BOOK MARKED
15 Children’s Books
About Autism
April is Autism Awareness Month,
an ideal time to share books about and written
by members of the autistic community.

BY JENNIFER CAVALLERO, CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN,
CENTER FOR ACCESSIBLIITY, D.C. PUBLIC LIBRARY
PICTURE BOOKS
“My Brother Charlie”
By Holly Robinson Peete and
Ryan Elizabeth Peete,
illustrated by Shane W. Evans
This story, co-written by a mother and daughter
about their real-life experiences, is told from the
point of view of Charlie’s sister, Callie. The book
celebrates all the things she loves about her twin
brother with autism and some of the differences in
the ways they experience the world.

“A Friend for Henry”
By Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song
Henry wants what every child wants: a friend that
fits him just right. The story explains Henry’s
sensory issues in simple text, and the search for a
friend is relatable for everyone.

“Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with
Autism” By Jen Malia,
illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Our only selection that also includes a slime recipe,
this book explores how a young student handles her
sensory issues at school.

“My Rainbow”
By Trinity and DeShannia Neal,
illustrated by Art Twink
This true story describes a transgender child with
autism, her loving family and her rainbow of curls.

Readers will also learn about other aspects of the
child’s life.

NONFICTION “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures:
The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin”
By Julia Finley Mosca,
illustrated by Daniel Rieley
32 Washington FAMILY APRIL 2021
Wonderful rhyming text makes this a fun and
informative read about Dr. Temple Grandin’s
journey, from a child who couldn’t speak to a world-
renowned animal researcher.

“My Friend Has Autism”
By Kaitlyn Duling
Simple text shows young readers what autism
might look like and how they can be sensitive to
different needs.

“I See Things Differently:
A First Look at Autism”
By Pat Thomas, illustrated by Claire Keay
Written by a psychotherapist and counselor, this
work introduces younger readers to autism.

MIDDLE GRADE
“Rules” By Cynthia Lord
Twelve-year-old Catherine has a complicated
relationship with her younger brother and a healthy
dose of pre-teen angst in this realistic portrayal of
family, friendship and understanding autism.

“Most Valuable Players”
By Phil Bildner, illustrations by Tim Probert
Rip and his best friend Red, who has autism, are
nearing fifth-grade graduation and a high-stakes
basketball game in the fourth book in Bildner’s Rip
& Red series.

“It’s Not Destiny: An Abby Story”
By Kelsey Abrams,
illustrated by Jomike Tejido
Part of the Second Chance Ranch series, Abby
Ramirez, a 10-year-old with autism, helps a German
shepherd overcome its anxieties and her own fear
of the ocean.