Book list with annotations

Baskin, N. R. (2010). Anything but typical. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Anything but typical, for ages 10-14, is told from the vantage point of the autistic protagonist. Jason, a 12 year old austic boy, discovers an online creator of content posting to the site he uses. Jason is hopeful to meet this kindred soul who tells stories similar to his own. Yet at the same time, Jason is worried about meeting, worried he will be viewed as his disability and not as a person. This relatable and authentic character is written to avoid stereotypes commonly assumed of autistic people. The plot of the story includes more than just autism focusing on social stigma and disability-based discrimination. 

Cain, B. (2012). Autism, The Invisible Cord: A Sibling's Diary. Washington, DC: Magination Press.

The Invisible Cord: A Sibling’s Diary, ages 12-14, is told from the perspective of a sibling, Jenny, who has an austic brother. Jenny is worried about everything: her brother appearing weird to her friends, having meltdowns, and potentially being bullied. Jenny alternates between feelings of pride and shame over her brother’s condition yet she ultimately realizes she has to accept who he is, who anybody is, with the good and the bad. Additional points of interest include tips for parents on managing bullies as well as self-help suggestions.

Higashida, N. (2013). The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen Year Old Boy with Autism. Manhattan, NY: Random House.

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen Year Old Boy with Autism, ages 12+, relates the story of Naoki Higashida. Naoki’s memoir is a first person perspective, non-fiction telling of exactly what it is like to be autistic. Naoki was diagnosed at the age of five and wrote his memoir at thirteen. This first hand telling gives the most direct insight to dealing with and living autism, every day. A relatable story for those with autism, families with members having autism, and a chance at empathy for those with neither looking for better understanding.

Kedar, I. (2012). Ido in Autismland: Climbing out of Autism's silent prison. Sharon Kedar.

Ido in Autismland: Climbing out of Autism’s Silent Prison, ages 11-15, recounts the story told by Ido, a first-hand telling of living in a silent world of autism. Ido talks about an early diagnosis, living quietly unable to express verbal communication and the repression of a failed education system. Finally, at the age of seven, Ido was able to display communication using various methods such as a letter-board and eventually an ipad. Ido shares his story of silent autism to show there is more to autism than meets the eye, that others are like him too, repressed and unable to express yet brilliant and capable when given the opportunity to shine.

Jonsberg, B. (2015). The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee, ages 9-12, demonstrates how Candice Phee creates solutions to everyday problems through her method of categorizing, everything. Candice is unique in her thinking process and is well aware of her differences yet her ultimate goal is everyone’s happiness despite what others might think. Whatever problems arise Candice is determined to fix it even if she has to step out of her categories, do daring and frightening things, Candice will do whatever it takes to everyone and everything happy and categorically correct again.

Lord, C. (2018). Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Rules, ages 9-12, is a fiction story from a sibling’s perspective. Catherine, a twelve-year-old, would like to have a normal life but has decided that’s a near impossibility with an autistic brother and a family living around the diagnosis. Catherine has spent years teaching her little brother new rules to cover and tame his weird behaviors and appear normal. Catherine discovers through friendship with a new neighbor and a crush on a boy with physical disabilities that maybe her rules aren’t as normal as she would like. Catherine must reassess what normal is and how to fix her friendships.

Montgomery, S., & Grandin, T. (2014). Temple Grandin How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World. St. Louis, MO: Turtleback Books.

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World, ages 9-12, tells the remarkable and amazing story of famed scientist Temple Grandin. Diagnosed as autistic at an early age during a time when information on autism was minimal and suggested that she be hospitalized. Her parents, particularly her mother, felt differently about the situation and sent Temple to school instead. Temple’s differences allowed her to look at situations and problems differently affording her better solutions. Temple is an American scientist dedicated to the humane treatment of livestock and an activist for autism.