We all have wonderfully unique brains! Children’s books increasingly celebrate characters with a range of ability and neurodiversity. Seeing yourself reflected in a book is precious — and something that neurodiverse children deserve. This list of titles is for all readers, however, because we can all benefit from learning more about our neighbors’ lived experiences!

Board Books

“How We Play” by Dolisha Mitchell

This book celebrates all the diverse ways we play (from music and movement to nature and art), helping parents and educators discuss how our bodies work differently and advocate for inclusive play!

Picture Books

“This Is How We Talk: A Celebration of Disability and Connection”

by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp

A rhyming picture book that demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use different forms of communication to connect and show love

“The Curiosities”

by Zana Fraillon

Weaving together Filipino legends and one boy’s experience with neurodiversity, readers go on a journey of discovery with young Miro.

“A Day With No Words”

by Tiffany Hammond

Young children will learn what life can look like for an autistic child who uses nonverbal communication by following a mother and child on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others.

Readers

“Jack’s Playground Plan”

by Shannon McClintock Miller

Jack leads his team in designing a playground, but they must balance fun with practicality to make it inclusive and work together to turn their dream into a reality.

Nonfiction

“Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity”

by Louise Gooding

This inclusive book will introduce children to the world of neurodiversity and encourages them to embrace their differences.

Fiction

“Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen”

by Kate McGovern

Maple Mehta-Cohen has an impressive vocabulary and loves dictating stories into her recorder but words on the page just don’t seem to make sense to her. Now Maple has to repeat fifth grade. Can Maple begin to recognize her own strengths and love herself — and her brain — just the way she is?

“Sabertooth”

by Robin Gow

Eighth grader Jasper feels abandoned when his brother Callan leaves for college, so he starts their promised fossil dig alone — only to hear the voice of a saber-tooth tiger calling to him as he unleashes a monster he cannot control.