Representation matters, and I think that’s especially true for children. For World Autism Awareness month, I’ve chosen to explore some children and middle grade books that represent children who experience autism, as well as siblings of children that experience autism. You can check out any of these books, and more, here at the Floyd County Library!

Picture Books: 

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me, by Sally J. Pla, Ken Min, ill. Sammy is having a bad day. His brother Benji, who experiences autism*, is also having a bad day. Benji shows Sammy what he likes to do to turn his bad days around. A loving story of siblings and bad days turned good. 

My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete, Shane Evans, ill. This story is told from the point-of-view of a twin sister whose brother experiences autism. According to her, there are things that Charlie can’t do well, but there are lots more things that he’s good at. This book shows not only the importance of representation for children experiencing autism, but their siblings as well. 

A Friend for Henry, by Jenn Bailey, Mika Song, ill. Henry has been having a difficult time making friends; but eventually he finds a way, and a friend, he can play with. 

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin, by Julia Finlay Mosca, Daniel Rieley, ill. Learn how Temple Grandin’s experience with autism helped her become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Learn her story through this book in rhyme, with colorful pictures and descriptions. 

 

Early Chapter Books: 

A Boy Called Bat**, by Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso, ill. These short, illustrated young middle reader books tell the story of Bixby Alexander Tam, or BAT for short. His life is full of surprises – like today! BAT’s mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk that needs to be taken care of until it can be taken to the wild animal shelter. BAT thinks this baby skunk is a pretty terrific pet. What do you think? 

Slug Days*, by Sarah Leach, Rebecca Bender, ill. A slug day is what Lauren calls a day that feels slow and slimy. Butterfly Days are the good days – like when she gets ice cream or makes her friends laugh. Lauren learns differently than her classmates and so some days can be slug days, and some days can be butterfly days. Wanna hear what tricks she uses to turn slug days into butterfly days? 

 

Middle Grade Books: 

The Someday Birds, by Sally J. Pla, For fans of the books Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree, The Someday Birds is perfect for anyone who can relate to anyone who has ever been told they had to move and didn’t want to; OR for anyone who has been on a road trip with all your siblings and been miserable! 

The Stars Beneath Our Feet, by David Barclay Moore, This book may be better suited for older middle grades and high school readers, as we follow 12 year old Lolly who is facing the death of his older brother, and fears for the safety of himself and his friends. There’s pressure to join a “crew” like his older brother did, but Lolly finds his escape at the community center where he builds an amazing Lego city. 

*I have chosen to use person-first terminology after reading several articles on the subject, as a person who does not experience autism. This is my personal view and does not represent the views or beliefs of the library. An article I consulted on the subject can be found here.

**denotes books that are the first in a series.