What Happened to You?: questions to ask and activities to try
Joe has one leg, and every child at the playground wants to know why, before they'll play. What Happened to You? teaches that noticing disability is fine, but a disabled child doesn't owe anyone an explanation.
What age is it for? What Happened to You? is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Physical disability, limb difference, curiosity and privacy.
What Happened to You? (James Catchpole)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Physical disability, limb difference, curiosity and privacy
Written by a disabled author from his own childhood. The point isn't “don't notice”: it's that Joe just wants to play. Ask what Joe actually wanted the other children to do, and practise questions that aren't about someone's body.
What it helps with
- Respectful curiosity about difference
- Privacy: your body is your business
- Seeing disabled children as ordinary playmates
- Asking friendly questions instead of personal ones
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What do you think Joe actually wanted the other children to do?”
- “How did Joe feel when everyone kept asking?”
- “Did Joe have to explain his leg?”
- “What could the children have said instead?”
- “Is it OK to be curious? What's a kind thing to do with it?”
- “What happened when the children started playing?”
5-minute activities to try together
Friendly questions
Practise a friendly question that isn't about someone's body, like “Do you want to play?”
What would you like to be asked?
Each think of a question you'd love someone to ask you (like your favourite game) and one you'd rather not be asked.
Free printables: What Happened to You? worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
You're SO Amazing! (James Catchpole and Lucy Catchpole)
- Best for
- Disability, inclusion and avoiding inspiration stereotypes
- Age
- 4-8
My City Speaks (Darren Lebeuf)
- Best for
- Visual impairment and sensory exploration
- Age
- 4-8
We Move Together (Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire)
- Best for
- Mobility, accessibility, inclusion and disability community
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.