Neurodiversity Booklist

Recommended reads for children and teens

Updated May 8, 2024
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Thunder and the noise storms
Ansloos, Jeffrey Paul
Paper Book
When the world gets too loud and chaotic, a young boy's grandfather helps him listen with wonder instead.    Kids laughing, sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing--for Thunder, the sounds of the school day often brew into overwhelming noise storms. But when Thunder's mosom asks...
Also available as an eBook.
Different : a great thing to be!
Avis, Heather
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER . This joyful rhyming book encourages children to value the "different" in all people, leading the way to a kinder world in which the differences in all of us are celebrated and embraced. Macy is a girl who's a lot like you and me, but she's also...
Aaron Slater, illustrator
Beaty, Andrea
Paper Book
Aaron Slater, Illustrator is an uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you're out of step with your peers, from Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada...
The dancing letters
Fournier, Evelyne
Paper Book
An endearing family story about love and dyslexia Olivia is a little girl full of life and imagination. But when her grandmother asks her to write a story for her birthday, Olivia feels a little unsure. Because when it comes to writing, things never go as she intended. Words...
Canadian author.
I am odd, I am new
Giroux, Benjamin
Paper Book
View the world through the eyes of a 10-year old boy with autism and a poem he wrote for a school assignment Foreword by the National Autism Association "I am odd, I am new. I wonder if you are too. I hear voices in the air. I see you don't, and that's not fair." ...
Charlie makes a splash!
Peete, Holly Robinson
Paper Book
The award-winning team who brought us MY BROTHER CHARLIE present a companion book that celebrates the power of water for those who have autism. Like many kids on the autism spectrum, Charlie finds solace and empowerment in pools, ponds, sprinklers, visiting the aquarium, and swimming in...
Figure it out, Henri Weldon
Davis, Tanita S.
Paper Book
Tanita S. Davis, author of Partly Cloudy and Serena Says, has written another funny, warm story featuring middle school and family life--all about the complex calculations it takes for everyone to balance the equations of their lives and what it takes to be part of a team while...
I am a masterpiece! : an empowering story about inclusivity and growing up with Down Syndrome
Armstrong, Mia
Paper Book
Tween actress Mia Armstrong celebrates her fun, funny, beautiful childhood living with Down syndrome in this debut picture book. Don't miss Mia in A Christmas in New Hope, streaming now! Mia likes many of the things other people like--going to the beach, the...
Bitsy bat, school star
Windness, Kaz
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! 2024 Bank Street Best Children's Book Selection A little bat struggles to fit in only to learn to celebrate differences in this "darling book for all children but especially those with autism" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)...
The unstoppable Jamie
Givens, Joy
Paper Book
Inspired by the author's son, the story of a boy with Down syndrome who goes on a superhero's journey to New York City and learns what truly makes him unstoppable. Jamie likes to pretend he's a superhero. With his cape and gadgets, he feels like he can face anything. When his...
Good different
Kuyatt, Meg Eden
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor Book An extraordinary novel-in-verse for fans of Starfish and A Kind of Spark about a neurodivergent girl who comes to understand and celebrate her difference. Selah knows her rules for being normal. She always, always...
Also available as an eBook.
The u-nique Lou Fox
Carmichael, Jodi
Paper Book
Award-winning author Jodi Carmichael, who has ADHD herself, affirms and celebrates those who struggle with their uniqueness and triumphantly discover its gifts It isn't easy being Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O'Shaughnessy--especially with dyslexia. She prefers Lou Fox, the dream name she'll...

Also available as an eBook.

Canadian author.

Lost inside my head
Vigg
Paper Book
Key Selling Points An imaginative take on what it's like to have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)--like having a huge house in your head with all sorts of different rooms that change their location or distract you with their flashing lights--and the isolation it can...
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. ...
Welcome back, Maple Mehta-Cohen
McGovern, Kate
Paper Book
Maple is in fifth grade--again. Now everyone will find out she struggles with reading--or will they? An engaging read for anyone who has ever felt different. Maple Mehta-Cohen has been keeping a secret: she can't read all that well. She has an impressive vocabulary and loves...
Growing pangs
Ormsbee, Kathryn
Paper Book
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR . A PARENTS MAGAZINE BEST BOOK Inspired by a true story! Eleven-year old homeschooled Katie has always felt different . . . and now she can't stop worrying. Introducing an irresistibly relatable graphic novel about friendship, anxiety...
Also available as an eBook.
Buzzing
Sattin, Samuel
Paper Book
2024 Eisner-Nominated for Best Publication for Kids * A 2024 ALA Notable Children's Book * New York Public Library Best Book of 2023  ★ "Heartwarming [and] authentic" --Shelf Awareness, starred review
Also available as an eBook.
Just roll with it
Durfey-Lavoie, Lee
Paper Book
Starting middle school is hard enough when you don't know anyone; it's even harder when you're shy. A contemporary middle-grade graphic novel for fans of Guts and Real Friends about how dealing with anxiety and OCD can affect everyday life. As long as Maggie rolls...
Wonderfully wired brains
Gooding, Louise
Paper Book
An informative and inclusive children's guide to neurodiversity for those not in the know and to inspire children who are neurodivergent. Wonderfully Wired Brains teaches children aged 7-9 all about the awesome abilities that neurodiverse individuals have, introduces them...
The Luis Ortega Survival Club
Reyes, Sonora
Paper Book
From the bestselling author of the National Book Award Finalist The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School comes a revenge story told with nuance, heart, and the possibility of healing. An ideal next read for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson. Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic...

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