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Autism Awareness Month (Kids)

April is Autism Awareness Month. Enjoy these youth fiction books featuring characters with Autism and learn more about ASD from the included non-fiction titles.

The girl who thought in pictures : the story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca

Describes the life and accomplishments of the animal scientist and designer of cruelty-free livestock facilities, from her early life and autism diagnosis through her journey to become a livestock expert.

A boy called Bat by Elana K Arnold

When his veterinarian mom brings home a stray baby skunk that needs rehabilitation before it can be placed in a wild animal shelter, Bat, who has austim, resolves to prove that he is up to the challenge of caring for the skunk permanently

Bat and the waiting game by Elana K Arnold

When austistic boy Bat's sister Janie gets a part in the school play, Bat's life regrettably changes as Janie cannot watch him after school, someone else has to care for his pet skunk, and Janie starts having sleepovers with new friends.

Bat and the end of everything by Elana K Arnold

"Bat grows anxious as his third-grade year comes to an end and the time to release his pet skunk, Thor, out into the wild approaches"--

The someday birds by Sally J Pla

Charlie, twelve, who has autism and obsessive compulsive disorder, must endure a cross-country trip with his siblings and a strange babysitter to visit their father, who will undergo brain surgery.

Can you see me? by Libby Scott

Eleven-year-old Tally is starting sixth grade at Kingswood Academy and she really wants to fit in, which means somehow hiding her autism, hypersensitivity to touch, and true self, and trying to act "normal" like her former best friend, Layla, who is distancing herself from Tally and her fourteen-year-old sister, Nell, who is always angry with Tally for being different; but as she records her thoughts and anxieties in her coping diary, Tally begins to wonder--what is "normal" anyway?

Forever Neverland by Susan Adrian

Told in two voices, Clover, twelve, and her autistic brother Fergus, eleven, discover they are descended from Wendy Darling and set off with Peter Pan for adventures in Neverland.

After the worst thing happens by Audrey Vernick

Twelve-year-old Army is reeling after her thoughtlessness leads to her dog's death, but channels her grief into a plan to help keep the new neighbors' autistic daughter from wandering away.

Real by Carol Cujec

Sometimes Charity cannot control her body and because she has low-functioning autism, Charity cannot communicate her thoughts to anyone else, even though she feels all of the frustrations, fears, and doubts of a typical thirteen-year-old.

We could be heroes by Margaret Mary Finnegan

Fourth-graders Maisie and Hank, who has autism, become friends as they devise schemes to save a neighbor's dog, Booler, from being tied to a tree because of his epilepsy.

A bird will soar by Alison Green Myers

After a tornado, Axel, who loves birds, finds an injured eaglet, and helps to rescue it--and also helps to resolve the problems in his broken family, and draw his father back home

Do you know me? by Libby Scott

Tally Olivia Adams is a twelve-year-old (just) autistic girl faced with the prospect of a week-long end-of-the-year class trip, which worries her, because there will be "teams" and "activities" and "competition" all of which terrifies her, especially whenshe finds out she is not bunking with her friend Aleksandra; the other girls on her team are often nasty, especially Skye--and Tally needs all the life-skills she has learned to cope with and expose the bully, and maybe make some friends along the way.

Now you say yes by Bill Harley

After their foster mother dies, fifteen-year-old Mari takes her on-the-spectrum nine-year-old stepbrother, Conor, on a journey to find their estranged grandmother, during which she learns about the inner workings of Conor's mind and about her connectionsto him and the world.

It was supposed to be sunny by Samantha Cotterill

"Laila's birthday party, perfectly planned with her autism in mind, goes awry due to a change in weather and an accident with her cake, but with the help of her mom and her service dog, Laila knows she can handle this"--

Autism by Ann Squire

Inside you'll find: Why autistic people sometimes behave in unusual ways; a timeline, photos--and how family members can adapt to life with autistic loved ones; Surprising true facts that will shock and amaze you!

The survival guide for kids with autism spectrum disorders (and their parents) by Elizabeth Verdick

"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"--

What happens when someone has autism? by Katie Kawa

"Autism doesn't have one simple definition. It covers a spectrum of symptoms, which is why many people now call it autism spectrum disorder, and it affects people in many different ways. Many young people know someone with autism or are personally livingwith autism spectrum disorder, and they can benefit in important ways from this clear and comprehensive look at life with autism. Presented alongside sidebars, diagrams, graphic organizers, and full-color photographs, the educational and empathetic main text encourages readers to understand the challenges those with autism face while also looking to the future with hope"--

Get a grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit

Eleven-year-old knuckleball pitcher Vivy Cohen, who has autism, becomes pen pals with her favorite Major League baseball player after writing a letter to him as an assignment for her social skills class.

Who is Temple Grandin? by Patricia Demuth

"Temple Grandin wasn't officially diagnosed with autism until she was in her 40s, but she knew at an early age that she was different from her family and classmates. She couldn't show affection, she acted out when noises or other stimuli overwhelmed her,and she only felt comfortable when spending time with the animals on her aunt's ranch. But instead of seeing her differences as limitations, Temple used them to guide her education and career in animal science. She has become a leading advocate for the autistic as well as for the humane treatment of animals at meat packing companies. This inspiring biography by Patricia Brennan Demuth shines a light on Temple Grandin's intellect, creativity, and unique spirit"--

Too sticky! : sensory issues with autism by Jen Malia

With help from her family and teacher, Holly overcomes her dislike of having sticky hands to participate in a science experiment. Includes author's note about living with autism and sensory issues and a recipe for making slime.

Talking is not my thing by Rose Robbins

A girl with autism who almost never speaks demonstrates how easily she communicates with her brother and grandmother through facial expressions, gestures, flashcards, and drawings.

A friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey

Henry would like to find a friend at school, but for a boy on the autism spectrum, making friends can be difficult, as his efforts are sometimes misinterpreted, or things just go wrong--but Henry keeps trying, and in the end he finds a friend he can playwith.

Benji, the bad day, and me by Sally J Pla

Sammy is having a very bad day at school and at home until his autistic brother, Benji, finds a way to make him feel better.

After the worst thing happens by Audrey Vernick

Twelve-year-old Army is reeling after her thoughtlessness leads to her dog's death, but channels her grief into a plan to help keep the new neighbors' autistic daughter from wandering away.

Slider by Pete Hautman

Hoping to win a cash prize in a pizza eating contest after racking up a tab on his mother's credit card, David must juggle his competitive eating training with the responsibility of looking after his autistic younger brother

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Frustrated at life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence but her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic

Bad best friend by Rachel Vail

Eighth-grader Niki's best friend, Ava, dumps her just as life at home is becoming more complicated by her brother Danny's behavior and her mother's refusal to admit Danny is on the autism spectrum.

Bat and the waiting game by Elana K Arnold

When austistic boy Bat's sister Janie gets a part in the school play, Bat's life regrettably changes as Janie cannot watch him after school, someone else has to care for his pet skunk, and Janie starts having sleepovers with new friends.

Rain reign by Ann M Martin

Struggling with Asperger's, Rose shares a bond with her beloved dog, but when the dog goes missing during a storm, Rose is forced to confront the limits of her comfort levels, even if it means leaving her routines in order to search for her pet

Right from the start : a practical guide for healping young children with autism by Karin Donahue

"Right from the Start: A Practical Guide for Helping Young Children with Autism asserts that autistic children can be successful when parents and teachers understand key principles of autism and have the tools to help these children expand their social and emotional skills. This book explains the importance of self-regulation, the ability to moderate our feelings and reactions."--Back cover

Autism encyclopedia : the complete guide to autism spectrum disorders

A concise guide for parents and teachers of children with autism spectrum disorders, covering communication, social skills, and behavior management, with definitions of key terms and suggested resources

Recipient of the National Medal, the nation's highest honor for libraries.