As Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month rolls on, we wanted to share a few more books with you to help promote learning and acceptance. We hope you find these books both insightful and enjoyable, and that you share them with others to continue spreading love and acceptance everywhere!

Nope. Never. Not for Me! (Ages 3-6)

Written and Illustrated but Samantha Cotterill

From the picture book series titled Little Senses, this book deals with the anxiety those with sensory processing disorders and autism face when trying new foods. This book takes a fun approach to teaching its readers how to become more patient and understanding with others who may be struggling to try new foods. Learn more and purchase the book here.

Too Sticky! Sensory Issues with Autism (Ages 4-8)

Written by Jen Malia, Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

This story, written by an associate professor of English at Norfolk State University who herself has autism, tells the story of Holly, who loves science projects, but must overcome her fear of sticky hands in order to participate in her next class experiment making slime. Holly is anxious about using glue to make the slime since she knows how sticky glue can be. The story uses brilliant illustration and descriptive text to let readers see and understand what Holly is seeing and feeling as she navigates her sticky situation. The main character is based off the author and her daughter’s shared experiences living with autism and sensory processing disorders, and is a great book written from an #OwnVoices perspective. Follow this link to buy the book.

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! (Ages 8-12)

Written by Sarah Kapit

Vivy Cohen is an athletic eleven-year-old girl who is tired of just playing catch at the park and wants to pitch for a real baseball team. Her mom is worried about her being the only girl on the team, as well as being the only person with autism, but lets her play after a coach sees her incredible knuckleball and asks her to join the team. After joining the team, she suffers an injury that leaves her stuck on the bench and fighting to stay on the team. With help from her Major League pen pal, VJ Capella, Vivy must find the determination to work through her injury and get back on the field. You can also find a link to buy their book here.

All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism (Ages 4-8)

Written by Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

All My Stripes tells the story of Zane the Zebra, who worries that his differences will make him stand out from his classmates, and that they’ll notice his “autism stripe”. When his mother helps him understand that autism is just one of the many qualities that makes him so special, Zane learns to love all of his stripes and see them as the unique strengths that make him who he is. This book also contains a reading guide providing additional information on autism spectrum disorders and a note to caregivers with tips for finding support. Check out this link to purchase the book.

If I Squeeze Your Head I’m Sorry

Written by Gwen and Rylan Vogelzang, Illustrated by Ellie McLaughlin

Rylan Vogelzang is a 12-year-old boy living with autism and Tourette Syndrome who, with help from his mother, Gwen, have written this uplifting book from an #OwnVoices perspective meant to educate, entertain, and improve understanding for people with autism. Follow Rylan as he uses his own artwork and powerful descriptions to guide readers through life in his shoes and show everyone the unique way in which he sees, feels, and processes the world around him. You can also check out this great article to learn more about Rylan and his special abilities! https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2019/11/boy-with-autism-and-tourettes-writes-about-his-special-abilities-in-new-book.html
Follow this link to his website to learn more and to buy the book.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these as much as we have, and that you continue to share these with your friends, family, and fellow members of the community as we all do our part to increase acceptance and inclusion in the world around us!