New Neurodivergent Picture Books
5 New Picture Books featuring Autism, Epilepsy, ADHD, OCD, and more.
This past week I posted about the (unqualified) new Secretary of Education’s ignorance about IDEA. She not only did now know what the acronym stands for (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), but also referred to it as a “program” (it’s a federal law!). (See the post with the Disability Book List)
IDEA ensures a free and appropriate public education for eligible children with disabilities, including special education and related services, and when the Secretary of Education is unfamiliar with this legislation ~ the future of education, especially special education services, seems bleak.
That’s why books such as these, that highlight disabled and neurodivergent experiences, are imperative to share. If our government won’t advocate for disability rights, it’s up to us to raise a new generation of disability advocates - and these books can help!
Also, it’s estimated that about 20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent, so it’s important to share this representation in kidlit and with our littles. And stories like these can serve as mirrors for our neurodivergent kiddos who also deserve to see themselves represented in the stories they read.
Check out the 5 New Neurodivergent Picture Books Below:
All About Brains by Lake Bell // For share day at school, Nova plans to bring her unique breakfast pickles, but when the jar is empty, she comes up with a new idea inspired by her morning medicine—her "brain sparkles" from her epilepsy. At first, her classmates are confused, and Nova worries her uniqueness is too much. However, as others share their own unique traits, the class discovers the beauty of their differences, leading to a fun and meaningful exploration of what makes everyone special. Other neurodivergent conditions featured in the book: dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and OCD.
Today My Brain is a Dinosaur by Jedidiah Mora and Kyla Mora // A young boy wishes he could be like his peers, but his brain behaves unpredictably: turning him into a dinosaur one moment and a raging bull the next. As his world becomes overwhelming, his family helps him navigate his intense moods and unique mindset. Through their support, he learns to embrace his differences, stay flexible, and ask for help when needed. This Own Voices story offers an authentic perspective on life for kids with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits. *
This is My Brain!: A Book on Neurodiversity by Elise Gravel // This humorous nonfiction book teaches readers that while all brains look the same, they work differently. Through fun text and colorful illustrations, it explains how our unique neurology affects how we think and act. The book highlights the importance of understanding each other's brains to connect better and work together, making the world a more harmonious place. As neurodiversity becomes more recognized and talked about, this resource makes a great tool for exploring this topic.
Bitsy Bat, Team Star by Kaz Windness // In this sequel to Bitsy Bat, School Star, Bitsy Bat, the top flier at Crittercrawl Elementary, feels threatened when a new nonspeaking student, Enzo Owl, outflies her. (Enzo uses an AAC devise to communicate) Determined to prove she's the best, Bitsy plans to beat Enzo in the upcoming Critter Games. However, when her friend Mo needs help during the race, Bitsy must choose between winning and being a supportive teammate. Along the way, she learns that making a new friend is more important than winning a trophy. Told from an autistic perspective, the story celebrates how our differences make each of us shine, both individually and as part of a team.
Henry’s Picture Perfect Day by Jenn Bailey // This is actually the third book in a chapter book series starring Henry, a child on the autism spectrum. In Book 3, it’s picture day for Henry’s class, and his teacher, Mrs. Tanaka, promises that the class will take a perfect photo. However, Henry feels anything but perfect. He isn’t loving his new shirt with stripes, he hasn’t practiced smiling, and his front tooth is wobbly~ all of which are making him nervous. Join Henry and his classmates as they navigate Picture Day pressure and discover what it really means to create a picture-perfect memory.
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Click Here for more Neurodivergent Picture Books
Have a new/ old favorite to add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Until next time, Happy Reading!
Have you read Every Monday Mabel? While not explicitly about an autistic/ADHD kiddo, she definitely makes me think of the ND kiddos in my life <3 So adorable!
Gertie is Not ALL Dogs by Siski Kalla (me!), published by Clavis. I’m autistic and Gertie the dog is too. Little Sammy thinks he knows all about dogs, what they like and don’t. But when Gertie arrives and doesn’t like the usual ‘dog things’ Sammy is confused. Eventually, he understands that dogs, just like people, are all different and that’s just wonderful!