These books feature different kinds of neurodiverse characters and experiences. When possible, we suggest titles by authors and illustrators who identify as autistic or otherwise neurodivergent.
Verity, a neurodivergent child, experiments with the question "How are you?" Is it a greeting or do people who ask actually want to know? While working to understand, Verity struggles with disappointment over a cancelled field trip. I found this to…
A beautiful celebration of neurodiversity and family, this is a moving poem that expresses a parent's love for her child and everything that makes them unique. I appreciated how the book depicted the mother's awareness of her child's needs as well…
Geared for young readers, this book introduces readers to masking, a tool some people use to help them blend in. I appreciated the use of actual masks in the story to help younger readers understand, as well as the focus on kindness. I also love…
Another picture book that showcases the beauty of familial love and support. A mother-son duo go about their day while using an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tablet to communicate with others. I found this to be a clear and…
Part of a series of picture books and early chapter books featuring Henry, a young boy with autism, as he deals with excitement and anxiety about doing something new: going on a field trip! The book is a great way to address anxiety about new…
Another series, A Boy Called Bat follows autistic Bixby Alexander Tam (Bat for short) as he learns to care for a baby skunk and tries to convince his mom they should keep him as a pet. Bat's relationships are depicted with compassion as readers see…
Willa lives with her father and brother, hangs out with her best friend Ruby, and loves her life to be just the way it is since it makes managing her sensory processing disorder easier. When her father surprises her by announcing he's been dating…
V is devastated to be spending the summer with her grandma Jojo, whose need for order and cleanliness is at odds with V's more artistic sensibilities. When a mysterious ghost girl starts making suggestions to wreck the house, V learns more about…
Dreaming of being a Spherinaut like her famous Mama, Glory jumps at the chance to explore space and help a wayward explorer uncover the cause of his mysterious curse while her Mama is away. Both Glory and her mother are shown as neurodiverse…
When Paige discovers that her parents had a chip put in her brain as part of a study on autistic minors, she's horrified and then outraged when it's announced that the device is merging with a company known for selling personal information. Paige…
This nonfiction title introduces readers to the basics of neurology and how brains work before diving into more details on a variety of "wonderfully wired brain" conditions including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and more. The book also includes…
This humorous illustrated nonfiction title introduces young readers to the brain, incorporating information about how the brain works and how many brains work and experience things differently from one another. The author introduces concepts of…
An excellent illustrated primer on autism for autistic readers and those who love them. I appreciated that this book includes different aspects of the autism experience, including differing sensory needs, learning styles, and conditions that are…
