Kids Recommendations

You're autistic - but what does that really mean?

Welcome to the ultimate guide to understanding who you are and what it means to be autistic!

In this fully illustrated graphic guide to what it means to be autistic and discover the differences between sensory seekers and avoiders, why you might find some things super easy and other things extra challenging and even begin to understand and navigate all of your big (and small) feelings.

Best of all, learn what makes you totally unique. You might just come away with some cool facts to share with your friends and family!

Is your brain magic? Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things that it can be!

This sensory-seeking celebration shines a light on neurodiversity and sensory processing in a fun and action-packed way for all children to enjoy.

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 in new and limitless dimensions.

In this joyfully illustrated memoir, author-illustrator Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the "normal" world around her.

Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was (kind of) an adult. This is my true story of growing up in the confusing "normal" world, all the while missing some Very Important Information about myself. 

There'll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heartwarming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way, you'll also find some Very Crucial Information about autism.

Important, funny, and completely unique, this book is for anyone who has ever felt different.

A reassuring rhyming picture book about sensory overload and what you can do when everything is too much

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 Jolene Gutiérrez's compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves.

Joined by Angel Chang's beautiful color illustrations, young readers will learn that it's OK if some days are too much.

An extensive author's note to caregivers and educators explores sensory systems, sensory processing issues, and specific information about how to support kids with overstimulated nervous systems as they learn to soothe themselves.

​When feelings go on overload, 
I pause and breathe 
and all is . . . slowed.

Riley has plenty of ways to play; like lining up dolls and stuffies by size and shape. Tearing up newspapers and making piles into mountains, using sharp crayons to draw big swirly patterns. But bossy cousin Emma thinks those ways are wrong, wrong, and wrong. And she makes no bones about letting Riley know exactly what her opinion is. Fortunately, Charlie the dog is on hand to help with a breakthrough demonstration that there are MANY ways to play; and all of them are right.



Based on experiences that Lyn Miller Lachman had growing up as an Autistic child and illustrated with the humor, tenderness and understanding that perhaps only an artist like Gabriel Alborozo, himself an Autistic creator, could bring, here is an empowering validation of the value of individual expression. And a whole lot of fun.



P R A I S E



★ "Inspired by her own childhood, Miller-Lachmann, who is autistic, is keenly aware that there are many ways of having a good time, and the straightforward, spare first-person narration centers Riley's experience. Although it's never explicitly mentioned that Riley has a diagnosis, it seems likely the child is, like the author, autistic, and many neurodivergent children will feel seen and affirmed."

--Kirkus (starred)



★ "The poignant text teams together with ebullient drawings, delivering a welcome and heartwarming message for all young readers. Many libraries will find this picture book appealing, especially if their collection of stories needs a new and welcome addition with respect to children of all abilities."

--School Library Journal (starred)



"Cousins find common ground through play in a simple story with an instructional thrust from an autistic creative team."

--Publishers Weekly



 

"This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle, stomp, or squeeze!"

This is a story about sensory differences and how some children experience their world, told from a child's perspective.

The vibration in her feet when she runs, the tap-tap-tap of her fork on the table at mealtime, the trickle of cool water running over her hands---these are the things that calm her jitters down.

This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need for a wiggle,s tomp, or squeeze!

Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes playfully validates the unique sensory experiences of children, written from their own perspective. I'm excited for every kid that will see themselves in this beautiful book!" - Mark Loewen, Author of What Does a Princess Really Look Like?

"I have worked in special education for 12 years and have not ccome across a book that explains these jittery feelings until now. This book will capture the hearts of families and children with unique needs as well as educate those unfamiliar with sensory differences." - Bridget Martinez, Special Education Teacher 

"I often find myself trying to explain to parents why their child needs wiggles, stomps, and squeezes to get through their day while experiencing sensory input in ways that are different and often more intense. This is the first book I have come across that provides a very real glimpse into the lived experience of a child with sensory differences. What a wonderful book that so many families can benefit from!? - Caitlyn Berry, Occupational Therapist

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 trying to navigate a world that doesn't understand her true autistic self. While she wishes she could stand up to her bullies, she's always been able to express her feelings through singing and songwriting, even more so with her best friend, Charlie, who is nonbinary, putting together the best beats for her.

Together, they've taken the internet by storm; little do Mia's classmates know that she's the viral singer Elle-Q! But while the chance to perform live for a local talent show has Charlie excited, Mia isn't so sure.

She'll have to decide whether she'll let her worries about what other people think get in the way of not only her friendship with Charlie, but also showing everyone, including the bullies, who she is and what she has to say.

Perfect for readers of Song for a Whale and Counting by 7s, a neurodivergent girl campaigns for a memorial when she learns that her small Scottish town used to burn witches simply because they were different.

"A must-read for students and adults alike." -School Library Journal, Starred Review

Ever since Ms. Murphy told us about the witch trials that happened centuries ago right here in Juniper, I can’t stop thinking about them. Those people weren’t magic. They were like me. Different like me.

I’m autistic. I see things that others do not. I hear sounds that they can ignore. And sometimes I feel things all at once. I think about the witches, with no one to speak for them. Not everyone in our small town understands. But if I keep trying, maybe someone will. I won’t let the witches be forgotten. Because there is more to their story. Just like there is more to mine.

Award-winning and neurodivergent author Elle McNicoll delivers an insightful and stirring debut about the European witch trials and a girl who refuses to relent in the fight for what she knows is right.

Harriet has an amazing superpower--when there's trouble, she can magically summon the dogs from her family's rescue shelter to save the day.

Meet Harriet Hound. She's eight years old, lives in a town called Labrador, Australia, is autistic, and LOVES dogs! But Harriet has something else that makes her super: the power to summon the dogs from her family's rescue shelter every time there's trouble afoot. Whether it's a carnival catastrophe, a sudden storm, or vanishing vegetables, Harriet and her best dog friends use their talents and problem-solving skills to help out. Just like Harriet herself, every dog has its own special strengths--like Greta the German shepherd, who is an excellent watchdog, and Hans and Helm the huskies, who are great at pulling carts. Even Bob the bulldog gets called to action when Harriet's classmates need a dog who is slow and calm to help them walk carefully through the mud and not be afraid of a rainstorm. Harriet's infectious enthusiasm, along with plenty of lists, dog facts, dynamic text design, and even a guide to rescuing a dog, make this a superpowered read.