We asked are resident book reviewer, Tanya Thomas for some suggestions on what books about neurodiversity and inclusion we should we reading with our kids right now. Together we came up with this list and we think these 12 books need to be in every child’s bookshelf. This is the first instalment to our regular book reviews.
12 Books about Neurodiversity and inclusion you should add to your kids book shelves.
12. The superhero heart – Explaining autism to family and friends.
By Christel Land, 32 pages.
Ages 3-11 years old.
The second book in a series for Christel who wrote this for her son to understand his autistic brothers challenges a better, Christel realized there were other family’s with autistic children that she could help.
11. I am Thomas.
By Monique Cain
Ages 4 – 10
Thomas loves to dress up and act out stories. He delights in exploring different textures and loses himself in his own world. He looks like any other boy his age, but struggles to find the words he needs to explain how he is feeling. See the world through Thomas’ eyes and understand how his autism sometimes means that his response to everyday challenges is hard for others to understand and accept.
10. Leah’s Voice.
By Lori DeMonia, 28 pages,
Ages, 6-8 years old.
Winner of the 2014 Dr Temple Grandin outstanding literary work of the year, this book teaches kindness and the importance of inclusion for everyone from Leah’s sisters’ point of view as a young carer while sharing the challenges that siblings face in daily life.
9. Nathan’s Autism Spectrum Superpowers.
By Lori Leigh Yarborough, forty pages
Ages, 4-10 years old.
Lori made her son the main character. Lori wanted Nathan to understand why his brain works differently, and a helpful tool to other families with autistic children. Nathans differences are superpowers, like his supersonic hearing. There are sections in the book for the reader to fill in their own superpowers. Also, a helpful section on how to deregulate and helpful hints for friends.
8. Roxy the raccoon – A story to help children learn about disability and inclusion.
By Alice Reeves, 48 pages
Ages 4- 8-year-old.
Roxy is in a wheelchair and her friends adjust the games they play so Roxy is able to play as well. This beautiful hand drawn illustrated book helps to teach everyone to be more inclusive so every can join in.
Read More: 12 books on Autism and Neurodiversity that are a must read.
7. We’re all wonders.
By R.J Palacio, 32 pages, 3-6 years old
Based off the best seller “Wonder” about a child with an extraordinary face this is a picture book with easy-to-understand language for younger age groups, to promote belonging and inclusion. We’re all wonders helps children to see others for who they really are on the inside. Main themes are kindness, empathy and accepting of differences.
6. The huge bag of worries.
By Virginia Ironside, 32 pages.
Ages 4-6 years old.
With a comic book style for younger readers, Jenny carrying her worries with her in a big blue bag. So, wherever she goes her worries o with her. This book uses age-appropriate humour to help kids understand about worries, mental health and how best to deal with them.
5. Some Brains – Celebrating Neurodiversity.
By Nelly Thomas 32 pages.
Ages 3-9 years old.
“A quote from this book sums it up perfectly “
All brains are special,
All brains are smart,
All kids have big thoughts,
And all kids have big hearts.
ALL KIDS ARE SPECIAL – JUST FOLLOW THEIR HEARTS
4. I see things differently – A first look at Autism.
By Pat Thomas, 47 pages.
Ages 4-7 years.
This book helps your child understand their autism diagnosis, also other children like cousins, siblings, or school friends to understand as well. This book is written in a soft friendly tone and is easy to understand.
3. Just like you except a little bit different.
By Autistic author JD Henry, 36 pages.
Ages 5 – 12
This book was written by 9 year old Laura. It was written to improve awareness and spreading acceptance for the children with differences so they know they are not alone, and to help their peers know despite their behaviours they are not really that different from each other.
2. Hey Warrior – A book for kids about anxiety.
By Karen Young, 32 pages
Ages 5 – 12 (and up)
Kids can do amazing things with the right information. Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from is a powerful step in turning anxiety around. Anxiety explained, kids empowered.
1.Just Right for you.
By Melanie Heyworth, 36 pages
Ages 5-12
Just Right for you is a gorgeously illustrated book helping Autistic children to understand and champion their differences by following four Autistic children and a very sweet looking blue and purple fluffy creature. These characters talk about different elements of Autistic being including the way we think, communicate, play, feel and sense.
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