Why Reading about Turner Syndrome is Important
“As someone who was an avid reader throughout school and trying to get back into the groove of regular reading despite the increased demands of everyday life, I will never get tired of listing the improvements reading can have to someone,” says Brooke Caron, a woman with Turner syndrome and TSF volunteer Blog Writer.
She continues, “I would lose myself in the worlds and lives of the characters I read about and would oftentimes find my own strengths through them. But in addition to just reading books for fun, I also enjoyed reading to help boost my knowledge on the subjects I was learning which further helped me build confidence and understanding. These are just some reasons why having books and other written materials for Turner Syndrome is so important.”
Here are six books you can read about Turner syndrome that may help build confidence in understanding an otherwise complex diagnosis.
1) Tina Talks Turner’s
- Author: The Turner Syndrome Foundation
- Published: 4/12/2019
- Genre: Educational/Interactive
- Age range: 1 year & up
- This book follows Tina who has Turner syndrome and provides readers with guidance through the initial diagnosis. The book also allows readers to interact with journal entries and questions, and a video readers can follow along with on the Turner Syndrome Foundation website. This book not only helps educate readers who have just been diagnosed, but also allows them to interact and document some of their experiences.
2) All about me: Growing up with Turner Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
- Author: Kayli Gizel (with illustrations by Jim Boughton)
- Published: 1/1/2012
- Genre: Educational
- Age range: No official age range given however Amazon reviews indicate it is appropriate for the 7-12 year old age range
- Reviews: 4.6 of 5 stars on Amazon, one Amazon review states… “My husband and I loved this book. Kayli does a great job with the illustrations and her brief account educated me more on what to expect from TS than a stack of books! Our 18 month old daughter has TS and we are reading everything we can get our hands on about it. Thank you Kayli!”
- Readers follow Kayli’s personal journey with being diagnosed with Turner syndrome and follow the various obstacles faced by those who have nonverbal learning disabilities. While following along with her story, readers are given the opportunity to learn about what to expect and how to navigate the different challenges faced by young girls and women with Turner syndrome.
3) The Secrets to Quieting Butterflies
- Author: Susie Baretz (with illustrations by Amy J. Wulfing)
- Published: 1/1/2011
- Genre: Educational
- Age range: No age range provided
- Reviews: 5 stars on Amazon
- This book follows a little girl named Katie who has been struggling with feelings of nervousness and anxiousness. Katie’s mom helps her navigate these feelings and assures her even adults get these nervous and anxious feelings as well. She shares her tricks for “quieting the butterflies” and these techniques prove effective to Katie. With girls with Turner syndrome being prone to anxiety, this book will help readers recognize the signs and provide them with useful tips for dealing with anxiety.
4) What Stars Are Made Of
- Author: Sarah Allen
- Published: 3/31/2020
- Genre: Fiction/growing up
- Age range: 8-12 with a 4-6th grade age level per Amazon
- Reviews: 4.7 stars out of 5 on Amazon. One Amazon review states… “I purchased this for my 12 year old daughter who was diagnosed a few weeks ago with Turners. I read it before giving it to her and fell in love. It was emotional and heartfelt. My daughter read it this week and said that Libby described her to a T. This was such a perfect fit for the situation because she is also Libby’s age and is having major anxiety over her new diagnoses so I feel like for the first time after reading this she finally felt at peace that she can’t have kids the conventional way and about the health issues she is having. It’s new so it’s all she has been focused on but it was good to let her know that she is more than her diagnosis!”
- This book follows Libby who was born with Turners but loves science and is generally optimistic. However when Libby’s sister becomes pregnant, Libby becomes concerned about the potential health of the baby and medical expenses. Libby then makes a “deal” with the universe that if she wins an upcoming contest by entering a project based on a renowned female astronomer, and gives the grand prize winnings to her sister, then the baby will be born healthy. This book gives readers the opportunity to read about someone with relatable challenges and obstacles like anxiety and infertility.
5) Beyond Measure: A Memoir About Short Stature And Inner Growth
- Author: Ellen Frankel
- Published: 11/16/2013
- Genre: Memoir
- Age range: Adult
- Reviews: 3.6 stars on Amazon, 4.25 on Goodreads. One Amazon review states… “I loved this memoir! This book is for all sizes. It is for anyone; short, tall, thin or thick. A great spiritual adventure!”
- This book follows Ellen’s life growing up with Turner syndrome and how she navigated the challenges that come up in everyday life for someone with short stature. She also takes readers through her journey hiking in Nepal. This book can provide the reader with someone relatable who faces similar challenges and allows a look into the challenges an adult woman with Turner syndrome can face.
6) The Fluttering of Wings: Inspirational Thoughts of a Turner Syndrome Girl
- Author: Kimberly Duboise
- Published: 2/13/2015
- Genre: Self help/motivational
- Age Range: None given
- Reviews: 5 stars on Amazon
- This book is a collection of quotes and sayings from women and girls with Turner Syndrome meant to be uplifting by providing encouragement and motivation.
These books highlight different aspects of life with Turner syndrome, offering relatable stories, helpful insights, and empowering messages that show girls and women with TS can lead fulfilling lives.
Written by Brooke Caron, TSF volunteer Blog Writer. Designed by Delvis Rodriguez, Digital Marketing Coordinator
© Turner Syndrome Foundation, 2025
