband died. Grief can turn you into a monster, literally.

Very eerie and spooky ending. Chills.

When the Night Calls

“The trees loom, their skeletal fingers reaching out as if trying to snatch anyone who dares to wander.”

This story is very poetic and well written. A woman scorned will…. Eat a man’s heart? Heck yeah.

The author’s note mentioned that this story featured a main character with ADHD and looking back onto the story I could really see where that was being utilized.

The Ruins You’ve Made

“You showed that it could be broken. And maybe, next time, they’ll leave enough cracks to let the light in.”

When the college building you move to is plotting your downfall. The building isn’t disability friendly and therefore is figuratively pushing the protagonist out.

The Fig Tree

“The silence felt more like a threat than it did salvation.”

Not gonna lie, this one confused the heck out of me. No clue what is going on.

I did like that the protagonist used their disability to escape certain death!

Ravenous

“Linden imagined her emotions like her blood sugar graph. If she had a sensor for her feelings, it would be a flat line — no ups or downs — an endless stretch of indifference.”

Love the diabetes representation in this story as I do not often see it represented in many stories I read.

[Wen-yi Lee]

A shout of anger, a demand for agency, and an insistence that everyone gets to be a protagonist. From undead romances and deadly virtual games to haunted lochs and ravenous appetites, THESE BODIES AIN'T BROKEN presents a wide-ranging, fantastical, and nuanced embrace of disability alongside darkness—where, often, the real horror is in how those with different needs are forcibly constrained.

[DarkTwistedReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is an own voices horror anthology specifically concentrating on the protagonists and their disabilities. It includes several short stories by different authors.

First two were butt imo. Second two were amazing. 4 🌟. The rest were a combination of butt and just okay with the exception of the last short story, that one was great too.
I felt that one story was more concentrating on the fact that they were Trans than the disability they supposedly had. Unless being Trans is considered a disability, I felt it was unnecessary to put so much emphasis on that fact.
Same with another story where I was confused about the pronoun usage. They referred to themselves with she/her & they/them pronouns in the same sentence. I was more or less confused the entire time.

I was interested about learning about different disabilities but also maybe get spooked at the same time. Let's just say I wasn't spooked, but at least I did learn a few things about certain disabilities which I found interesting.
It's disappointing that medical science hasn't progressed enough or even care enough to try and help the people that suffer on a daily basis because of their disability. A disability they themselves and doctors don't understand.

In conclusion, even though I liked a few of the short stories in this anthology, I still wouldn't recommend anyone reading this.
Read it if you want to learn about the suffrage of people who have these disabilities, but don't read it expecting scares. The only thing terrifying about the short stories was how stupid most of the human population was and their realistic horrible treatment towards people with disabilities.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from netgalley.

This anthology collects (often explicitly ownvoices) stories featuring disabled people being the heroes of their own journeys. In too many pieces of media people with disabilities are relegated either to the position of the pitiable victim in need of support by the actual hero or the villain, turned bitter or thirsty for revenge due to their disability. In these stories, however, these roles are pushed aside and disabled ingenuity, the power of access and community and yes, sometimes also delicious (and understandable) revenge against ableists are allowed to shine as disabled and neurodivergent characters shape their own stories. Each story is accompanied by a short essay by the author often commenting on their own experience with their disability and what inspired them to write the story, which added to my enjoyment of the stories. It was also interesting to see what I thought the disabilities represented here could be and what the authors intended to represent.
While this is a YA collection, I still really enjoyed these stories and certainly think that a younger audience will get a lot out of it. I know that if this book had existed back then, I would have been utterly enamored myself. My favorite short stories here were Us, of the Water, The Weepers and Washerwomen of Loch Lomond, What This Locket Holds, When the Night Calls & Ravenous. The main characters here experience a mix of friendship and romance, some are queer, many struggle to prove themselves and their worth against adverse circumstances and all of them face a variety of horrors. I especially loved how diverse the settings were, including a Scottish island hosting a kickboxing event, a small town in 19th century Bengal, modern day college campuses and schools, a virtual reality and so much more.
While there are obviously some short stories I wish had been longer (as I often do), this is a really great collection with some fun authors that I definitely want to keep an eye on. The horror is not too scary in my opinion, but dark themes definitely play a role and I think they are handled with care. All in all, I really enjoyed reading this collection and can absolutely recommend this collection to readers of YA horror, who want to see heroes with disabilities.

Baby Teeth by Mo Netz: A teen with a connective tissue disorder starts losing his adult teeth. Thankfully a sharper, stronger set is waiting just behind them. But then a sudden hunger arises that regular food just can’t seem to sate. Really interesting vampire story with a nice revenge against bullies plot.
TW: ableism, assault, body horror, bullying, bullying by teachers, gore, homophobic slurs, injury, self-harm
Thy Creature by Lillie Lainoff: Revived by her boyfriend after a hiking accident, the main character of this story has to readjust to her constantly in pain body as well as the horrified looks from others. And then there’s also the case of two girls being found dead, corpses mutilated, on campus. A really interesting take on the zombie genre and while the end is a bit open, I liked that for this story.
TW: ableism, animal death, body horror, bullying, death
*FAV* Us, of the Water by Anandi: Set in a fantasy world with rich lore, a young woman is considered to have been cursed by The Woman of the Water. Her parents surrender her to a temple, unable or unwilling to care for her whenever she has one of her “outbursts”. A great way to explore neurodiversity and how superstitious ideas might view it. I also loved the focus on community and the healing that can happen when people create access and space for you.
TW: ableism, blood, child marriage (mention), emotional abuse, implied sexual assault, murder, sexual harassment, suicidal ideation,
House of Hades by Dana Mele: Unable to face reality after narrowly surviving an overdose, a teen girl hides in the virtual reality of Hades with her friend. The only problem is that if you die in there, you die in real life and the protagonist ends up stuck in a world that will only let her go if she solves its dangerous puzzles and faces her past in the process. Haunting with a really interesting take on addiction and grief.
TW: addiction, death, overdose
Kissed by Death by Fin Leary: Grieving their best friend’s death, a disabled trans teen living in a small town also has to deal with their former bully suddenly trying to be nice towards her (while still being generally trans- and homophobic). When her best friend reappears, undead and thirsty for revenge, they know exactly what to do. Fun vampire revenge story, also quite sweet and I loved the trans joy.
TW: ableism, blood, general violence, homophobia, transphobia
Within the Walls by S.E. Anderson: A young woman with Crohn’s disease wakes up imprisoned and realizes it’s her father’s doing, a way to excise tainted blood from his family line. But when she attempts to escape, she discovers she is trapped inside some great beast and will need to figure out a way out. Interesting and I liked the comparison she was able to draw from her own experience to try and find her way out.
TW: ableism, eugenics (mention), imprisonment, parental neglect, vomit
The Worst of It by Lily Meade: Waking up in the morgue after an experimental treatment for her Neurofibromatosis gone wrong should be the worst of Amara’s experiences. But her body has been changed from the medical trials and she needs to figure out what that means for her and her future. A really interesting (and horrifying) exploration of undeath and trauma.
TW: body horror, self-harm, violence
*FAV* The Weepers and Washerwomen of Loch Lomond by Madeline Dyer: A twin impersonates her kickboxing champion sister in order to find out what happened to their cousin at that tournament years ago. Pretending to be less disabled than she actually is (while they both have EDS, her sister has much less severe symptoms), she soon finds herself facing a terrifying enemy. Really interesting use of lore and haunting horror, I really quite enjoyed this story!
TW: ableism, body horror, suicide (mention)
*FAV* What This Locket Holds by Pintip Dunn: A young woman with fibromalgyia is excited to leave for college. Her mother is not sure if she can let her go and things take a dark turn during the girl’s last night at home. Really interesting haunted house horror, I liked it.
TW: cancer (past), death of a parent, emotional abuse, grief
*FAV* When the Night Calls by Soumi Roy: A small 19th-century Bengal village is haunted. Women go missing, eaten by a spirit the men of the village claim. If only they had listened to their husbands… A lovely ghost-revenge story with some quite gory violence and subtle but intriguing disability representation, I really liked this one.
TW: cannibalism, child marriage, death of a minor, human sacrifice, infertility (mention), sexual assault (mention), violence
The Ruins You’ve Made by P.H. Low: A young artist joins a prestigious architecture college wanting to at least use their artistic talent and somehow eke out living. But not only do they not really fit in with the otherwise white and rich crowd, the college itself seems to be rejecting them. An interesting look at academic barriers and the problems they can cause.
TW: injury, murder, suicide (mention)
The Fig Tree by K. Ancrum: A young man, whose family is afflicted with a disease that often leads to an early death, is imprisoned by the romans and looking for a way out. But maybe he can use his incredible flexibility to survive this predicament. Quite interesting historical fiction and I enjoyed the writing style.
TW: death, imprisonment
*FAV* Ravenous by Carly Nugent: After a medical emergency and a move to accompany her mother’s new job a teen girl finds herself facing a terrifying skeletal monster in the forest. To face it, she will have to also face the impact of diabetes on her life and take responsibility for her health. I really liked this story and how it treated the stages of learning to accept your life with a chronic illness.
TW: gore

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rep: BIPOC, LGBTQ, disability (specifically hEDS, wheelchair user, Down Syndrome, chronic pain, POTS, neurodiversity, agoraphobia, PTSD, cane user, Crohn’s disease, neurofibromatosis, migraine disease, dysautonomia, MCAS, MCS, OI, VVS, MECFS, celiac disease, gastroparesis, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and type 1 diabetes.)

Thanks @PageStreetYA and @NetGalley for the ARC! I decided to venture outside my usual genres and into the world of horror, which is genuinely not usually my thing as I get too scared 🫣, but I was particularly drawn to the mission of this anthology. Its purpose is to subvert the harmful stereotype of disabled people as villains and instead center them as heroines of their own stories. As Dyer explains in the introduction, “Such representation perpetuates harm when disability is linked with evil, where otherness and difference are seen as bad or unnatural, and where a character's disability is even seen as 'justified' because of their innately sinful nature.”

Dyer also writes that she “wanted to challenge judgments about what heroes in horror stories look like” and to create a collection that “showcases disabled and chronically ill teenagers fighting literal monsters, breaking gothic curses, and flourishing in horror stories.” And she and the other authors perfectly executed that vision. All thirteen stories are #OwnVoices, written by disabled authors and about disabled and chronically ill teens. I thoroughly enjoyed every story—and, surprisingly, still managed to sleep at night after reading them before bed.

CW: ableism, bullying, cannibalism, assault, gore, death, reanimation, murder, overdose, drug use, trauma, panic attacks, homophobia, abuse, eugenics, medical trauma, self-mutilation, medical trials, tumors, cancer, parentification, heart attack, grief, manipulation, beheading, femicide, and underage drinking.

[Ivy Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Page Street Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Anthologies are hard to create because each story needs to have a central theme and flow well from one to another. "These Bodies Ain't Broken" creates this flow with all the short stories starring disable characters in a horror setting. The stories all have a natural flow to them, intertwining horror with how it feels to be disabled to create a story the reader can relate to. I really enjoy YA Horror because I feel that the authors have to dig deeper into their story and not rely on entry level horror aspects to make the story eerie and scary. All of these stories are able to pull from disabilities to create the atmosphere of horror, while not specifically having to rely on typical horror aspects. Specifically, House of Hades doesn't have the classic horror aspects of paranormal/supernatural materials or body horror but lets the suffering of the disabilities our main character faces be the push into scare. That being said, these stories do involve some good old fashioned body horror and paranormal beings.
There is some disconnect at times, when the authors focus more on making connections between disabilities and the mirrored horror to emphasis the reality of living with disabilities. It feels repetitive at times - even between the stories by different authors - where we see the same descriptions used to communicate how the characters feel and even to describe the surroundings.
My favorite story was "The Worst of It". I can 100% respect hating someone because they aren't as sick as you are but continue to act as if they are. 

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a review copy.

As a person living with chronic pain, this anthology spoke to my soul. An anthology full of stories about disabled people triumphing over evil? Yesssss. I enjoyed every story and my only complaint is that there is no full-time wheelchair user represented. Nevertheless, I was pleased overall. 4 stars

Baby Teeth by Mo Netz ⭐⭐⭐.25
Thy Creature by Lillie Lainoff ⭐⭐⭐.5
Us, of the Water by Anandi ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
House of Hades by Dana Mele ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kissed by Death by Fin Leary ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Within the Walls by S.E. Anderson ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
The Worst of It by Lily Meade ⭐⭐⭐.5
The Weepers and Washerwomen of Loch Lomond by Madeline Dyer ⭐⭐⭐.25
What This Locket Holds by Pintip Dunn ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When the Night Calls by Soumi Ray ⭐⭐⭐.5
The Ruins You've Made by P.H. Low ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
The Fig Tree by K. Ancrum ⭐⭐⭐.5
Ravenous by Carly Nugent ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

[Library of Dreaming (Bookstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

General thoughts: a mixed bag of super compelling stories mixed in with some confusing or just fine ones. I had a fun time! I wish the anthology was overall more diverse though. I think 5 whole stories about EDS/hyper-mobility was too much and made the anthology feel unbalanced.

Of course, I’m probably judging it too harshly because, as far as I know, it’s the only horror anthology specifically about disability written by disabled authors. I want this one anthology to encompass everything, but it’s just not reasonable. I hope that many more stories like this are published in the future so we get more variety!

Individual reviews:

Baby Teeth by Mo Netz (EDS/wheelchair user rep) - great, disturbing start to the anthology. This was a little too close to some of my nightmares to my taste, but it was satisfying! I feel like this was probably the most intense horror in the collection, which kind of surprised me as I was expecting more. (But I’m not complaining as I’m a horror wimp). A favorite.

Thy Creature by Lillie Lainoff (POTS rep) - really loved this one! A fun exploration of the Frankenstein story that specifically addresses disabled femme rage. Highly satisfying!

Us, of the Water by Anandi (ADHD rep) - I didn’t like this one. The MC seems to be having seizures and experiencing intense physical pain, but the author says it’s meant to represent ADHD. And the pain seems to have a miraculous or magical cure at the end as the MC’s pain ends. I think I get the intention to portray how finding community amongst other neurodivergent people is healing, but it didn’t work in this specific context.

House of Hades by Dana Mele (mental health rep that could be considered PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety) -

Kissed by Death by Fin Leary (EDS rep) - a fun vampire romp! The disability rep didn’t leave as much of an impression on me but I still enjoyed it.

Within the Walls by S.E. Anderson (Crohn’s disease rep) - I really enjoyed this one! The atmosphere was palpable and the horror had a delicious disability twist. A favorite.

The Worst of It by Lily Meade (Neurofibromatosis rep) - this one had some disturbing body horror just fyi. I think the idea was interesting but it was too much for a short story. I was confused by the ending.

The Weepers and Washerwomen of Loch Lomond by Madeline Dyer (EDS, POTS, celiac disease, MCAS) - I really liked seeing celiac and MCAS representation! I feel like the story wasn’t quite for me though. I felt like I couldn’t quite understand what was going on.

What This Locket Holds by Pintip Dunn (fibromyalgia rep) - definitely disturbing and compelling! But I feel like the plot moved past some of the emotional beats too quickly. Wish it had been a full novel.

When the Night Calls by Soumi Roy (ADHD rep) - super creepy! But also very satisfying, a refreshing piece of horror.

The Ruins You’ve Made by P.H. Low (chronic pain & hyper-mobility) - I feel like the author has something very interesting to say & is using horror in an interesting way to share it! I feel like I would’ve read a full novel of this too. Strangely though, it didn’t feel super horror? I could see this in a fantasy or dark academia anthology.

The Fig Tree by K. Ancrum (EDS) - Was this even horror? I was compelled by the story but I feel like it doesn’t quite feel at home with this anthology. It’s more historical fiction with a touch of fantasy vibes. It also made me wonder why there’s so many stories about EDS/hyper-mobility?

Ravenous by Carly Nugent (Type 1 diabetes) - yess, this was just what I wanted & an excellent end for the anthology. This was about horror and accepting disability in a really unique and great way. A favorite!

[Wynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Bodies Ain’t Broken is an anthology of YA horror short stories centering around protagonists with disabilities. While I found the message of empowerment and ownership of the story to be uplifting and meaningful, I found the stories themselves to be a hit or miss, and often a miss. Some stories didn't quite match the horror vibe that I expected, while others just didn't feel as polished. I enjoyed the short personal essay by the authors following each story and a few of the stories (House of Hades, When the Night Calls, and What This Locket Holds) stood out as very well done. Overall, I recommend this to those seeking more disability representation in books, but maybe not to big horror fans, who may find it lacking in that aspect.

ARC from NetGalley.

[Gabbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was disappointing. This isn’t what I call horror. The stories just dragged and dragged and I didn’t get anything out of them nor will I remember them.

I felt like this was just stories about different disabilities (which great) but I got this for the horror stories and to see different storylines feat different disabilities and how the characters came out on top and this didn’t deliver that for me

[Erin McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Like every other short story collection, some of these really sang and others fell flat for me. I think the writing of some of these stories really worked well and showcased the full range of emotions, including the pain of loss and the heart of connection. All in all it was well done.

[Rynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for this ARC.

These Bodies Ain't Broken is such a catchy title, and when I saw that this anthology was specifically about living with disabilities in the horror genre, I wanted to read it so badly. Usually I stay away from anthologies and short stories as I feel that the brevity of the short story does the content a disservice, but ooooh I wanted to read this despite the horror tag!

Like the introduction states, so often in the horror genre the focus is on able-bodied people making it out alive. One thing I deem extremely important in media is the ability to see yourself reflected on the page because it gives you the ability to connect to the characters on a much more intimate level. I know I get excited to see ace rep, as well as characters with social anxiety as it's a part of my identity. Everyone's experience in their body is quite unique, but if you are neurotypical and able bodied, it's hard to truly understand what others are experiencing in their day to day life. This anthology does a great job of hitting all different levels of disabilities. This includes invisible mental disabilities such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, to physically detrimental disabilities ranging from wheelchair bound to chronic aches and pain. There's literally something for everyone within These Bodies Ain't Broken.

Although I didn't love every single story, I know that this work will be extremely important for those who need to see themselves be the hero in fiction. Especially as each contributing author wrote an afterword that detailed their thought process on what inclusions they wanted to focus on specifically in their story. It was through these after words that I discovered that some people just don't understand that you can have more than one ailment affecting you consistently, as well as how entitled certain readers felt when the author did not reflect themselves 100% in the main character. We don't expect the neurotypical and able bodied to self insert themselves thusly, but I fear this stems from the movement of wanting representation ONLY from people who have lived that experience. For that reason, some authors kept the disabilities undiagnosed and I would like to remind other readers to be respectful of that.

Another thing I really appreciated in These Bodies Ain't Broken was the amount of stories in the 2nd POV. There were at least three stories that did so, and while reading, I felt that calling out the reader with the use of the subject "you" grounded the reader into the experience. At the very least it felt like I needed to put myself into the character's shoes more so than I normally do. It didn't feel weird, or off kilter, but rather like I was included in the conversation. This led me to relating MORE so than I usually do, with my own aches and pains and attempting to imagine that at the level that most of our characters were experiencing.

One story in the 2nd POV that I particularly enjoyed was Thy Creature by Lillie Lainoff. In this case, the main character had suffered an accident and due to circumstances, ended up in a body that constantly ached and acted like it was trying to body again. The whole metaphor of feeling like a science experiment gone wrong, felt more relatable with the inclusion of the you. Not only was the reader placed in the experience of chronic pain, they also were able to experience what it was like to be a woman in a world that constantly dictates what one should look like. Specifically, how a man who isn't happy with you -- even one who has been with you and allegedly loved you for years-- can still want to impose their will on what you body should be. It's a struggle I deal with daily, although my struggle includes other women commenting on my appearance as well.

My second favorite story would be When the Night Calls by Soumi Roy. This story feels like it is another perspective on the conversation of a woman's body, especially coming from a man's mouth. Although this did NOT use the 2nd POV, the content still focused on the role of a woman in a man's society. I especially liked the turning point, where our main character's hunger drives them to taking a stand against a society that viewed them as nothing more than a speck of dirt.

The Ruins You Made by P.H. Low, also invoked the use of the 2nd POV. In this scenario, the conversation with the reader made the the journey so much more trippy and harrowing. The message resounded more with me, focusing on the buildings welcoming those that society deem to be normal, and making it inaccessible to those who don't quite fit the bill. However, I also have a soft spot for the artist character, being one myself. In the current political climate, this felt like a conversation opener to what is going wrong in our society and how it continues to oust those who really just want to survive.

At the end of it, this anthology was so very much needed and I hope it finds its way into the hands of those who need to see someone just like them on the page.

[DB (DB's Guide to the Galaxy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll write specific thoughts for each of the stories and then add a ♿ by my favourites – I like doing that for short stories.

Baby Teeth by Mo Netz – A good start to the anthology! I really liked Netz’s other book so was happy to see him again. I always love it when this type of creature (trying to keep it vague) is shown and I liked how Netz approached it. The teacher had it coming, I’m just saying.

♿Thy Creature by Lillie Lainoff – I really liked this story! I liked that I could easily imagine myself in this story and that creeped me out. Also I always love the inspiration for this story. I think if this had to go to a full story I would love it. Lainoff’s writing was so good.

Us, of the Water by Anandi – This was interesting, I always like how authors address disabilities in fantasties or in times where the terms weren’t known at all. How strange or ‘other’ they must seem.

House of Hades by Dana Mele – I can tell I’m not into sci-fi books anymore as this was a confusing book for me but I liked it nonetheless. I think the concept is interesting and I wish I could’ve gotten it better.

Kissed by Death by Fin Leary – I had to stop and think because the teens called MCR OLD and what if I cry (look, I was so affronted by it I think I might’ve taken a star away just for that). I always love how different authors take on vampires and vampire lore.

Within the Walls by S.E. Anderson – I don’t think I’ve really seen the second person pov in a book or short story so it’s quite jarring the first or second time you see it. I think I’d like this one more on a reread as I think it should take time to read and digest.

♿The Worst of It by Lily Meade – This was creepy and I can definitely see it as a short film. Meade handled the fact of death and what could could come back quite well. I wouldn’t have handled some of this as well as Amara did, that’s for sure.

The Weepers and Washerwomen of Loch Lomond by Madeline Dyer – I liked this story quite a bit but I do think this absolutely could’ve benefited from being longer. Maybe a novella, just not a short story and not enough for a full book. That way we could get into the story properly.

♿What This Locket Holds by Pintip Dunn – I loved this one, I thought it was interesting and very ala a movie with a character called ‘The Other Mother’ (I don’t want to say the movie as the creator is terrible). The horror elements in this were great and would’ve totally make the average reader cringe.

When the Night Calls by Soumi Roy – Also another creepy one! I liked the lore behind this and I think Charu deserves everything she ever wants. I also like that it was part folklore part ghost story. It added a lot to the story and characters.

The Ruins You’ve Made by P.H. Low – Another second person point of view, maybe I’m getting used to them then. Also another story I think would’ve been better had it been longer. Maybe even a full book so we could get the whole backstory of the university and and weird things happening slowly—one of my favourite things in a horror movie. I did like that Kiran became friends with Ingrid and they worked together to figure out the mystery.

♿The Fig Tree by K. Ancrum – Anything Ancrum writes, I’m here for. Even though this is quite a sad one, Ancrum writes sad very well. This is also a bit slow but once again, she writes it so good I don’t mind it. I think the only thing I wanted is to have learnt more about Innis.

♿Ravenous by Carly Nugent – I loved this one! I liked that the author made Linden be angry and upset about her disability because that’s a real thing. I need this as a horror movie as I think it works so well plus I want more time with Linden and the monster!

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And that’s how I’m alive. Because I’m disabled. Because I need mobility aids. Because I fought with my crutch.”

Teeth fall out into the porcelain sink and sharper ones replace them, beginning a bloody tale of revenge against malicious bullies. This is the first out of Madeline Dyer’s anthology of thirteen stories: a compilation of frightening tales to give you goosebumps, all of them integrating disability representation into their storylines. At the end of each story, the authors provide a short essay to inform the reader about the disability and their artistic process. The collection spans across time and space, ranging from the early British Isles to modern Canada, a dystopian United States, and 19th-century South Asia. Readers will also encounter an assortment of nightmares in the anthology. There’s a Frankenstein-esque transformation, a vampire romance, death-defying bodies, ancient forest evils, a terrifying virtual world, and others. But above all, each of these disabled protagonists has the power to shape their own narratives.

​I’m always a fan of horror stories, yet I’d never sat down to read an anthology before. Initially, I was unsure how I would feel about this kind of reading experience. Some of the stories resonated with me more than others; however, I think it’s safe to say that all the narratives in the collection had me spooked and unsettled. Whether you enjoy paranormal, gothic, folklore, dystopian, or even deeply visceral body horror, each story has something to like. I loved that, no matter the scares these disabled protagonists face, they survive, becoming the heroes of their own stories—not villainized like the horror genre often does to this marginalized group. And what makes this empowerment more engaging is that each story in the anthology is written by a disabled author, inspired by their own lived experiences. Moreover, I appreciated the diverse representation of characters, as every disabled person’s experience (with visible or invisible disabilities) is unique. The authors also deftly explore how disability intersects with queerness, class, historical contexts, and societal expectations, which adds another compelling layer to the horror. Overall, if you enjoy strong characters and authentic stories, there’s a lot to love in this anthology, and I highly recommend reading it this spooky season!

These Bodies Ain’t Broken releases on October 7th, 2025.

Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Page Street YA for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!

[Quizzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

These bodies ain’t broken – various authors, edited by Madeline Dyer review

Genre: YA horror
Minority rep: disability, POC, LGBTQ+
Thank you Page Street YA for this eARC in exchange for a review.

These bodies ain’t broken is a collection of short stories by 13 disabled authors and all stories thus include a disabled main character. This makes for a collection of amazing and authentic representation of such a diverse minority.
What this book tries to do is break the stigma within horror, that puts disability only on villains and monsters and the people we shouldn’t root for or like. These stories centers disabled characters in a genre that traditionally avoids disability in its protagonists. To do this within the horror genre is quite the challenge and I think these authors nailed it.
My favourite short stories were Thy creature, within the walls, the weepers and washer-women of Loch Lomond and when the night calls. I loved how diverse these stories were and how well disability fit into each story. I think the two stories I found most scary were Baby teeth and within the walls, although they are very different vibes.
To highlight some of the stories, I’d like to talk about the use of the theme of femicide within thy creature and when the night calls. They have very different settings, like when and where in the world they take place, but at the heart is the same issue: women being murdered for being women. I also think I was drawn to these stories because of the high rate of femicide within my country, the Netherlands, and because I believe horror likes to use these systemic issues without always having the best intentions behind it. When reading these stories, I knew these two authors worked femicide into their stories with care and respect. It made the horror more frightening, realistic and alive, without destroying the nuance of femicide, and even adding nuance through culture and disability. I think it all made them incredible stories.
In terms of disability rep, I loved within the walls so much. To preface, I don’t have crohn’s, but I have IBS and this story made me sick to my stomach. It’s so well done with horror and disability. I could only relax when the story ended. This story has done something so clever in displaying disability in horror, I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.
If I haven’t convinced you yet to buy this book, I don’t know what could convince you. I loved all of the stories, but gave it 4 stars, just because there are 3 stories with EDS rep and I think it would’ve been a better choice to bring in some more diversity in disability rep as there are 13 stories.

[Prof. Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley Review

Madeline Dyer’s These Bodies Ain’t Broken is a compelling anthology that redefines the narrative surrounding disability in the horror genre. Through thirteen gripping stories, the collection boldly
challenges the societal misconception that disabilities signify weakness or inevitable defeat. Instead, it presents characters whose strength, rage, and empowerment shine through in ways that are both inspiring and deeply human.

One of the most striking elements of this anthology is how these stories do not shy away from the realities of disabilities—ranging from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome to PTSD—but rather use these experiences to enrich the characters’ resilience and complexity. I particularly appreciated how the author includes short essays contextualizing each condition, adding a thoughtful layer that fosters understanding and empathy.

The narratives are diverse and inventive: from outwitting deadly video games to hunting predatory monsters in the woods, and from uncovering sinister threats within communities to forging unexpected alliances with a newly turned vampire friend. Each story flips traditional horror tropes on their head by placing disabled characters in heroic roles, making their victories feel genuinely earned and empowering.

What truly resonated with me was the raw display of strength and rage in these stories. Dyer does not sanitize or diminish the characters’ struggles; instead, she channels those emotions into a force that challenges and disrupts the usual portrayals of disability. This approach makes the anthology not just a collection of horror stories but a powerful statement about identity and agency.

If I were to offer a slight critique, it would be that some stories could benefit from deeper development to enhance emotional connection, but given the anthology format, the variety and pace kept me fully engaged throughout.

In summary, These Bodies Ain’t Broken is a remarkable and necessary contribution to both horror literature and disability representation. Madeline Dyer crafts a world where disabled characters
are not defined by their limitations but celebrated for their courage, complexity, and indomitable spirit. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking stories that empower and inspire beyond conventional boundaries.

Contributors include bestselling and award-winning as well as emerging authors: Dana Mele, Lillie Lainoff, Anandi, Soumi Roy, Fin Leary, S.E. Anderson, K. Ancrum, Pintip Dunn, Lily Meade, Mo Netz, P.H. Low, and Carly Nugent.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Page Street YA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“These Bodies Ain’t Broken” is a bold and refreshing YA horror anthology that unapologetically places disabled and chronically ill teens at the center of the nightmare and shows that survival, resilience, and power come in many forms. With content warnings for each story and thoughtful author notes explaining the depiction of disabilities, the collection is as conscientious as it is chilling.

From battling monsters and ancient evils to confronting ignorance, ableism, and internal fears, these stories stretch across subgenres—ghost tales, body horror, historical horror, and even experimental second-person narratives. While not every story lands perfectly, the range is impressive, and the characters’ voices feel authentic and deeply human. Themes of acceptance, empowerment, and refusing to be underestimated thread through the anthology, with many characters embracing their disabilities as unique strengths in the fight for survival.

One standout opener, “Baby Teeth,” delivers a short but powerful punch, setting the tone for what’s to come: horror that is rooted as much in human prejudice as in supernatural threat. Historical pieces offer a fascinating lens on how invisible disabilities might have been misunderstood—feared, cursed, or explained away—before modern knowledge, adding layers of social commentary to the scares. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) appears in multiple stories, raising awareness while showing the varied ways it can shape, but never define, a character’s life.

While a few experimental approaches (like second-person POV) may not work for every reader, the anthology shines in its emotional range as the stories balance moments of grief and isolation with connection, triumph, and hope. Remarkably for horror, nearly every story ends on a positive or empowering note, with the final tale closing the collection on a strong, satisfying beat.

Overall, “These Bodies Ain’t Broken” doesn’t just add disability representation to horror—it makes it integral. A must-read for anyone looking for diverse voices, fresh takes on the genre, and stories where the heroes’ strengths are inseparable from who they are.

[Annette Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Bodies Ain't Broken edited by Madeline Dyer is an exceptional anthology of disturbing stories, each of which centres a disabled character and is written by a disabled author. For too long the most common disability representation in the horror genre has been the villains so it is about time that we get a collection where the disabled characters subvert these expectations and instead become the heroes that we can all root for.
The variety of stories is impressive, as is the variety of disabilities, both visible and invisible, that are represented. From Ehlers Danlos Syndrome to PTSD, from diabetes to ADHD and with settings ranging from the first century AD to the modern day, there is something to appeal to, and horrify every reader.
The book opens very strongly with Baby Teeth by Mo Netz, a story that definitely touched on my own fears and immediately set the book up as something a little different in the horror genre. There is plenty of variety, from the futuristic setting of House of Hades by Dana Mele to the folklore vibes of Madeline Dyer's own The Weepers and Washer Women of Loch Lomond, and those who love Frankenstein will probably enjoy Thy Creature by Lillie Lainoff, while those seeking a bloody vampire story should check out Kissed by Death by Fin Leary. While not every story was a hit for me, there were plenty that were and overall I would have no hesitation in recommending the collection. I thought the little notes from the author at the end of each story were a nice touch, several shared how their own disabilities informed their storytelling, while others signposted to support groups and organisations. Despite the dark nature of the stories being told in this collection, at the end of it I was left feeling hopeful, not just because of the characters and how they managed to kick ass, but more importantly because I think there are many people out there who need to see themselves better represented in this genre, and finally there is a book that will do just that.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own,

[Kayla Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really glad to see a collection exploring disability in the horror genre written entirely by disabled authors but, unfortunately, I felt like a lot of the stories were lacking for me. One of my favorite aspects of this collection was the inclusion of the essays from each author explaining why they wrote their story and what the representation they included signified to them and if it weren't for those additional essays it pains me to say that this would probably have a lower rating.

Now there were some hits in the collection and I found myself really enjoying and connecting with the stories that, in particular, explored the themes of grief and processing around the disabled body and how, whether you are born in a disabled body or something happens that causes you to become disabled, the grieving process for what was or what could have been is a constant and ever evolving feeling to be processed. And those feelings towards your disabled body aren't always positive or accepting as it is difficult to continuously process existing in a body that doesn't function as it "should".

There were some decent horror aspects in some of the stories but a few of them had me questioning if they would even be classified in the horror genre outside of the poor treatment of disabled people being a horrific thing to read about. It felt like some of the authors in the collection were playing a little on the safe side and I would have just liked a little more. This is definitely a collection I will be recommending though as I think there should be more books and stories centering disabled experiences.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book.

Content Warning: ableism, assault, body horror, bullying, gore, blood, emotional abuse, implied sexual assault, murder, sexual harassment, suicidal ideation, talk of child marriage, addiction, overdose, violence, homophobia, transphobia, imprisonment, self harm, cannibalism, human sacrifice, talk of infertility, violence against women, insects

[Spring (Infinite Ink Society) · Rating 4 out of 5]

💀✨ 4/5 Stars — These Bodies May Be Broken, But This Anthology Ain’t ✨💀

Okay, first of all — representation win! 👏 Every story in These Bodies Ain’t Broken (edited by Madeline Dyer) gives disabled and chronically ill characters the spotlight they’ve always deserved. These aren’t background victims or “tragic inspiration” tropes — they’re main characters who bite back… sometimes literally. 🩸

From the diabetic girl facing a tree-monster that smells like hospital air 🏥🌲 to a fibromyalgia-fighter clinging to her mysterious locket 🔮, to a Scottish heroine battling chronic illness and dark folklore ⚔️👻 — every story oozes heart, guts, and beautifully messy humanity. The anthology doesn’t just include representation; it celebrates it with bloody confetti. 🎉

And honestly? Half the time you’re cheering for the “bad guy.”
Because when the monsters are the ones who’ve been dismissed, doubted, or dissected by society — yeah, I’m gonna yell “HECK YEAH” when they go feral. 😈🔥

Each story feels vivid, sharp, and gloriously weird — like a fever dream dipped in ink and pain meds. There are a couple that wobble a bit (short story pacing strikes again 🫠), but even those have bite. This is the kind of collection that reminds you horror isn’t just about fear — it’s about fighting back when you’ve already been through hell.

Final Verdict:
🩸 Diverse.
💪 Defiant.
🪓 Occasionally disgusting in the best way.
💀 Worth every nightmare.

4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — I was cheering for the monsters like it was a horror pep rally.

[Nicole Zelniker · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The thought hits too close to home, your own body having turned on you so often, twisting in pain, rejecting what it should have accepted. Now you wonder: Is this what it feels like on the inside? To be devoured by your own devouring, to be consumed by your own self?"

This is such a gorgeous collection of chronic illness stories in a genre that usually sees us as the villains, our bodies as the horror. I was so excited to read new stories by old faves like Madeline Dyer, Lillie Lainoff, and K. Ancrum, but I was also thrilled to meet some new favorites. This is especially true for Pintip Dunn, who wrote about fibromyalgia, and S.E. Anderson, who's protagonist had Crohn's (the story that's quoted at the top of this review), as I live with both of these conditions and felt they were very well represented in all of their nuance. Likewise, I particularly enjoyed Soumi Roy and Anandi's depictions of neurodivergence.

Listing all my favorites would be redundant, as there would be far too many of them. Overall, I really loved how these stories showcased all kinds of disabled protagonists, from heroes to antiheroes, to those for whom disability was the focus and for those for whom other issues took center stage. I'm so glad this collection exists, for us disabled readers and as a genuinely brilliant book of short horror.

[Léa Lombard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology brings together thirteen horror stories written by authors living with disabilities or chronic illness. I really enjoyed the variety of perspectives and how each writer brought something unique to the genre. Not every story worked for me, but the overall collection was strong and refreshing in the way it expanded what horror can be.

Three stories stood out the most: Thy Creature, House of Hades, and Within the Walls. House of Hades struck me with its focus on PTSD, exploring how mental illness can create its own kind of haunting. Within the Walls, which is about a girl with Crohn’s disease, resonated with me personally even though I live with a different condition. The sense of being trapped in your own body, dismissed by others who say “you’re fine” while you silently endure pain, really hit home.

What I loved is how these stories show a different type of fear, grounded in lived experience. It is both unsettling and empowering to see horror reframed through perspectives that are not often represented.

Overall, a varied and powerful anthology that will appeal to horror fans looking for something fresh and deeply human.

[Katy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved a good horror anthology and These Bodies Ain’t Broken lived up to all of my expectations. I loved the the idea of having all of these short stories with main characters who lived with disabilities and how the ways their bodies are different or limited change how they interact with the world and the horrors around them. I really enjoyed that these stories were diverse in their mythology, disabilities, and role their main character played. None of these characters are painted as helpless victims because of their disability, and some, like Bianca in ‘The Weepers and the Washwomen of Loch Lomond’, acknowledge that they are only alive due to their disability.

A few standouts for me are ‘When the Night Calls’, ‘Us, of the Water, and ‘ The Weepers and the Washwomen of Loch Lomond’. All of these stories drew me in however and I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.

I would recommend this anthology for someone who enjoys a wide variety of horror, from folk horror to body horror to occult horror. It will also be a great read for you if you appreciate stories with great diversity of ethnicity, gender, and sexuality.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Alise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general I really enjoyed this anthology. It has a good variety of perspectives and backgrounds from authors. I love that the book includes an essay after each story where the author discusses their experiences and offers context to why they wrote their entry. I think the mix of fiction and nonfiction added a lot to the reading experience. In addition, I loved that the stories are written in a way that clearly reflect the lived experiences of various disabilities intersecting with many other identities.

The stories also have a lot of variety in subject matter, but I don’t think there was enough variety in psychological focus. The large majority of the stories are more psychological horror, with a few exceptions. Many of them are metaphorical and ambiguous in ending. This is not a negative of the individual stories, but as someone that is not a huge fan of psychological horror, it did diminish a bit of my enjoyment.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the publisher. No review was required and all opinions are my own.

[Alicia Ceasar · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Bodies Ain’t Broken edited by Madeline Dyer is a YA horror anthology the features stories featuring disabled main character by disabled authors.

I really loved a lot of the stories in this collection. Even the ones that weren’t my favorites were still really good. I have found several new authors to look into reading more from.

I think this book is so important because of the disability representation. I also think that it being aimed towards a young adult audience is so smart because it allows teens the opportunity to learn more about these disabilities while also reading some creepy stories!

I loved the author’s notes at the end of each story and how they discussed more about the disabilities they features in their story. I feel like I learned a lot about disabilities that I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about. I look forward tog rotting a physical copy of this book when it releases and recommending it to all my friends!

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating 4.25

These Bodies Ain't Broken is an anthology collection of 13 stories. What makes this collection so unique is that each story has some kind of disability representation. These representations can be from something as simple as ADHD to much more severe things that people live with every day. These stories are also targeted more towards young adult, but I feel like and age can enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed every story in this collection. The only story I had trouble with was called "Kissed by Death", the story was very good, but the main character is agender and it kept switching the pronoun use throughout the story making it a very jaring read. Even in the same sentence it would use they and she. It kept pulling me out of the story. I think that one would have read much smoother with just sticking to they/them, but that's just my personal opinion. But all that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology series and would highly recommend it.

[frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Page Street Publishing and Net Galley for a copy of this ARC

Full disclaimer I don’t typically love short story collections.Most of the time you get a few stands out and then a few ok entries.Personally I enjoyed almost every entry in this collection. The selection is diverse and theres horror enough to satisfy most any horror hand. I really liked the mini essays at the end of each entry.

This is a young adult collection but the authors don’t pull punches and there are some genuinely stomach turning horror moments that would satisfy horror fans of any age.

There are a few that are written in 2nd person and personally that not my favorite flavor but if you like it that might even be a draw!

My favorites were
The Worst of It by Lily Meade
Baby Teeth by Mo Netz
Ravenous by Carly Nugent

[Sabina Nordqvist · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic anthology with so many talented authors! Even better, all the stories are about disabled characters written by disabled authors, many have intersectional focus as well. I’m generally afraid of horror but when I saw this advertised I knew I had to get it immediately. And it totally surpassed expectations. THIS is the rep I want I want from publishing. The stories are inventive, poignant, and engaging. Two of my favorites were Thy Creature and Baby Teeth. Another neat thing is each story is accompanied by a note about the disability featured in the story. So you can feel the connection to the authors as well and learn a bit if you’re not acquainted with the disabilities, which is awesome. Overall, I highly recommend getting this!! A must for libraries as well. Let kids see themselves in stories they are typically left out of.