Autism in Children's Literature

A 2020 Schneider Family Honor Book A heartwarming picture book that explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship.  In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend--or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship. BACK TO SCHOOL: Familiar school scenarios--from new schedules to making new friends--are portrayed with humor and understanding in this sweet picture book that will appeal to and reassure any child starting or continuing in school. DIVERSE STORIES: Representing neurodivergent kids is a vital aspect of expanding diverse representation across books for all ages. A Friend for Henry provides a mirror and a window for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read. AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM AND A BELOVED CHARACTER: Jenn Bailey and Mika Song were awarded a Schneider Family Honor Award for A Friend for Henry. Now, fans of this award-winning picture book can grow along with Henry! Henry's story continues in Henry, Like Always, the first book in an early reader series based on the same character.  Perfect for: Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school classrooms Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder Librarians, teachers, and booksellers looking for children's picture books that celebrate diversity and inclusion A reassuring read for kids with varying levels of social anxiety Gift-givers looking for a sweet and relatable book about making friends

From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete--a heartwarming story about a boy who happens to be autistic, based on Holly's son, who has autism."Charlie has autism. His brain works in a special way. It's harder for him to make friends. Or show his true feelings. Or stay safe." But as his big sister tells us, for everything that Charlie can't do well, there are plenty more things that he's good at. He knows the names of all the American presidents. He knows stuff about airplanes. And he can even play the piano better than anyone he knows.Actress and national autism spokesperson Holly Robinson Peete collaborates with her daughter on this book based on Holly's 10-year-old son, who has autism.

A young girl realizes how much she cares for her autistic brother Ian when he gets lost at the park.

Based on the real-life event that inspired Paula Kluth and Parick Schwarz's bestselling Just Give Him the Whale!, this simple but powerful story introduces educators to one of the best, most effective inclusion strategies: using students' fascinations to help them learn. Pedro, a young boy who loves whales more than anything, is heartbroken when he's told to put away his favourite toy whale on the first day of school. But then Pedro's teacher discovers the secret to helping him do his best work: not only giving him the whale, but also incorporating his special interest into the whole curriculum. Soon Pedro's whale is helping all the children learn, as the teacher works whales into math lessons, storytime, simple science experiements, and more! Pedro's whale helps him make friends too, as the other children start to share his special interest. An ideal teaching tool, Pedro's Whale will inspire educators to harness their students' natural motivations. The engaging, full-colour illustrations (by Justin Canha, a gifted artist on the autism spectrum) also make this book perfect for storytime, so all children can increase their sensitivitiy to peers with special needs and learning differences.

A young girl sits next to a boy named Louis at school. Louis has autism, but through imagination, kindness, and a special game of soccer, his classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs.

Holly loves experiments but doesn't like sticky things--how will she make slime? Holly loves doing experiments and learning new things in science class! But when she finds out the next experience is making slime, she's worried. Slime is made with glue, and glue is sticky. Holly has sensory issues because of her autism and doesn't like anything sticky! With help from family and her teacher, Holly receives the accommodations and encouragement she needs to give slime a try.

An older sister can't understand why her little sister, Keisha, won't play with her. The family finds out that Keisha has autism and takes her to see a therapist to find out what autism means to them.

Sammy is having the absolute rottenest, worst day ever. His little brother, Benji, knows exactly what that's like. Nothing seems to be going right for Sammy today. At school, he got in trouble for kicking a fence, then the cafeteria ran out of pizza for lunch. After he walks home in the pouring rain, he finds his autistic little brother Benji is having a bad day too. On days like this, Benji has a special play-box where he goes to feel cozy and safe. Sammy doesn't have a special place, and he's convinced no one cares how he feels or even notices him. But somebody is noticing, and may just have an idea on how to help Sammy feel better. In this tender story about siblings, author Sally J. Pla shares her experience of raising sons with different personality traits and needs. Benji, the Bad Day, and Me embraces the philosophy that we are all part of a wide spectrum of neurodiversity. And on those really bad, rotten days, you can always count on family to be there for you.

The first alphabet book created with children with autism in mind, A Is for "All Aboard " is the perfect way to foster literacy using children's fascinations. An ideal complement to Kluth & Chandler-Olcott's "A Land We Can Share": Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism, this one-of-a-kind book is All about trains--one of the most popular interests of children with autism Filled with vibrant, engaging, and uncluttered artWritten for children of all reading levels, with vocabulary ranging from basic concepts (bridge) to special train jargon (idler car, monorail) Shaped by feedback from children with autismComplete with helpful teaching tips for educators and parents Sure to captivate children with autism--and any young train enthusiast--this book will help kids of all ages improve their literacy skills as they learn the ABCs of one of their favorite topics.

Helps readers enter Willie's world through Jamie's eyes as it unfolds at school, at home, and at play.