Top Picture Books Featuring and Celebrating Autism
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I have been sitting on this post for awhile and have no idea why it’s been in draft-form for so long! I’m so excited to take some time to highlight some amazing children’s picture books that feature autistic characters and celebrate neurodiversity!
“Masterpiece” by Alexandra Hoffman (me!)
Masterpiece is an Award-winning book, earning a gold Mom’s Choice Award and placing as a Top 3 Finalist for Book of the Year! It is an inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel's teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece! I especially love this book because I wrote it!
"All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism" by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer
This book is perfect for helping kids with autism learn how to embrace their differences. All My Stripes is a touching story about a zebra named Zane who has a hard time making friends at school because of his unusual stripes.
"The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a boy named Brian who feels invisible at school. But, with the help of a new friend, he learns that kindness and empathy can help him feel seen and valued.
"My Brother Charlie" by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
My Brother Charlie is a touching story of a girl who shares her experiences of growing up with her brother who has autism. This book is a great way to help siblings and other family members understand the challenges and joys of living with someone with autism.
"Different Like Me" by Jennifer Elder
Different Like Me is a sweet story of a boy named Quinn who learns that being different is something to be celebrated. Through his interactions with a new friend who has autism, Quinn discovers that we're all unique in our own way.
"Andy and His Yellow Frisbee" by Mary Thompson
Andy and His Yellow Frisbee is a touching story of a boy with autism who loves playing with his frisbee. This book is great for helping children understand how someone with autism might see the world differently.
This picture book tells the inspiring story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a woman with autism who revolutionized the livestock industry. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures is an important reminder that people with autism are capable of achieving great things.
“Uniquely Wired: A Story about Autism and Its Gifts” by Julia Cook
This heartwarming story features Zak, a young boy living with autism who wants you to understand how he experiences the sights and sounds of the world around him. Zak knows he?s not quite like his siblings and classmates. Bright lights and big crowds send him into freak-out mode. Hugs make him uncomfortable too. His atypical behaviors, from flapping his arms to spinning his body, seem so out of place. But for Zak, that?s just how he copes. Despite some uncommon behaviors, Zak?s desires and disappointments are as ordinary as any child?s. Uniquely Wired is written for K-6 students.
