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<p>The term ‘disability’ is often associated with negative connotations and has historically been overlooked in literary and cultural texts, particularly in narratives for young readers. However, with the rise of Disability Studies as a field of inquiry, along with global movements towards inclusivity in children’s literature, representations of disability are gaining critical attention. Indian children’s literature has also begun to address disability, creating space for conversation about marginalization, stigma, and representation. This article examines <i>Simply Nanju</i> (2020) by Zainab Sulaiman, which departs from conventional portrayals that sanitize or idealize disability. Instead, <i>Simply Nanju</i> offers unsettling explorations of disability, poverty, and life within special school settings in India. Through Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of ‘grotesque bodies’ and the framework of intersectionality, this study analyzes how the text challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable realities faced by children with disabilities. Sulaiman’s nuanced representation of her characters’ bodies in distorted and unsettling ways not only critiques societal attitudes and structural barriers but also invites readers to engage critically with the complexities of inclusion and empathy. By situating <i>Simply Nanju</i> within the broader discourse on disability in children’s literature, this article highlights its contribution in fostering a deeper understanding of inclusivity and driving social change.</p>

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Grotesque Bodies and Disability: Examining Children’s Experiences in Zainab Sulaiman’s Simply Nanju

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月2日

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  • Sujata Patel,
  • Smriti Singh

摘要

The term ‘disability’ is often associated with negative connotations and has historically been overlooked in literary and cultural texts, particularly in narratives for young readers. However, with the rise of Disability Studies as a field of inquiry, along with global movements towards inclusivity in children’s literature, representations of disability are gaining critical attention. Indian children’s literature has also begun to address disability, creating space for conversation about marginalization, stigma, and representation. This article examines Simply Nanju (2020) by Zainab Sulaiman, which departs from conventional portrayals that sanitize or idealize disability. Instead, Simply Nanju offers unsettling explorations of disability, poverty, and life within special school settings in India. Through Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of ‘grotesque bodies’ and the framework of intersectionality, this study analyzes how the text challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable realities faced by children with disabilities. Sulaiman’s nuanced representation of her characters’ bodies in distorted and unsettling ways not only critiques societal attitudes and structural barriers but also invites readers to engage critically with the complexities of inclusion and empathy. By situating Simply Nanju within the broader discourse on disability in children’s literature, this article highlights its contribution in fostering a deeper understanding of inclusivity and driving social change.