Autism Awareness Month: Books for Kids

Updated April 2, 2024
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A kids book about autism
Flood, Justin P.
Paper Book
Kickstart your journey towards a better understanding of autism and those affected by it. This is a kids' book about autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is something that affects kids and families all over the world. This book helps kids aged 5-9 better understand...
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...
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...
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...
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
Moose Flannagan moves with his family to Alcatraz so his dad can work as a prison guard and his sister, Natalie, can attend a special school.  But Natalie has autism, and when she's denied admittance to the school, the stark setting of Alcatraz begins to unravel the tenuous coping mechanisms...

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