Books About Neurodiversity

The Best Neurodiversity Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about neurodiversity? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Neurodiversity

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Sale price

$2469

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2026

Feeling Like an ADHD Alien

By Pina Varnel

A girl who always feels out of step learns how her brain really works.

336 pages

4.7 Goodreads · 160 ratings

$25.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Kiki has always felt different: she loses track of time, daydreams when she should be listening, questions every rule and feels her emotions more strongly than her friends. Through trial and plenty of error she learns she has ADHD, and finds ways to work with her brain. A candid, comforting graphic novel.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

Wish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator)

A boy's vibrant mind struggles to fit in, but creativity finds a way.

32 pages· 757 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 239 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Oliver's mind is a whirlwind of ideas, making school a challenge. He fears he won't fit in, but a friend helps him see the beauty in his unique thinking. As Oliver learns to embrace his creativity, he discovers that being different is a strength, not a flaw. This heartwarming tale celebrates neurodiversity and the power of imagination, encouraging readers to take pride in what makes them unique. Will Oliver find his place and learn to love his extraordinary mind?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Buzzing

By Samuel Sattin, Rye Hickman

A boy battles his mind and finds solace in unexpected friendships.

224 pages· 12,912 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,691 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Isaac struggles with OCD, feeling trapped by his own thoughts. When new friends introduce him to a role-playing game, his world brightens. But with his grades slipping and his mother's disapproval, Isaac must find a way to silence the chaos within. Can he prove that the key to peace lies within himself?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2020

Tornado Brain

By Cat Patrick

A neurodivergent girl races to find her vanished friend, uncovering hidden clues.

286 pages· 58,470 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 2,213 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Frankie, a neurodivergent seventh grader, struggles with sensory overload and social challenges. When her estranged friend Colette reappears and then mysteriously vanishes, Frankie believes only she can decipher the clues left behind. Enlisting her sister Tess, she embarks on a quest to solve the mystery before it's too late. Will Frankie find Colette and mend their fractured friendship, or will the secrets remain hidden? Dive into a poignant tale of friendship, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2022

Button Pusher

By Tyler Page · Book #1 in the Button Pusher series

A boy's struggle with ADHD leads to unexpected challenges and self-discovery.

256 pages· 17,382 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,469 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Tyler's world is a whirlwind of creativity and chaos. Diagnosed with ADHD, he battles to control impulses that others see as troublemaking. From cutting bus seats to hanging out of windows, his actions bewilder adults. Yet, Tyler is a talented artist, excelling when he can focus. As he navigates the complexities of his mind, Tyler's journey reveals the raw truth of growing up with ADHD. Can he find a way to harness his unique brain and thrive? Discover a story of resilience and understanding, where every challenge is a step toward self-discovery.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

A Whole New Ballgame

By Phil Bildner, Tim Probert (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Rip and Red series

Two friends face unexpected challenges with a quirky teacher and coach.

272 pages· 30,419 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,158 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Rip and Red's fifth-grade year takes an unexpected turn with Mr. Acevedo, their unconventional teacher and basketball coach. Rip struggles with change, while Red, who has autism, finds the new dynamics challenging. Together, they navigate school and sports, discovering the power of friendship and teamwork. Can they adapt and thrive in this unpredictable environment?

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Pasta Girls

By Taylor Tracy

Daughters of two feuding restaurant families become friends during their busiest week.

336 pages· 72,443 words· Est. 10 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 122 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Hot-headed Romea "Ro" Marino is starting ninth grade, and the only place she feels calm is her family's kitchen. During the Feast of San Gennaro, the busiest week of the year for the Italian restaurants of New York City, she gets to know a girl from the rival restaurant family hers has feuded with for years. Their friendship, and the feelings that grow with it, test both families in this queer, neurodiverse spin on Romeo and Juliet.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2017

Things I Should Have Known

A sister's matchmaking leads to unexpected bonds and self-discovery.

320 pages· 69,663 words· Est. 8 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 5,167 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Chloe Mitchell, a popular teen in Los Angeles, sets out to find a boyfriend for her autistic sister, Ivy. She targets Ethan, a sweet boy from Ivy's class, but the plan requires Chloe to spend time with Ethan's brother, David. As the foursome bonds over frozen yogurt and movies, Chloe faces unexpected challenges in her own love life. Will her quest for Ivy's happiness lead to her own revelations about love and identity?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2016

Holding Up the Universe

By Jennifer Niven

Two teens, each hiding secrets, find unexpected connection in a high school game gone wrong.

416 pages· 80,055 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

3.7 Goodreads · 148,347 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Libby Strout, once labeled 'America's Fattest Teen,' is ready to embrace life after her mother's death. Jack Masselin hides a secret: he can't recognize faces. When a cruel high school game forces them into group counseling, they discover a surprising connection. As they navigate their challenges, Libby and Jack learn that sometimes meeting the right person can change everything. Will they find the courage to truly see each other and themselves?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

No Filter

By Kelley Skovron

A shadowy figure appears in every photo she takes, and it keeps getting closer.

272 pages· 38,183 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.5 Goodreads · 128 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Janessa "Jinx" McCormick loves photography because she can make real life perfect. Using her late father's camera, she takes photos for nearly everyone in her small town. Then, touching up a new picture, she spots a dark figure in the background that wasn't there when she took the shot. It appears in every photo after that, and each time it is closer.

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