📚 Books to Celebrate Neurodiversity for Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month—a time to uplift and honor the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum and to deepen our collective understanding of neurodiversity. At DiverseCity Learning Collaborative, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to build empathy, spark conversation, and create safe, supportive environments for all learners.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, these thoughtfully selected books offer age-appropriate insight into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. From picture books for young readers to memoirs and middle-grade novels, each title helps us see the world through a different, valuable lens.

🧠 Picture Books (Grades PreK–3)

1. My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete

Grades: K–2

This heartfelt story is told from the perspective of a sister whose twin brother, Charlie, has autism. It explores both the joys and challenges of their relationship, and celebrates Charlie’s strengths, such as his kindness and creativity.

2. A Friend Like Simon by Kate Gaynor

Grades: K–2

Simon is a young boy with autism who joins a mainstream classroom. His classmate learns to understand and appreciate Simon’s differences, promoting a message of inclusion and empathy.

3. All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph & Danielle Royer

Grades: K–3

Zane the zebra feels anxious about how his autism sets him apart—until his mom helps him recognize that his “autism stripe” is just one of many beautiful parts of who he is.

4. Uniquely Wired by Julia Cook

Grades: K–5

Zak, a boy with autism, describes the way his brain works, showing both the challenges he faces and the strengths that come with being “uniquely wired.”

5. Benji, The Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla

Grades: K–3

Sammy is having a really bad day—and so is his autistic brother, Benji. Through their shared frustrations, the brothers find a quiet connection that helps them both feel seen and supported.

📗 Middle Grade Books (Grades 3–7)

6. A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold

Grades: 3–6

Meet Bat, a boy on the autism spectrum with a big heart and a love for animals. When his mom brings home a baby skunk, Bat becomes determined to prove he can take care of it—no matter what.

7. Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit

Grades: 4–7

Vivy is a baseball-loving girl who happens to be autistic. She writes letters to her favorite pitcher, sharing her journey of playing Little League, dealing with challenges, and embracing her true self.

8. Chester and Gus by Cammie McGovern

Grades: 3–7

Chester is a service dog in training assigned to Gus, a nonverbal autistic boy. The story, told from Chester’s perspective, captures their growing bond and the power of unconditional companionship.

9. Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

Grades: 4–6

Tally is starting a new school year and trying her best to fit in, despite being autistic. Based on co-author Libby Scott’s own experiences, this book blends fiction with real diary entries to offer an honest look at life on the spectrum.

10. Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick

Grades: 5–8

Frankie, a neurodivergent seventh grader, is on a mission to solve a mystery when her best friend goes missing. A compelling mix of mystery and self-discovery, this novel dives deep into the inner world of a misunderstood mind.

11. Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Grades: 5–8

After the tragic loss of her brother, Caitlin—a young girl with Asperger’s—sets out to find “closure.” Her literal interpretation of the world makes her journey raw, touching, and unforgettable.

12. How to Look for a Lost Dog by Ann M. Martin

Grades: 4–6

Rose, a girl who finds comfort in patterns and routines, loses her beloved dog, Rain. Her quest to find him leads to growth, courage, and a deeper understanding of her world.

📘 Young Adult & Memoirs (Grades 8+)

13. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Grades: 9+

Christopher, a brilliant teen who sees the world differently, investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. His unique voice and logical thinking highlight both the beauty and complexity of neurodivergent experiences.

14. The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

Grades: 8+

Written by a 13-year-old boy with autism using a letter board, this memoir offers powerful insights into how non-speaking autistic individuals perceive the world and process emotions.

15. Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison

Grades: 9+

In this candid memoir, Robison reflects on growing up undiagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, revealing the challenges and triumphs of navigating relationships, work, and identity.

💬 Final Thoughts

Books are windows, mirrors, and doors—they let us see into others’ experiences, reflect on our own, and step into new perspectives. This Autism Awareness Month, we encourage educators and families to explore these powerful stories and use them as tools to foster understanding, celebrate differences, and build a more inclusive future.

Have a favorite neurodiversity-friendly book? Share it in the comments—we’d love to add it to our growing list!

📌 A Note About Affiliate Links

Some of the book links included in this post are affiliate links, which means DiverseCity Learning Collaborative may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase. These funds go directly toward supporting our mission to empower diverse communities with knowledge through inclusive educational programming and resources.

We also recognize that not everyone is able to purchase books. Many of the titles listed can be found at your local library or through free read-alouds on YouTube. We encourage families and educators to explore all available access points to these important stories.