From the Boston Marathon, to Red Sox games, to nicer weather, April has much to offer in Boston! It's also National Autism Acceptance Month. The Autism Society — which has worked on autism advocacy, education, and resources for 60 years now — started the celebration in the 1970s. The Boston Public Library has lots of books about life on the autism spectrum; check some of our favorites! All of these books have autistic authors and characters.
Children's Books
When his veterinarian mom brings home a stray baby skunk that needs rehabilitation before it can be placed in a wild animal shelter, Bat resolves to prove that he is up to the challenge of caring for the skunk permanently.
This colorful picture book highlights the bond between a mother and her child, following them on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others.
Laila's birthday party, perfectly planned with her sensory needs in mind, goes wrong due to a change in weather and an accident with her cake. But with the help of her mom and service dog, Laila knows she can handle this!
Twelve-year-old Cora is shown amazing new technology that gives her another chance to talk to the best friend she lost...but she soon discovers the corporation behind the science hides dark secrets that only she can expose.
Mia, a bullying victim, writes and performs her own music to express her feelings — she’s even a viral singer, which her classmates don’t know! After her best friend suggests they enter a talent show, she has to decide if she’s ready to be seen.
The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family
Two Jewish sisters start a detective agency and solve a series of everyday mysteries about themselves and their family.
Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down
A young child celebrates the various types of movements that calm her down throughout the day.
Teen Books
After nearly being beaten to death for having evidence against a corrupt sheriff, trans teen Miles works to end the feud and oppressive politics that plague his town.
A Palestinian-Canadian teen gets an autism diagnosis before starting high school and worries that she needs to keep it secret. She makes a bucket list for her new school, but falling for two different boys isn't part of the plan.
Tarot reader Iris must earn 1,000 coins or leave the family business. When thief Marin offers to pay her even more to rescue a falsely-imprisoned witch, she can’t say no…even though it will be her first time ever leaving home.
The #ActuallyAutistic Guide to Building Independence
An empowering guide for autistic teens and young adults transitioning into adulthood, featuring real-life experiences from the autistic community and tips on allyship for non-autistic readers.
The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide
Exploring how it feels to be a young person on the spectrum, this book guides teens and tweens on developing confidence, managing tricky situations, taking care of their mental health, and celebrating their neurodivergence.
A calculus nerd enlists her prickly classmate's help to win back her ex-boyfriend, but when sparks start to fly, she realizes there is no algorithm for falling in love.
After being assaulted at a party, mostly-nonverbal Ari discovers a group of her classmates who have all been hurt by the same guy. As she joins their quest for revenge, she also finds friends who accept every part of her.
In a kingdom that sacrifices its poor to a monster, Alesta makes herself too useful to kill. When her best friend is sacrificed in her place as a punishment, she visits hell to slay the beast — only to find her friend alive but transformed.
Adult Fiction
A flighty young woman crashes into the life of an uptight bed-and-breakfast owner and has him falling hard — literally.
Aster, a dark-skinned intersex scientist, lives on the lower decks of a spaceship organized like the pre-Civil War American South. While working for the Surgeon, she investigates her mother’s death and learns there could be a way off the ship.
A group of scientists board a submarine bound for Mariana Trench, retracing the steps of another group that was lost at sea. Although the goal is to find answers, no one is prepared for what they’ll discover.
The Framed Women of Ardemore House
When book editor Jo takes possession of a possibly-haunted family estate, she finds herself at the center of a murder investigation.
Math-lover Stella has never cared for romance, and decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to enjoy everything from French kissing to sex positions...but falling for each other was never part of the plan.
Adult Nonfiction
The author, diagnosed with autism at age 23, discusses research about discrimination against autistic people and ways for society to celebrate diversity.
An autistic therapist gives others on the spectrum more than 100 self-care activities that focus on unmasking, acceptance, community, and physical and mental wellness.
This anthology of comics from 30 autistic creators explores everything from life pre-diagnosis, to tips on explaining autism to someone who isn't autistic, to suggestions for soothing yourself when you're overstimulated.
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child
Autistic people of diverse ethnic, educational, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds talk about not just what they wish their parents had known when they were young, but what they want all parents to know about raising autistic kids today.
In response to widespread lies and stereotypes about autism, journalist Eric Garcia discusses his own experiences as an autistic Latino and explores societal gaps in care.
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