The Best Books For Neurodiverse Children

Explore Our Collections and Reviews

Discover the Best Children's Books on Neurodiversity

Discover a curated selection of the best children's books on neurodiversity and disabilities. From heartwarming tales to inspiring stories, our collection is designed to educate and inspire young readers. These books highlight diverse perspectives and celebrate individuality, making them perfect for fostering understanding and empathy. Explore our top picks and help your child learn about the beauty of diversity.

Book List

A Friend For Henry by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song

My Brain is a Home by Orlanda Bettison

A Day with no Words by Tiffany Hammond

Marvelous by Alexandra Hoffman

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

My Brain is Magic by Prasha Sooful, illustrated by Geeta Ladi

Different Thinkers by Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael Rothman

Sparkle by Alexandra Hoffman

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

All My Stripes by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer

Normal Sucks by Jonathan Mooney

Susan Laughs by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley

Our Neurodiversity and Disability Posts

Understanding Neurodiversity Affirming Practices in Education: Letters From a Neurodiverse Student

Hey there! If you’re curious about how education can be more inclusive and supportive for all kinds of learners, you’re in the right place! As someone who’s deeply passionate about neurodiversity, I’m excited to share some insights on neurodiversity affirming practices in education based on science-backed studies. These approaches celebrate the unique ways our brains work and help create classrooms where every child can thrive. Please note while reading this that I am a stude

Samantha Kilburn

Top Children's Books for Parents, Caretakers, or Educators of Kids with Disabilities: Books to Represent all Children

Hey there! If you’re on the lookout for some fantastic children's books on disabilities, you’ve landed in the right spot! Having the right books by your side can help every child feel represented and loved. Whether you’re a parent, an early childhood education major, or just someone who loves learning with kids, I’ve got some gems to share with you. These books are packed with representation. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore some of the best reads that will inspire, represent,

Samantha Kilburn

My Life with Leukemia - A Diverse Children's Book Review - Children's Books on Cancer

My Life with Leukemia was written by Mari Schuh and illustrated by Ana Sebastian. It was published on July 15, 2023 by Amicus Learning. This informational and storytelling centered book discusses a child who got diagnosed with leukemia, went through chemotherapy, and eventually went into remission. It explained the symptoms of leukemia, what it was like to be in the hospital, not being able to play with friends because of high infection risks, and all that this young girl m

Samantha Kilburn

A group of preschool chairs sit at a table

Adam Rocks… and Max Rolls! - Children's Books on Autism

Adam Rocks… and Max Rolls! was written by Connie Colwell Miller and was illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia. It was published on January 14, 2025 by Amicus Learning / Ink. Adam Rocks… and Max Rolls! is a book about an Autistic child named Adam who rocks back and forth to soothe himself. During reading time at school one day, a classmate named Max makes fun of Adam’s rocking, which is his way of stimming. The teacher talks to Max and asks him what his body does to feel comforta

Samantha Kilburn

Kimberly’s Way with Words - a Diverse Children's Book Review

Kimberly’s Way with Words was written by Connie Colwell Miller and Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia. There are two different publishers. One publisher is the Creative Company. This version was published on January 14, 2025. The other publisher is Amicus Learning, which was published January 1, 2025. The book explores different ways of communicating, covering a sweet story about a non-speaking Autistic girl named Kimberly who is getting groceries with her mom. In the book,

Samantha Kilburn

My Life with Tourette Syndrome - A Diverse Children's Book Review

My Life with Tourette Syndrome was written by Mari Schuh and illustrated by Ana Sebastian. It was published on August 8, 2023 by Amicus Learning. Similarly to My Life with Diabetes, one of the previously mentioned book reviews, this book follows an informative and storytelling pattern, explaining that the protagonist has a condition called Tourette Syndrome. The book explains what her symptoms are, in this case involuntary movements and sounds known as tics, and how they af

Samantha Kilburn

My Life with Diabetes - A Diverse Children's Book Review

My Life with Diabetes was written by Mari Schuh and illustrated by Ana Sebastian. This book was published on July 15, 2023 by Amicus Learning. The book is informational but it is also a story. It goes through some of the symptoms of diabetes, including how the young girl found out about her condition. It explains that the child gets insulin through a pump and that she needs to check her blood sugar often. Although the main focus of the book is diabetes, the author does a goo

Samantha Kilburn

When A Kid Like Me Fights Cancer - A Diverse Children's Book Review

When A Kid Like Me Fights Cancer was written by Catherine Stier and illustrated by Angel Chang. It was published on September 1, 2019 by Albery Whitman and Company. A later edition was released in 2021. When A Kid Like Me Fights Cancer is about a young child who got diagnosed with cancer. It follows a similar writing pattern of, “I have learned…” throughout the book, explaining what this young child is realizing about cancer. Initially not knowing what the word “cancer” mean

Samantha Kilburn

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin - A Children's Book Review

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin was written by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley, and initially published on August 29, 2017 by The Innovation Press. A later version of the book was published on March 5, 2019. This book is a rhythmic and playful overview of Dr. Temple Gradin’s life. It showcases her life from birth until becoming a successful scientist and speaker, highlighting the uniqueness of her Autism, supportive family l

Samantha Kilburn

Looking for children's books on disabilities or winter activities to do with elementary schoolers?

Hey there, are you looking for children's books on disabilities to read to your elementary schooler? What about activities to do this winter to support creativity, fine, and gross motor skills? Well, if so then you're in luck! December's Book Review Focus A large portion of upcoming book reviews will be on children's books about disabilities, including neurodiversity and mental health conditions. From autism to epilepsy, explore a variety of children's books that can support

Samantha Kilburn

A picture of the children's book The Mermaid With No Tail

The Mermaid With No Tail - A Children's Book Review

What is The Mermaid With No Tail? The Mermaid With No Tail was written by paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long, illustrated by Airin O’Callaghan, and published by St. Martin’s Essentials / Sounds True. It was published on September 26, 2023. Inspired by Jessica Long, this insightful book described the challenges a young mermaid with no tail fins faced and, importantly, overcame. In the book the protagonist was adopted by turtles and fell in love with swimming. Her goal was

Samantha Kilburn