Books About Autism · 100 titles considered

The Best Autism Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about autism? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Autism

A Boy Called Bat
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,395 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Sale price
$1520
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2003

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

By Mark Haddon

A boy with autism investigates a dog's murder, uncovering hidden truths.

226 pages· 61,939 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,633,717 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Christopher, a boy with autism, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog's death. Armed with his love for facts and numbers, he navigates a world that often confounds him. As he delves deeper, Christopher uncovers unexpected truths about himself and the world around him. Can he piece together the clues without unraveling his own carefully structured life? This journey of discovery challenges his perceptions and reveals the complexities of human emotions, making for a poignant and humorous tale.
Anything But Typical
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2009

Anything But Typical

By Nora Raleigh Baskin

An autistic boy fears his true self won't be seen by a potential friend.

Schneider Family Book Award (2010)
208 pages· 35,780 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 8,490 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jason, a twelve-year-old autistic boy, navigates a world where he often feels out of place. Writing online offers him solace and connection, especially with PhoenixBird, a fellow storyteller. As Jason dreams of meeting her, he fears she might only see his autism, not his true self. Will their friendship survive the reality of meeting face-to-face, or will Jason's fears come true? This heartfelt journey explores the challenges of fitting in and the courage it takes to reveal one's true identity.
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2004

Al Capone Does My Shirts

By Gennifer Choldenko · Book #1 in the Tales from Alcatraz series

A boy navigates life on Alcatraz Island amidst notorious criminals and family challenges.

Newbery Honor (2005)
228 pages· 49,689 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 46,549 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1935, twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan moves to Alcatraz Island, where his father works at the infamous prison. Surrounded by notorious criminals, Moose must adapt to this unusual environment while caring for his autistic sister, Natalie. As he grapples with the island's dangers and mysteries, Moose discovers unexpected friendships and challenges that test his courage and resilience. Can he find a way to balance his responsibilities and uncover the secrets of Alcatraz? This historical fiction tale blends humor, heart, and intrigue, inviting readers to explore a world where the line between right and wrong blurs.
The Day the World Stopped Turning
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2019

The Day the World Stopped Turning

By Michael Morpurgo

A boy's peaceful world is shattered by war, threatening everything he loves.

288 pages· 53,961 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 302 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In wartime France, Lorenzo, a boy with a unique gift for healing animals, finds solace among flamingos and a Roma girl named Kezia. As German soldiers invade, their tranquil lives are upended. With the carousel and beloved creatures at risk, Lorenzo must navigate a world on the brink of chaos. Can hope and kindness survive amidst the turmoil?
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–10 · 2017

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

By Julia Finley Mosca, Daniel Rieley (Illustrator) · Amazing Scientists series

A young girl's journey with autism shapes her life and inspires her to help others.

40 pages· 847 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,183 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Temple Grandin, a visual thinker who turned her autism diagnosis into a strength. Her extraordinary connection with animals led to revolutionary changes in farming. How did she overcome the odds to become a scientific pioneer? Explore her inspiring journey in this captivating tale of innovation and resilience.
Bat and the Business of Ferrets
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2025

Bat and the Business of Ferrets

Book #4 in the The Bat Series series

A new teacher, no class pet, and a plan to change it all. Can Bat adapt to fourth grade's challenges?

208 pages· 24,038 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 229 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Bixby Alexander Tam, known as Bat, faces a challenging start to fourth grade with a new teacher, Mr. Peña, who opposes class pets. Bat and his friend Israel hatch a plan to change his mind using a group of ferrets from Bat's mom's clinic. However, classmate Lucca's opposition complicates their mission. Can Bat navigate these changes and restore the comfort of a classroom pet? Discover how Bat tackles new rules and friendships in this heartwarming tale.
Can You See Me?
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Can You See Me?

By Libby Scott, Rebecca Westcott · Book #1 in the Can You See Me series

An autistic girl navigates new challenges at school, questioning what it means to be 'normal.'

368 pages· 72,842 words· Est. 10 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 5,300 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Tally faces sixth grade at Kingswood Academy, where hiding her autism seems necessary to fit in. With her best friend Layla acting differently, Tally wonders if being 'normal' is worth the cost. As she grapples with new uniforms and unfamiliar classes, Tally's journey explores the true meaning of self-acceptance and friendship. Will she find the courage to embrace her identity, or will the pressure to conform overshadow her true self? Inspired by real experiences, this heartfelt tale delves into the complexities of growing up and finding one's place in the world.
Masterpiece
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 0–12 · 2023

Masterpiece

By Alexandra Hoffman, Beatriz Mello (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Incredible Kids series

A boy's unique vision transforms art class, teaching empathy and acceptance.

32 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 199 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum, sees the world differently. When tasked with creating art, his unique perspective reveals a masterpiece, challenging his classmates to embrace empathy and acceptance. As Samuel's vision unfolds, the class learns to celebrate diversity and the beauty of seeing the world through different eyes. Will they discover the true masterpiece within themselves?
Too Much!
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2023

Too Much!

By Jolene Gutiérrez, Angel Chang (Illustrator)

When the world overwhelms, find calm within the chaos.

32 pages· 216 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 534 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world that's too loud and bright, a sensitive child learns to find peace amidst sensory overload. Through gentle rhymes and vivid illustrations, discover how pausing and breathing can transform chaos into calm. This story offers hope and understanding for those navigating sensory challenges, providing young readers with tools to soothe their overstimulated minds. How will they find tranquility when everything feels too much?
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Browse by age

Autism Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about autism for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Why Johnny Doesn't Flap
Sale price
$1795

Why Johnny Doesn't Flap

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Explore 'normal' through an autistic lens as Johnny's quirks challenge perceptions.

A Day With No Words
Sale price
$1799

A Day With No Words

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Experience a day in the life of a nonverbal autistic family communicating without words.

Understanding Sam
Sale price
$1795

Understanding Sam

Ages 5–7 · 2008

A boy's world changes with an Asperger's diagnosis, revealing new challenges and support.

All My Stripes
Sale price
$1499

All My Stripes

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A young zebra learns to embrace his unique stripes, including his autism stripe, with his mother's help.

How to Build a Hug
Sale price
$1899

How to Build a Hug

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl who dislikes hugs invents a machine to feel embraced.

Too Sticky!
Sale price
$1799

Too Sticky!

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Can Holly overcome her fear of sticky slime in science class?

View all autism picture books
Browse by age

Autism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about autism for developing and independent readers.

Speak Up!
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

Speak Up!

Ages 8–12 · 2022

An autistic girl must decide if she'll reveal her secret identity to stand up to bullies and embrace her true self.

Like a Charm
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Like a Charm

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl discovers a hidden magical world and must stop sirens from seizing power.

Good Different
Sale price
$1899

Good Different

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl must embrace her uniqueness before her world unravels completely.

A Different Sort of Normal
Sale price
$1399

A Different Sort of Normal

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Discover one girl's journey navigating life without knowing she's autistic.

Simon Sort of Says
Sale price
$1699

Simon Sort of Says

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A boy seeks a fresh start in a town where the internet is banned, hoping to escape his past and find new stories to tell.

A Kind of Spark
Sale price
$799

A Kind of Spark

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl fights to honor forgotten witches in her town's dark past.

Superstar
Sale price
$1699

Superstar

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A boy navigates public school, bullies, and a science fair, discovering his true self along the way.

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
Sale price
$1699

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?

Ages 8–+ · 2022

Aurora's friend Frenchie vanishes, sparking a town-wide search. Can she find her voice to bring him back?

Chester and Gus
Sale price
$799

Chester and Gus

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A failed service dog and an autistic boy form an unexpected bond.

Do You Know Me?
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1799

Do You Know Me?

Ages 8–12 · 2020

An autistic girl faces friendship challenges on a week-long school trip away from home.

View all autism chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Books about feelings and emotionsBooks about making friendsBooks about problem solvingBooks about self-esteem