Family Focus

New Alex is Autistic: An inclusive book about autistic traits

Author: Leann Firestone (autistic author)

Grade Levels: 8-18 years

Short Summary:

This book was created by two autistic adults to promote inclusion and acceptance. The author and illustrator found the inspiration for this book when they discovered there were very few children's books that talk about autism. This book highlights Alex and their autistic traits in a positive light,and shows how their friend Erin interacts with them.

Growing up with understanding and support can change the path of a young autistic person's life!

This book includes representation of AAC devices, stimming, emotional regulation, food aversions, sensory tools, and authentic friendships.

It is perfect for a classroom, occupational therapy office, doctors office, your personal library and more!

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Sensory
• Emotional regulation
• Autism
• AAC device

Autism, The Invisible Cord

Author: Barbara Cain

Grade Levels: Grades 10-12

Short Summary:

Ezra looks like any other sixth grader with faded jeans, turned around cap and a mess of chestnut curls. You see, my brother is like any other eleven-year-old except when he isn't.

Autism, The Invisible Cord follows 14-year-old Jenny as she describes her day-to-day life with her younger autistic brother, Ezra. Ezra can be both her best friend as well as her biggest obstacle to living a normal life, and Jenny often finds herself stuck worrying about her younger brother. Through taking care of Ezra and a very special school project, Jenny ends up learning about her own character and strengths, and a way to shine despite everything else.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Diversity
• Challenges
• Siblings
• Family
• Bullying

Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes

Author: Jennifer Elder (mother of autistic son)

Grade Levels: Grades 3-7

Short Summary:

Different Like Me introduces children aged 8 to 12 years to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, math, literature, philosophy and comedy.

Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky to Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Banneker and Julia Bowman Robinson, among others. All excel in different fields but are united by the fact that they often found it difficult to fit in-just like Quinn.

Fully illustrated in color and written in child-friendly language, this book will be a wonderful resource for children, particularly children with autism, their parents, teachers, carers and siblings.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Diversity
• Intelligence
• Peers
• Friendship

Mockingbird

Author: Kathryn Erskine

Grade Levels: 6-8 grades

Short Summary:

Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon was killed in a school shooting, and Caitlin's dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure--and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be so black and white after all - the world is full of colors - messy and beautiful.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Closure
• Autism
• Social emotional reactions
• Loss of a sibling
• Friendship
• Growing up/resilience
• Challenges of childhood

Supplemental Resources:

• Study Guide with activities
• Study Guide (had to create an account & then download was free)

New My Friend's Autism: Advice From Someone Who Is Autistic, His Friends, Classmates, Teammates, Mentors, and Family from Elementary School Through the College Years

Author: Pauly Montgomery and Cindy Montgomery

Grade Levels: 12-18 years

Short Summary:

One day you will meet someone with autism, and you will, whether you are aware of it or not. This book, written by the mother/son team of Pauly and Cindy Montgomery, and 23 of Pauly's friends, will help you to communicate when it happens. If you're well-intentioned but afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing when you first meet someone with autism, or any disability, then this book is for you. Pauly's story of mastering social behaviors, forming meaningful connections, and facing bullies, chronicles an engaging journey that led to a book offering support to those who have no knowledge of autism.

Take the awkwardness out of any encounter with an autistic person.

A 25-year-old autistic "in-betweener", Pauly gets candid about being caught between two worlds: neurotypical and neurodivergent. His new book, "My Friend's Autism" details his journey through the eyes of friends, teachers, and family. He stresses that patience is key. Pauly's efforts to advocate nationally include being selected by the Department of Labor to speak with state senators and national education leaders.

Helpful hints from the book include:

• It's okay to feel uncomfortable when you first meet someone.
• Avoiding them is the worst thing you can do.
• Have a calm demeanor. Talk slowly and have patience and give them time to respond.
• In advance and together, decide on a word or phrase to be used if they need a break in the conversation.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Autism
• Communication
• Sensory
• Bullying

New Planet Earth is Blue

Author: Nicole Pantelekos

Grade Levels: 3rd-7th grade

Short Summary:

Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger--it's the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home.

While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova's new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she's counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she'll see Bridget again. Because Bridget said, "No matter what, I'll be there. I promise."

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Family
• Autism
• Nonverbal Communication

Supplemental Resources:

• Teachers Pay Teachers - Unit Plan
• Graphic Organizers

Rain Reign

Author: Ann M. Martin

Grade Levels: Ages 9-12 years

Short Summary:

Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different'•not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.

When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose's father shouldn't have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

"A story about honorable living in the autistic narrator genre that sets the bar high. . . . Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts.' '•Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Autism
• Literacy
• Inclusion

Supplemental Resources:

• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfzzFCz1y4usJLy3kLvzJrqNGPpMXoQ2r

New Real

Author: Carol Cujec

Grade Levels: 11-13 years

Short Summary:

Inspired by a true story, Real speaks to all those who've ever felt they didn't belong and reminds readers that all people are worthy of being included.

My name is Charity. I am thirteen years old. Actually, thirteen years plus eighty-seven days. I love sour gummies and pepperoni pizza. That last part no one knows because I have not spoken a sentence since I was born. Each dawning day, I live in terror of my unpredictable body that no one understands.

Charity may have mad math skills and a near-perfect memory, but with a mouth that can't speak and a body that jumps, rocks, and howls unpredictably, most people incorrectly assume she cannot learn. Charity's brain works differently from most people's because of her autism, but she's still funny, determined, and kind. So why do people treat her like a disease or ignore her like she's invisible?

When Charity's parents enroll her in a public junior high school, she faces her greatest fears. Will kids make fun of her? Will her behavior get her kicked out? Will her million thoughts stay locked in her head forever? With the support of teachers and newfound friends, Charity will have to fight to be treated like a real student.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Autism
• Non-speaking

New Reverie: My Endless Thoughts

Author: Vinay Lingampalli (non-verbal autistic author)

Grade Levels: 7th-12th grade

Short Summary:

A collection of heartfelt poems accompanied by charming illustrations, Reverie is an earnest exploration of the world’s enchanting beauty and the human experience through the lens of non-verbal autism. Vinay Lingampalli’s sincere poetry shares themes of perseverance, love, appreciation, and more, with a profound focus on the positive side of life.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Non-verbal
• Autism

Rules

Author: Cynthia Lord (she has a son with autism)

Grade Levels: Grades 3-8

Short Summary:

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is nearly impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules, from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public," in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Friendship
• Honesty
• Acceptance
• Diversity

Supplemental Resources:

• Materials for Rules from the author (Discussion Guide, Reproducible)
• 11 Videos interview of author Cynthia Lord
• Some free; some for purchase on TPT

New Shaina’s World: My Family and Autism

Author: Sharice Rascoe

Grade Levels: 10 years and up

Short Summary:

Shaina is the second-oldest of her three siblings. Being the only girl out of three boys is tough enough but the real challenge comes with two of her brothers having autism. As Shaina’s graduation nears, we experience the hardships, annoyances, and moments of joy that Shaina goes through as she tries to balance her home life, schoolwork, and friends. At 13, trying to find a sense of normalcy is even harder since she fears many people won’t understand her family or what she faces being a sister to siblings with special needs. She ultimately comes to understand that their differences may be worth celebrating after all.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Families
• Siblings
• Autism
• Behaviors

The Reasons I Jump: The Inner Voice of a 13-Year Old Boy with Autism

Author: Naoki Higashida

Grade Levels: 6-12 grade

Short Summary:

You've never read a book like The Reason I Jump. Written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within.

Using an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to speak out loud, Naoki answers even the most delicate questions that people want to know. Questions such as: "Why do people with autism talk so loudly and weirdly?' "Why do you line up your toy cars and blocks?' "Why don't you make eye contact when you're talking?' and "What's the reason you jump?' (Naoki's answer: "When I'm jumping, it's as if my feelings are going upward to the sky.') With disarming honesty and a generous heart, Naoki shares his unique point of view on not only autism but life itself. His insights - into the mystery of words, the wonders of laughter, and the elusiveness of memory - are so startling, so strange, and so powerful that you will never look at the world the same way again.

In his introduction, bestselling novelist David Mitchell writes that Naoki's words allowed him to feel, for the first time, as if his own autistic child was explaining what was happening in his mind. "It is no exaggeration to say that The Reason I Jump allowed me to round a corner in our relationship.' This translation was a labor of love by David and his wife, KA Yoshida, so they'd be able to share that feeling with friends, the wider autism community, and beyond. Naoki's book, in its beauty, truthfulness, and simplicity, is a gift to be shared.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Autism
• Sensory
• Perspectives

Supplemental Resources:

• The Reason I Jump: H.O.T Questions for Discussion and Writing

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents)

Author: Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve

Grade Levels: 2nd-8th grade

Short Summary:

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("What's an ASD?" "Why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Autism
• Self-acceptance
• Emotions

The Unforgettable Logan Foster #1

Author: Shawn Peters

Grade Levels: 9 years and up

Short Summary:

Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted. It could have something to with his awkward manner, his photographic memory, or his affection for reciting curious facts, but whatever the cause, Logan and his "PP's' (prospective parents) have never clicked.

Then everything changes when Gil and Margie arrive. Although they aren't exactly perfect themselves - Gil has the punniest sense of humor and Margie's cooking would have anyone running for the hills - they genuinely seem to care.

But it doesn't take Logan long to notice some very odd things about them. They are out at all hours, they never seem to eat, and there's a part of the house that is protected by some pretty elaborate security.

No matter what Logan could have imagined, nothing prepared him for the truth: His PP's are actually superheroes, and they're being hunted down by dastardly forces. Logan's found himself caught in the middle in a massive battle and the very fate of the world may hang in the balance. Will Logan be able to find a way to save the day and his new family?

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Fantasy
• Super Heroes
• Inclusion
• Family

Supplemental Resources:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fraz1SuD-xk

New Timothy Blossom: The Champ!

Author: Steve Slavin

Grade Levels: 3rd grade and up

Short Summary:

Timothy Blossom is an autistic thirteen-year-old with a passion for astronomy. His parents, Bert and Barbara, and best friend, Schrodinger the goldfish, do their best to guide Timothy through his challenges with social interaction and interpreting verbal cues.

But when Timothy's beloved AstroWorld, The Store With a Universe of Galactic Gifts, shuts down, his world is turned upside down. How will he cope with the earth- shattering news?

Find out in Timothy Blossom - The Champ! A wonderful, heart-warming tale to inspire and inform autistic children, their parents, and carers.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Families
• Autism
• Social interaction

Tully and Me: A Story about Differences, Understanding and Friendship

Author: Keeley Shaw

Grade Levels: Preschool-6th grade

Short Summary:

"A smile feels the same on the inside."Tully and Me explores a friendship built on differences and understanding. Tully represents an individual affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The unique characteristics associated with Autism are portrayed including an affinity for counting and order, and a love for visual stimulation. Whimsical watercolor illustrations help to showcase a unique friendship that is nurtured through adversity and understanding. Tully and Me explores a world where our differences and the universal language of a smile bring us together. Everyone who enjoyed The Dot by Peter Reynolds, We're amazing 1,2,3 by Leslie Kimmelman and Marybeth Nelson, and I'm Like You, You're Like Me by Cindy Gainer will enjoy this read as well! This book is an excellent teaching tool for lessons on diversity, Autism, individuals with special needs, and accepting and curating friendships with people who are different. As well, it is a beautiful story for families to share. This picture book is appropriate for children and adults of all ages.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Diversity
• Friendship
• Autism
• Special needs

Supplemental Resources:

• Read aloud: Tully and Me

Views From Our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs

Author: Donald Joseph Myer

Grade Levels: 4-9th grade

Short Summary:

In Views From Our Shoes, 45 siblings share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability. The children whose essays are featured here range from four to eighteen and are the siblings of youngsters with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, ADD, hydrocephalus, visual and hearing impairments, Down and Tourette syndromes.

Their personal tales introduce young siblings to others like them, perhaps for the first time, and allow them to compare experiences. A glossary of disabilities provides easy-to-understand definitions of many of the conditions mentioned.

Themes/Topics Covered:

• Disability
• Siblings
• Acceptance