Autism Awareness Month: Books for Kids

Updated April 2, 2024
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
A kids book about autism
Flood, Justin P.
Paper Book
Autism Spectrum Disorder is something that affects so many kids and families all over the world. This book can kickstart the journey to better understanding autism and those who live with it. It dives into the struggles and what it's like to live with autism while reminding us that at the core, we...
All the small wonderful things
Foster, Kate
Paper Book
In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last. Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person,...
A boy called Bat
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum. For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat), life tends to be full of surprises--some of them good, some not so good. Today, though, is a...
Me and my sister
Robbins, Rose
Paper Book
Getting along with your sister is never easy--especially if your brains work in different ways! Based on the author's childhood, Me and My Sister is a gentle exploration of growing up with an autistic sibling.  Life in a neurodiverse home isn't straightforward: these...
Get a grip, Vivy Cohen!
Kapit, Sarah
Paper Book
In this perfectly pitched novel-in-letters, autistic eleven-year-old Vivy Cohen won't let anything stop her from playing baseball--not when she has a major-league star as her pen pal. Vivy Cohen is determined. She's had enough of playing catch in the park. She's ready to pitch...
My friend Julia : a Sesame Street book about autism
Cook, Jennifer
Paper Book
Meet Julia! Julia is an autistic girl who loves art and her family. Join Elmo, Abby, and the rest of the Sesame Street crew as they introduce Julia and all the things that make her special.
Henry and the something new
Bailey, Jenn
Paper Book
"Relatable characters, familiar scenarios, and gentle humor make this a remarkably satisfying read." --Horn Book Magazine, Starred Review  From the creators of the Schneider Award-winning books A Friend for Henry and...
Talking is not my thing
Robbins, Rose
Paper Book
This little sister might not use words, but she's got plenty to say! Narrated through thought bubbles, this energetic book invites readers into the day of a nonverbal girl with autism. She has so much to do--games to play, spaghetti to eat, and a missing stuffed animal to find! Sometimes life can...
The someday birds
Pla, Sally J.
Paper Book
Winner of the 2018 Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award * Two starred reviews * A New York Public Library Best Kids Book of 2017 * A Bank Street Best Children's Book of 2017 * Wisconsin Library Association CBA Outstanding Books of the Year selection * 2018-19 Dorothy Canfield...
Thomas and Bruno
Webster, Christy
Paper Book
An exciting storybook based on the new Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!(tm) animated series on Netflix and Cartoonito, introducing Bruno, Thomas' new brake car friend with autism! When Diesel's speediness gets him into trouble, Thomas and Bruno--the first brake car with autism...
Next level : a hymn in gratitude for neurodiversity
Doyon, Samara Cole
Paper Book
Told from the loving perspective of a mother of a child with autism, Next Level shows the full humanity of people who move through the world and communicate in their own unique, complete, and powerful way. Doyon's powerful love letter to her son invites us to "level up" and see our shared humanity...
A friend for Henry
Bailey, Jenn
Paper Book
Henry, a boy on the autism spectrum, has been on the lookout for a friend in his class. His best efforts are often misunderstood, but after an art project mix-up and a Reading Time setback, Henry finds a way to build a friendship in this charming and reassuring picture book.
All my stripes : a story for children with autism
Rudolph, Shaina.
Paper Book
This helpful story for kids with autism spectrum disorders follows a young zebra who learns to understand how he is different from the rest of his classmates. "It teaches us to embrace not only who we are, but also to embrace the people around us who are brilliantly different thanks to...
My life beyond autism : a Mayo Clinic patient story
Gee, Hey
Paper Book
Combining 36 pages of full illustrations with a first-hand account of living life as a child with autism, My Life Beyond Autism: A Mayo Clinic Patient Story provides a humbling and inspiring look at how an autism spectrum disorder affects children. Tracy...
Cameron goes to school
Brundidge, Sheletta
Paper Book
Cameron will soon be starting kindergarten and her whole family is nervous. How will they manage without her when she goes off to school? This sweet and funny story starring a young African-American girl with autism will help all kids-and their families-face the great big wonderful change that is...
Different kinds of minds : a guide to your brain
Grandin, Temple
Paper Book
Albert Einstein. Steve Jobs. Elon Musk. Katharine Johnson. These geniuses are all visual thinkers. Are you? Do you like puzzles, coding, and taking things apart? Do you write stories, act in plays, slay at Wordle? The things you are good at are clues to how your brain works. Are...
Al Capone does my shirts
Choldenko, Gennifer
Paper Book
The Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller that is historical fiction with a hint of mystery about living at Alcatraz not as a prisoner, but as a kid meeting some of the most famous criminals in our history. Al Capone Does My Shirts has become an instant classic for all...
Daniel Finds His Voice
Brundidge, Sheletta
Paper Book
In this autism book for kids, Daniel Brundidge likes to sing better than he likes to talk. When his mom wins an RV in a contest, the family sets off to visit their grandma. Daniel looks out the window and sings all the way from the Big City Highway to the Old Town Road. Laugh and sing...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.