Did you know that 1 in 68 children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (according to the CDC)? Chances are that you know someone with autism. Today I’m sharing children’s books about Autism.
There were once very few children’s books about Autism. However, more and more quality books are now available. Here are some of my favorites. All which have been published in the last ten years.
*Full Disclosure: The author of Leah’s Voice and Super Lexi sent review copies of their books. However, all opinions expressed are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.
Children’s Books About Autism
Leah’s Voice by Lori DeMonia is a realistic fiction story about a little girl who learns why her sister sometimes has a hard time in social situations. This book would be helpful to siblings who have a hard time explaining to their friends that their brother or sister has Autism. Inclusion and acceptance are two themes showcased in this story.
My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete is the story of a girl who tells what life is like growing up with a brother who has Autism.
My Friend Has Autism by Amanda Doering Tourville is about the friendship between two boys, one of which has Autism. The two both love airplanes, building models and hanging out together. The book also includes “Did you know?” fact bubbles sprinkled throughout the story.
I Am Utterly Unique (Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Aspergers Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism) by Elaine Marie Larson is a super cute ABC book about all the great attributes of a person with Aspergers Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism.
Since We’re Friends– An Autism Picture Book by Celeste Shally is the story of two friends one of which has autism. It shares all the things two friends love to do such as playing sports, watching movies and talking about animals.
My Best Friend Will by Jamie Lowell and Tara Tuchel would work well for the bigger kids. It’s a photographic journey of a girl’s best friend who happens to have Autism. It gives a really nice look at details about what it’s like to have Autism. At the end of the book you will find numerous tips for parents and teachers to use with the book.
For older readers, the beginner chapter book, Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food by Jodi Carmichael allows us to see through the eyes of a boy who has Asperger’s Syndrome. It’s great for teaching kids about diverse ways of thinking.
Super Lexi by Emma Lesko is another beginning chapter book. Lexi is a second grader who deals with sensory issues. She’s not a big fan of yogurt or songs that get stuck in her head. One of things she dislikes the most is eyeballs staring at her. Lexi has a challenge because she has a solo in the school Parents’ Day performance. Will her superpower tornado-twirl help her disappear off the stage? Also check out Super Lexi Is Not a Fan of Christmas (Volume 2)Super Lexi is Not a Fan of Christmas.
Have you found other great books on the topic?
*This post was first published on Growing Book by Book on 9/2/13.
a subject near and dear to my heart 🙂 Thanks for a great list, Jodie! I know of a middle grade book on autism called No one needed to know by D.g. Driver too.
Thank you for that recommendation Rebecca.
tHIS IS A WONDERFUL LIST OF BOOKS. if ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN A BOOK FOR SLIGHTLY OLDER CHILDREN (9-13), CONSIDER ‘nO ONE NEEDED TO KNOW’ A NEW BOOK ABOUT A GIRL LEARNING TO HANDLE THE PRESSURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COME WITH HAVING AN OLDER AUTISTIC BROTHER. yOU CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT IT AT http://WWW.DGDRIVER.COM/NO-ONE-NEEDED-TO-KNOW.HTML
This is such a great list! Thanks so much for pulling this together and sharing with the Kid Lit Blog Hop. I thought I remember Holly Robinson Peete being a big advocate for autism awareness. I didn’t realize she had written a book. Pinning to my Kid Lit Blog Hop Great Finds board! 🙂
Wonderful list! Autism is so prevalent but so misunderstood. I’m looking forward to reading these!
Thank you for sharing this with the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
That is such a super list Jodie!
-Reshama @StackingBooks.com
Anna and Natalie aren’t the only ones that love this list! I, too, will be featuring your post on my site for this week’s After School Linky. Stop by, check it out, and share more while you’re there!
Thanks so much. I’m so happy that so many people have found the recommendations useful! Best wishes!
PS – I am featuring this post this coming Monday as an Afterschool blog hop host.
This is a great list of resources. Thanks for sharing them with Afterschool. I also really like seeing your recommendations on FB 🙂
Thank you so much Natalie. I’m glad you find the resourceful helpful and thank you so much for featuring it on your blog! Best wishes!
Thanks for the wonderful resource of books on Autism.
You have put together such a wonderful list that will make a difference to so many 🙂 I have written down a few of these titles to borrow from our library the next time we check out books.
Thank you for linking up this week to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! I do hope that you will visit my neck of the magical woods every week and take a quick rest by the tree on the tree stump while you read everyone’s blog posts that they have so thoughtfully shared with all of us.
Wonderful list and so important for kids to realize how to treat classmates with austism since it is so prevalent. I think books are wonderful way for kids to learn empathy and compassion. I really like My Brother Charlie and I’m excited to read the rest of your list!
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
What a great resource! Thanks so much for compiling this list. I’d love if you’d link up at the After School Linky for kids ages 5+! It went live on my blog today and is co-hosted by 9 other blogs.
Thanks Anna! I’ve linked up to the After School Linky which is one of my favorites!
Featuring you on Monday – thanks again, Jodie!
Thank you Anna!