By Raquel Cavalcanti, Trove Librarian.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. The following notable picture book titles about children on the autism spectrum have all been deftly written by authors who are on the autism spectrum themselves or are parents or siblings of family members who are on the autism spectrum.

For some more recommended titles, I found this May 2019 Book Riot article, “Understanding the Spectrum: 7 Great Picture Books About Autism,” by Rachel Rosenberg to be worthwhile.

A Friend For Henry
By Jen Bailey & Mika Song
E-book on OverDrive Libby
E-book on Hoopla

“A boy on the autism spectrum considers his classmates as possible friends.”Henry was looking for a friend.” The plot is that simple and that complicated…Whether on the spectrum or not, friends don't have to share everything, just enough, and this book sweetly provides.”–Kirkus

Janine & also excellent is Janine and the Field Day Finish
By Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Both e-books on OverDrive Libby
Janine and the Field Day Finish available as an e-book on Hoopla

“A slightly new twist on the kid-getting-bullied story.Janine is certainly her own girl. She sings loudly on the bus, talks to her imaginary friend, and remembers unusual things like the number of steps from here to there and classmates' phone numbers…Children will enjoy knowing that Janine is actually the author's daughter. An optimistic but nevertheless real solution to a common school problem.”–Kirkus

This Beach is Loud!
By Samantha Cotterill
E-book on OverDrive Libby

“In this much-needed new series, author/illustrator Cotterill shows the excitement and challenges of going to the beach for the first time…On their way, the itchiness of the sand and the surrounding noises becomes overwhelming for the young boy, but soon, after being able to soothe himself with a couple of techniques, he is able to play. Many children will be able to identify with the stresses of a new experience, and Cotterill, on the spectrum herself, has deliberately left this open-ended so any child with sensory processing disorder (SPD) and/or autism can identify with the experiences represented in the book.”–School Library Journal

My Brother Charlie
By Holly Robinson Peete & Ryan Elizabeth Peete
E-book on OverDrive Libby

Twins Callie and Charlie have a lot in common, but they are also very different: Charlie has autism. Callie narrates the story, describing what autism is and exploring the issues that come along with it. The theme is of love, patience, and acceptance.”–School Library Journal