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
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca is accessible to younger children with rhyming text. In the story, we meet a doctor who uses her unique strengths to make a huge difference in the world. It’s an inspiring story of someone living with 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.
Brandie Wiley says
I’d love if you’d consider one more option. I’ve published a book called Why Won’t He Look At me? It’s a book that explains autism to children in a very easy to understand story. Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Wont-Look-Struggling-Understand/dp/0692969764/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525644591&sr=8-1&keywords=brandie+wiley
Brandie Wiley says
Great list! I would love for you to consider my book, Why Won’t He Look At Me? A Book for Young Children Struggling to Understand Autism. Please, let me know if you’d like further information. I’m a mom to three autistic children on a quest to make the world a more accepting and inclusive place for people with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
Daneil says
I am shocked the library Only has 2 books..
Edith says
I also Recommend, boy called bat.
Nikki says
Where can i buy these please
Jodie Rodriguez says
Hi Nikki, you can click on the title of the books in the post and it will take you to Amazon to purchase. Or you could have a bookstore locally order them for you. Best, Jodie
Rebecca Flansburg says
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.
Jodie Rodriguez says
Thank you for that recommendation Rebecca.
d. g. dRIVER says
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
Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews says
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! 🙂
Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews says
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!
Reshama says
That is such a super list Jodie!
-Reshama @StackingBooks.com
Deceptively Educational says
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!
JodieRodriguez says
Thanks so much. I’m so happy that so many people have found the recommendations useful! Best wishes!
Natalie says
PS – I am featuring this post this coming Monday as an Afterschool blog hop host.
Natalie says
This is a great list of resources. Thanks for sharing them with Afterschool. I also really like seeing your recommendations on FB 🙂
JodieRodriguez says
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!
Keitha says
Thanks for the wonderful resource of books on Autism.
Jill says
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.
Pragmaticmom says
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!
JodieRodriguez says
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment.
Anna@The Measured Mom says
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.
JodieRodriguez says
Thanks Anna! I’ve linked up to the After School Linky which is one of my favorites!
Anna@The Measured Mom says
Featuring you on Monday – thanks again, Jodie!
JodieRodriguez says
Thank you Anna!