To celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, here are new noteworthy 2024-25 titles – enjoy!

Bat and the Business of Ferrets by Elana K. Arnold
(For Grades 3-6)
Library Catalog

“On his first day of school as a fourth-grader, autistic Bat goes directly to his third-grade classroom to visit his wonderful former teacher and the class pet, a rabbit whose snuggling had often comforted Bat when he was out of sorts. Redirected to his new classroom, Bat learns that his new teacher, Mr. Peña, doesn’t want a class pet. Determined to change his mind, Bat and his best friend circulate a petition for their classmates to sign, and they hope for the best. From Bat’s viewpoint, Mr. Peña should adopt the albino ferret recently born in Bat’s mother’s animal clinic. Meanwhile, Bat struggles with learning to listen to other people, rather than repeatedly, dogmatically explaining his own views. Offering insights into Bat’s ways of thinking and reacting to challenges, the fourth book in the Bat series portrays this lovable, well-developed character, his problems, and his successes, with empathy and elements of humor. Illustrated in expressive line drawings, this well-paced third-person narrative is a great choice for kids seeking transitional chapter books.” –Booklist Reviews

Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming by Steve Asbell
(For Grades K-3)
Library Catalog

“Autistic children use stimming to cope with stressful situations. The book follows four racially diverse children, each of whom ends up in an overstimulating situation, such as the cacophony of traffic. By stimming—defined in an author’s note as “repetitive, self-stimulating behavior”—they can regulate their emotions. Asbell cleverly leaves a white border around images depicting the overwhelming situations and fills the page when portraying positive sensory experiences, immersing readers in these scenes. The stunning, textured illustrations practically vibrate with color and sound, depicting the world the way a hypersensitive child might perceive it. Color and shape convey both pleasant and unpleasant sensations and capture the joy and satisfaction of the children’s personal stims… This is truly a celebration of neurodiversity that goes against decades—perhaps centuries—of stigma and tells kids that stimming isn’t just OK; it’s liberating. A beautiful book with an important message for autistic children and those who know them.” –Kirkus Reviews

Henry and the Something New by Jenn Bailey and Mika Song
(For Grades 1-4)
Library Catalog

“In his second early-chapter-book outing (Henry, like Always, rev. 3/23), Henry — a sensitive child who presents as being on the autism spectrum — is ambivalent about a field trip to the natural history museum. ‘Henry was excited. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum. Henry was also worried. Everyone in Classroom Ten would ride the bus to the museum.’ Despite his concerns, Henry is looking forward to the dinosaur exhibit. When Samuel's dad (a field trip helper) asks Henry's group of three what they'd like to see, ‘Dinosaurs!' said Henry. But he forgot to say it out loud.’ Each of his attempts to make his voice heard is inadvertently thwarted, and Henry patiently accompanies his group to the rock, bug, and mummy displays. Song's loosely rendered, limited-palette watercolor and ink illustrations telegraph emotion and deepen meaning for newly independent readers. When Henry eventually shouts ‘DINOSAURS!’ the accompanying illustration makes clear his frustration, along with his classmates' bemused reactions. They finally find the dinosaur room (after getting a bit lost), and Henry's absolute joy is palpable. Bailey's relatable characters, familiar scenarios, and gentle humor make this a remarkably satisfying read…whether you embrace the new or not.” –Horn Book Magazine

Next Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity by Samara Cole Doyon and Juanita Kaylani
(For Grades 1-4)
Library Catalog

“A mother enjoys a day with her autistic son. After mother and son attend church, the child sheds his restrictive clothes for something light and comfy. The boy plays outside before the two take the bus home, where the child bathes and gets ready for bed. The stylish mother is always on the same page as her child, never embarrassed, even when others judge the boy for behavior they see as disruptive. Though many people don’t understand the child, he’s ‘on the next level,’ as she tells him. Cole Doyon’s text is a poignant poem from a parent to a child, making beautiful use of imagery and metaphor and bursting with love. The author explores the child’s unique way of seeing the world and the many ways he and his mother communicate without words. Difficult emotions are simply part of the ups and downs of the day, not something to fear. Juanita’s endearing yet sophisticated illustrations, rendered in her distinctive style, depict a loving Black family; the visuals also incorporate objects that are part of many autistic children’s lives, such as fidget- and chewable jewelry and a sensory body sock. This book will resonate with those children who see themselves in it; for others, it will be a window into one boy’s experience of autism. A deeply empathetic celebration of familial love and neurodiversity.” –Kirkus Reviews

Paige not Found by Jen Wilde
(For Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog

“Autistic kids from New York discover they’ve been part of a billionaire’s experiment. Eleven-year-old Paige doesn’t know what to think when an email with the subject ‘Paige Wells Daily Report’ pops up on her dad’s laptop. She shouldn’t read her dad’s email, but he’s sleeping, and this is about her, after all. The email contains a GPS map of everywhere she’s been that day as well as charts showing her heart rate and blood sugar, dopamine, and serotonin levels. She’s not going to ask her parents for the truth, especially not after her dad yells at her to ‘Be a normal kid!’ But Paige’s best friend figures it out: Paige has a secret experimental chip in her head made by tech startup Nucleus. She didn’t actually have her tonsils out when she was 7; instead, they put the mind-controlling Dot in her brain—and it’s getting a software upgrade this Friday as part of Nucleus’ merger with social media company Homepage. The device is made by Elliot Preston, a contentious billionaire who enjoys Twitter feuds. Is Nucleus controlling her mind? Will it leak her private thoughts and feelings on social media? Armed with a list of other autistic kids who have Dots, Paige sets out to find them and stop Preston from experimenting on and profiting from their brains. This exciting story offers validation, intrigue, and diverse representation. Paige, who’s white, is closeted nonbinary and queer. An empowering kids-versus-corporation quest packed full of disability pride.” –Kirkus Reviews