Kids Books That Celebrate Neurodiversity

April is Neurodiversity Celebration Month! Find children's picture books, fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction.

Updated June 8, 2026
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A boy called Bat
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
The first book in the Schneider Award Honor-winning 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...
Brilliant Bea
Rudolph, Shaina
Paper Book
An affirming story about dyslexia, creativity, and different ways of learning Beatrice has big ideas and a wonderful imagination, but reading and writing can feel challenging. At school, it isn't always easy for others to recognize her strengths. When a thoughtful teacher introduces a new...
Button pusher
Page, Tyler
Paper Book
A memoir-driven realistic graphic novel about Tyler, a child who is diagnosed with ADHD and has to discover for himself how to best manage it. Tyler's brain is different. Unlike his friends, he has a hard time paying attention in class. He acts out in goofy, over-the-top ways....
A different kind of normal : my real-life completely true story about being unique
Balfe, Abigail
Paper Book
In this joyfully illustrated memoir, Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the "normal" world around her. This is a perfect book for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to learn more about neurodiversity. When Abigail was...
Fish in a tree
Hunt, Lynda Mullaly
CD
The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives listeners an emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in.   "Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish...
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.
Glitch girl!
Oet, Rainie
Paper Book
"Each poem is as raw as it is beautiful." -Alex Gino, author of ALA Stonewall Award-winning novel Melissa For fans of Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff, a poignant novel in verse about a trans girl with ADHD who plays a computer game to process the isolation of middle...
Honestly Elliott
McDunn, Gillian
Paper Book
Schneider Family Book Award: Best Middle Grade Honor Book! Highly-acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer, Gillian McDunn explores boyhood in a funny, big-hearted story about a kid trying to find the best way to be his best self. ...
My brother Charlie
Peete, Holly Robinson
Paper Book
From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism."Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his...
This beach is loud!
Cotterill, Samantha
Paper Book
Patience, understanding, and a soothing exercise saves the beach day when excitement turns to sensory overload. Going to the beach is exciting. But it can also be busy. And loud. Sand can feel hot or itchy or sticky...and it gets everywhere! In This Beach Is Loud...
Too much! : an overwhelming day
Gutie?rrez, Jolene
Paper Book
When feelings go on overload, I pause and breathe and all is . . . slowed. Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning teacher-librarian...
Vanya and the Wild Hunt
Mandanna, Sangu
Paper Book
*Winner of the Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Awards* *A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year* From the bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches comes an action-packed, enchanting middle grade fantasy about a...
A walk in the words
Talbott, Hudson
Paper Book
Winner of a Schneider Family Honor! "A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly-myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant."-Jacqueline Woodson Hudson Talbott's...

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