2021 was an incredible year for books, but as we become increasingly tuned into global issues – in both our escapist and non-fiction picks – many are still feeling the lack of disability representation. We’re also, now more than ever, looking to support equality in the publishing industry by buying from a diverse range of authors.

It seems that 2022 is set to try and reach expectations, at least in this aspect. With excitement and bated breath, we look to those new, debut authors who are profiling disability, mental health, and chronic illness, at a time where these issues are more important than ever to be discussed. Groups of stabby, petticoat-wearing feminists in France, dark and witty takes on homoerotic tension, recipes ranked by energy levels and philosophical musings on sport... there really is something out there by a disabled author for everyone this year. However, this roundup also reflects the relative scarcity of intersectional debuts covering these topics this year, and will hopefully encourage publishing to do better.

Fiction

One For All by Lillie Lainoff

This debut young adult novel is a gender-bent historical fiction retelling of The Three Musketeers, featuring what appears to be the first-ever main character with POTS (postural tachycardia syndrome) by a major publisher. Featuring LGBTQ+ representation, it follows Tania, a girl with a chronic illness, on a journey to train as a Musketeer, uncover secret plots and be accepted by her sisters in arms.

8th March 2022, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, £13.19 (hardcover)

You, Me and Our Heartstrings by Melissa See

A teen romance which features a girl with cerebral palsy and a boy with severe anxiety. Complete opposites, tentative allies-to-lovers Noah and Daisy team up to get noticed by Julliard, which sees them winning fame but at a cost they may not be willing to pay…and one that may break both their hearts. For anybody that was a former theatre kid with a perfectionist streak. 

19th July 2022, Scholastic Inc, £14.35 (hardcover)

The Hollow Sea by Annie Kirby

Described as a “mesmerising literary debut” by Melissa Fu, author of Peach Blossom Spring, this book follows Scottie, who, after realising she may never become a mother, flees to the remote North Atlantic archipelago of St Hia, where local folklore intertwines with truth. Scottie can’t help being drawn to the story of Thordis, a mysterious witch who was unable to provide her husband with a child and was driven to terrible acts. This book discusses trauma, depression and psychogenic voice/movement disorder by an author who has experience of chronic mental health conditions, with Kirby writing the book on Penguin Random House’s underrepresented writer’s scheme.

18th August 2022, Michael Joseph, £14.99 (hardcover)

Just By Looking at Him by Ryan O’Connell

The debut novel by the star of Netflix’s critically acclaimed comedy series, "Special", is set to follow main character Elliott – a gay man with cerebral palsy – as he navigates a world not built for him. Described as “hilarious, sexy and astute” by Caroline O’Donoghue, author of Promising Young Women, Just By Looking At Him follows Elliot as he lives the perfect life – including having a boyfriend with the perfect penis – until a new man makes him question what he really wants. O’Connell has written for the New York Times and Vice as well as writing for TV shows including "Will & Grace" and "The Baby-Sitter’s Club". Written for those who love dark comedy and short, snappy chapters.

31st May 2022, Little Brown, £16.99 (hardcover)

Unravel by Amelia Loken

A young adult fantasy that follows a deaf protagonist in line for a throne who must hide the fact she’s a witch from her hateful uncle orchestrating witch hunts. Featuring forbidden love and an invisibility cloak, it is set to have all the magic of a great YA fantasy release.

15th February 2022, Sword and Silk, £12.84 (hardcover)

The Seawomen by Chloe Timms

For fans of Atwood, Timms has written a debut novel centred on The Seawomen – feared underwater creatures that come atop land to corrupt God’s creation and man. The only way to stop them is to never enter the water, and for women to conceive within 12 months of their appointed "motheryear". If they don’t, they are thrown into the sea in an act known as Untethering. Will Esta survive her loveless arranged marriage, now that her motheryear is upon her? Although not explicit in disability discussion, it is written by a disabled author and focuses on challenging the ties that bind us.

14th June 2022, Hodder Studios, £14.99

Non-Fiction

Easy Beauty by Chloe Cooper Jones

In her debut memoir, Cooper Jones explores fate and ability, with a philosophical look at her own experiences of sex, motherhood, beauty, sport and prejudice. This memoir on disability is described as “ground-breaking” by Andrew Aciman, author of Call Me By Your Name, and adds to work appearing in GQ, Vice and New York magazine as a feature writer, essayist and philosopher.

7th April 2022, Little Brown, £14.99

The Autism Friendly Cookbook by Lydia Wilkins

This cookbook will cover accessibility, equipment names, strategies and recipes tailored for autistic individuals. Wilkins explores how, through her own experience, there is a precedent for autistic individuals to have to rely on others forever, but this book aims to give the skills and education to learn how to cook and bake adequately. There are also recipes which are divided into breakfast, lunch, dinner and miscellaneous – organised by social occasion and energy level.

TBC 2022

Poor Little Sick Girls: a love letter to unacceptable women by Ione Gamble

Written by the creator of Polyester – one of London’s leading feminist publications – Poor Little Sick Girls is a radical look at traditional narratives of disability such as wellness and health. The book is described as exploring “the pressures faced – as well as the power of existing – as a chronically ill, overweight and unacceptable woman in our current era of empowerment.” Diagnosed with an incurable illness two weeks before hitting 19, Gamble casts a fresh perspective for young women in this compelling release.

26th May 2022, Little Brown, £16.99 (hardcover)