Children's Book Suggestions | Autism Awareness Month

Some of our favorite books for and about kids with autism, for readers age 4-14. More books can be found in the library's online catalog.

Updated March 14, 2025
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Oregon City Public Library
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Flap your hands : a celebration of stimming
Asbell, Steve
Paper Book
This fascinating, groundbreaking picture book by an autistic creator celebrates stims--the repetitive movements that provide focused stimulation to people on the autistic spectrum. When you're feeling overwhelmed And the world's too much to bear... If your feelings...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

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...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

It's me, Henry!
Deslauriers, Stéphanie
Paper Book
Key Selling Points It's Me, Henryoffers a gentle introduction to a neurodivergent character. The French edition, Laurent, c'est moi!, was a finalist for the Governor General's Award in 2019, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award in 2020 and the Harry Black Award in 2020. ...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

A day with no words
Hammond, Tiffany
Paper Book
An instant #1 New York Times bestselling picture book and Dolly Gray Award winner! A Day With No Words invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. The American Library Association Booklist...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Leo and the octopus
Marinov, Isabelle
Paper Book
A striking, supportive text by Isabelle Marinov and humorous illustrations by Chris Nixon bring these lovable characters, and this important story about navigating the world to life. The story will strike a chord with children on the spectrum, as well as educate other children about the condition in...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Why Johnny doesn't flap : NT is OK!
Morton, Clay
Paper Book
Johnny is different. He is never exactly on time, he can't seem to stick to a routine and he often speaks in cryptic idioms. Johnny is neurotypical, but that's OK. A picture book with a difference, Why Johnny Doesn't Flap turns the tables on common depictions of neurological...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

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...

Picture Book (Age 4-8)

Henry, like always
Bailey, Jenn
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Winner  A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book  A NPR 2023 Books We Love Pick A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023  A 2023 Chicago Public Library Best of the...

Early Reader (Level 3)

Slug days
Leach, Sara
Paper Book
Lauren, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (an umbrella term that has included Asperger Syndrome since 2013), navigates the ups and downs of school and home life. School friendships have always been a challenge, but Lauren finds she is exactly the friend a brand new classmate needs On...

Bridging Fiction (Grades 2-4)

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...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

The extraordinary adventures of Alice Tonks
Kenny, Emily
Paper Book
What if you could talk to animals? Alice Tonks desperately wants to make friends at boarding school but, being autistic, she's always found it hard to fit in. Then she discovers she is a "switcher" and can talk to animals. As she starts to explore her newfound abilities, to her...

Children's Fiction (Grades 3-5)

Anything but typical
Baskin, Nora Raleigh.
Paper Book
Told from the first-person perspective of an autistic boy, Nora Raleigh Baskin's novel is an enlightening story for anyone who has ever worried about fitting in. Jason Blake is an autistic twelve-year-old living in a neurotypical world. Most days it's just a matter of time before...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

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...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Let the monster out
Lucas, Chad
Paper Book
Bones Malone feels like he can't do anything right in his new small town: He almost punched the son of the woman who babysits him and his brothers, he's one of the only Black kids in Langille, and now his baseball team (the one place where he really feels like he shines) just lost their first...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

The fire, the water, and Maudie McGinn
Pla, Sally J.
Paper Book
Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad? This contemporary novel is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. A Schneider Family Book Award winner! ...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Ellen outside the lines
Sass, A. J.
Paper Book
Winner of a Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor! A heartfelt novel about a neurodivergent thirteen-year-old navigating changing friendships, a school trip, and expanding horizons for fans of Rain Reign and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World. ...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Can you see me?
Scott, Libby
Paper Book
A coming-of-age story about learning to celebrate yourself -- and teaching the world to recognize you, too -- perfect for fans of R. J. Palacio's Wonder!"This glimpse into the world of a young autistic girl is astonishingly insightful and honest. Tally's struggles to 'fit in' are heart...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Me and Sam-Sam handle the apocalypse
Vaught, Susan
Paper Book
"Edgar-winning Vaught, a neuropsychologist, has both personal and professional experience to draw on in crafting a narrator who is admirably smart and resilient despite an 'itchy' brain and a compulsion to count things." --Booklist (starred review) "Deeply smart and...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Paige not found
Wilde, Jen
Paper Book
A thrilling adventure story that examines consent and privacy in a way that books have not had to before this generation where everything is online. Nothing about us, without us. When Paige learns that her parents enrolled her in an autism study without telling her, her world turns...

Young Teen Fiction (Grades 5-7)

Speak up!
Burgess, Rebecca
Paper Book
For fans of Click and Brave, this touching coming-of-age middle grade graphic novel debut follows an autistic girl who finds friendship where she least expects it and learns to express her true self in a world where everyone defines her by her differences. Twelve-year-old Mia is just...

Young Teen Graphic Novel (Grades 5-7)

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...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 8-12)

The growing up book for boys : what boys on the autism spectrum need to know!
Hartman, Davida
Paper Book
The Growing Up Book for Boys explains the facts behind the growth spurts, body changes and mood swings of adolescence for boys aged 9-14 on the autism spectrum. The pre-teen and teenage years are a confusing time when bodies start acting with a will of their own, friendships change...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 9-14)

Temple Grandin : how the girl who loved cows embraced autism and changed the world
Montgomery, Sy.
Paper Book
When Temple Grandin was born, her parents knew that she was different. Years later she was diagnosed with autism. While Temple's doctor recommended a hospital, her mother believed in her. Temple went to school instead. Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist and professor of animal...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 10-12)

The girl who thought in pictures : the story of Dr. Temple Grandin
Mosca, Julia Finley
Paper Book
NSTA Best STEM Books for K-12 Selection NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books Selection Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award Recipient A Mighty Girl Book of the Year If you've ever felt different, if you've ever been low, if you don't quite fit in, there's a name...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 5-8)

The autism-friendly guide to periods
Steward, Robyn
Paper Book
Written by autistic author Robyn Steward, this is a detailed guide for young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of menstruation. Created in consultation with young people, an online survey and a group of medical professionals, this is a book that teaches all people about periods, which can...

Children's Nonfiction (Age 9-16)


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