Reading books written by or about people on the autism spectrum is a fantastic way to talk to your kids about empathy, acceptance, and why being different is a great thing. Here are a few options available at the New Orleans Public Library.
Children
Bitsy Bat, School Star by Kaz Windness tells the story of Bitsy, a little bat with big dreams of making friends at her new school. But, when things don’t go as planned, she discovers that being a good friend is just one of the ways she shines brightly. This book is a sweet, gentle way to talk to children about autism and help them develop empathy for all people.
For a helpful guide to understanding autism spectrum disorder, check out A Kids Book About Autism by Justin P. Flood and David Flood. Diving into what it’s like to live with autism, this book helps kids aged 5-9 better understand what autism is and how it affects us, while reminding us that at the core, we’re not that different from one another after all.
Charlie Makes a Splash! by Holly Robinson Peete, R. J. Peete, and Shane W. Evans is a wonderful illustration of how kids with autism may experience the world just a little bit different than others. Charlie, a boy with autism, describes what his life is like with his twin sister Callie, who does not have autism, by exploring his relationship with water.
Middle Grade
Paige Not Found by Jen Wilde is an adventure story that examines consent and privacy in an increasingly online world. Neurodivergent readers will likely relate to the story’s hero, 11-year-old Paige Wells, an autistic kid whose insecurities provide obstacles, but whose courage helps save the day.
For graphic-novel lovers, Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley is a fresh and funny story about fitting in and standing out by acclaimed Autistic Irish comedian Aoife Dooley. Different from everyone in her class and teased for not having a dad at home, Frankie finds her biological father’s name on her birth certificate, a discovery that prompts her to embark on a mission to find him.
Speak Up! by Rebecca Burgess follows 12-year-old Mia as she tries to navigate a world that doesn’t understand her true autistic self. She’s always been able to express her feelings through singing and songwriting, even more so with her best friend, Charlie, putting together the best beats for her. But, while the chance to perform live for a local talent show has Charlie excited, Mia isn’t so sure.
Teens
In Lavender Clouds: Comics About Neurodivergence and Mental Health Eisner Award nominated author Bex Ollerton translates her experiences with Autism, ADHD, and mental health into a series of colorful, emotionally resonant comics that tell stories of neurodiversity and resilience.
All the Noise at Once by Deandra Davis is a compelling, moving story about brotherhood, identity, and social justice that follows a Black, autistic teen as her tries to figure out what happened the night his older brother was unjustly arrested.