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These titles will introduce students to the term "neurodiversity." Neurodiversity refers to a variant in mental functioning which includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, speech difficulties, and anxiety disorders (OED, 2019). This is a complex term so students should be introduced to this idea as a difference in how someone's brain works, which will then impact how they think as well as their behavior. Introducing students to this topic while young will teach students empathy and understanding as well as reduce the stigma surrounding learning differences.

Reference:
Oxford English Dictionary. (2019). Neurodiversity. https://www-oed-com.libproxy.albany.edu/view/Entry/79612950?redirectedFrom=neurodiversity#eid

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What does it mean to be normal?

What does it mean to be neurodivergent?

How can I be a good friend to someone who thinks and learns in a different way than I do?

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Activity 1: The Girl Who Thinks in Pictures by Julian Finley Mosca

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Activity 1: The Girl Who Thinks in Pictures by Julian Finley Mosca

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*Please click on the image to enlarge

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Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

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Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

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Finley-Mosca, J. (2017). The Girl Who Thought in Pictures (D. Rieley Illus.). The Innovation Press.

This biography tells of the challenges and successes of famed animal scientist Temple Grandin. As someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Grandin shares how she sees the world differently and how this helped her to create the innovative designs to humanely herd cattle which made her famous. This title challenges what it means to be normal which can be summed up in the quote "Different, not less" (Finley-Mosca, 2017).

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I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas

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I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas

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Thomas, P. (2014). I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism. B.E.S. Publishing.

"Do you know what it feels like to be worried or nervous or scared or to feel different than other people? (Thomas, 2014).
This is the opening sentence of this title. This book discusses the challenges faced by those with autism and accompanies them with discussion questions for students to make connections with their own lives, encouraging empathy and understanding.
This title not only discusses these challenges, but also covers how the brain functions differently which which causes differences in behavior or, for example, difficulty discerning the emotions of others.

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Schuh, M. (2021). My Life with ADHD. Amicus Publishing.

This book is part of series "My Life With" which explains what it is like to live with a disability. This title is biographical and explains the experiences of Annabelle, who has ADHD. This title explains what ADHD is and how this impacts Annabelle's life while still making the content relatable for any child. For example, Annabelle explains that she loves to travel, but needs a little extra help from her mom while packing because she struggles with organizing and planning.

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My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete

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My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete

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Peete, H.R. (2010). My Brother Charlie. Scholastic.

In this  book, a young girl Callie, discusses the reality of having a sibling with autism, such as when his behavior "ruins" playdates or he will not speak to her. She also describes the incredible traits her brother has. She describes how intelligent he is, how he cares for her when she is hurt, and how he shows her he loves her with his eyes, even if he does not verbally say it. This book explains the behavior of children with autsim, such as the want to be alone, while also describing the need to accept these traits, since these traits are not negative, but rather make Charlie who he is.

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This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill

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This Beach is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill

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Cotterill, S. (2019). This beach is loud!, Dial Books.

This book tells the story of a young boy so excited for a day at the beach. On the way there he excitedly spews facts about  the beach and the sea creatures who call it home. Once he arrives, however, the boy realizes how busy the beach is and experiences a sensory overload from all of the loud noises and uncomfortable feelings like the hot, rough sand. His father helps to soothe him using tactics such as deep breathing and tapping. The boy is ultimately able to enjoy his day at the beach even asking on the way home when they can return. What started as an overwhelming experience turned into a great day of fun as a result of the support of his dad.

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Cook, J. (2005). My Mouth is a Volcano. National Center for Youth Issues.

This book describes the experiences of a child who has trouble with impulse control. The thoughts in his head feel like a volcano inside himself that he needs to get out or he feels he will explode. He describes how he does not intend to interrupt, but simply feels like he has to. He describes how confused and upset he feels when he is placed in time-out or punished for interrupting. He learns and practices breathing exercises to help him control these impulses and wait his turn in the conversation to speak. This title is a great window for children to understand others in class who may seemingly interrupt for no apparent reason.

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The Map Challenge: A Book About Dyslexia by Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway

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The Map Challenge: A Book About Dyslexia by Dr. Tracy Packiam Alloway

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Alloway, T.P. (2019). The Map Challenge: A Book About Dyslexia. QEB Publishing.

Sammy is tasked with navigating during the map challenge at Scout Camp. Sammy has dyslexia and struggles to read the map, sending the group in wrong directions. The other children tease him and ultimately Sammy is replaced as navigator. When the map flies away in the wind, the group fears being lost in the woods, but Sammy saves the day by using his photographic memory to retrace the group's steps and lead them back to camp.

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Lord, C. (2008). Rules. Scholastic Inc.
Catherine is a twelve year old girl who helps her parents care for her younger brother David, who has autism. She dedicates much of her life to caring for David, attending his occupational therapy appointments twice a week and creating "rules" to help David navigate social situations, such as "You can yell at the playground, but not at the dinner table."
While attending occupational therapy with David, she meets Jason, a boy her age who is in a wheel chair and is non-verbal. As Catherine and Jason's friendship grows, Catherine struggles to navigate the fear of being bullied or judged by the "cool" kids who attend their school for their friendship. This novel follows Catherine as she navigates creating her own identity while also caring for David.

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*Please click on the image to enlarge

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Clea is a motivated young girl, decent student, member of the chess team, and always making lists to keep her life in order. That is, until seventh grade when Clea begins experiencing issues focusing, her thoughts jumbling in her brain. This ultimately impacts her schoolwork, eligibility for the chess team, and even relationships with friends as she struggles with outbursts. Eventually Clea is diagnosed with ADHD and begins a journey to self-acceptance and discovering tactics to help her complete daily tasks. This novel exposes the reader to the daily challenges faced by those with ADHD while also informing them of the specifics of ADHD as Clea learns these specifics herself during appointments with her therapist.

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Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT is Okay! by Clay & Gail Morton

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Why Johnny Doesn't Flap: NT is Okay! by Clay & Gail Morton

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C, Morton; G, Morton. (2015). Why Johnny Doesn't Flap:NT is Okay! Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

This book is told from the perspective of how neurotypical people tend to view those who are neurodivergent. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy with autism who describes his neurotypical friend Johnny. He remarks how Johnny does not follow a consistent schedule and looks directly in his eyes when speaking. Although he finds Johnny's behavior odd, he states that this is okay and that they can still be friends. He describes Johnny as having "quirks" that are frustrating and difficult to understand. This is a poignant book which emphasizes that there is no such thing as normal and we all require understanding.

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Telgemeir, R. (2019). Guts. Scholastic.
Guts follows Raina from fourth to fifth grade as she begins experiencing constant nerves and nausea. Raina is unaware what is wrong with her and attempts to navigate school, bullies, and growing up with the constant worry that she will puke at a moments notice. The assignment of a presentation is enough to cause a panic attack and eventually Raina begins attending therapy and realizes she has an anxiety disorder. This title follows Raina on her journey to self acceptance while navigating the angst and fear of rejection associated with growing up.
This novel is very relatable considering everyone experiences anxiety to some degree. Guts also includes tactics to alleviate anxiety that the reader can use for themselves. The relatability of this title makes it a great one to make students aware of the challenges faced by those with an anxiety disorder as well as an opportunity for neurotypical students to practice empathy.

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Autistic Legends Alphabet by Beck Feiner

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Autistic Legends Alphabet by Beck Feiner

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Feiner, B. (2021). Autistic Legends Alphabet. Alphabet Legends.

This book highlights notable figures who have autism and who have made an impact on the world in some way. The book names a figure for each letter and describes how their different view of the world helped them to ultimately achieve great things. For example, a page is dedicated to Greta Tunberg, who is an iconic voice for Environmental Activism and Climate Change Awareness. Greta has Asperger's and describes how this has helped her to stay extremely focused on the climate issues at hand by being able to eliminate other distractions.

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Wilma Jean and the Worry Machine by Julia Cook

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Wilma Jean and the Worry Machine by Julia Cook

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Cook, Julia. (2011). Wilma Jean and the Worry Machine. National Center for Youth Issues.

Wilma Jean is an elementary school student with an anxiety disorder. She worries about just about everything from forgetting how to spell on the spelling test to being forced by the lunch lady to eat buttered carrots at lunch. Her worries are always unfounded, she gets an A on the test and there is corn for lunch, but yet her anxiety is so severe, she gets physically sick. She calls this the "Worry Flu." With the help of the adults in her life, her parents, teachers, and doctor, Wilma Jean learns tactics and is given accommodations, such as more time to complete tests, to help her feel more in control of these worries.

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The Boy with the Butterfly Mind by Victoria Williamson

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The Boy with the Butterfly Mind by Victoria Williamson

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Williamson, V. (2019). The Boy with the Butterfly Mind. Floris Books.

Eleven year old Jaimie struggles with ADHD, his mind flitting from one thought to another. He struggles with making friends as well as staying out of trouble, so much so that he is forced to live with his father. He is the polar opposite of picture perfect Elin. She strives for this perfection with the belief if she acts perfect enough, her parents will get back together. The two, however, strike up a friendship and realize they have more in common than they ever thought. This book explores family dynamics, the idea of perfection, and what it means to be normal.

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Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You by Barthe Declements

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Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You by Barthe Declements

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Declements, B. (2008). Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You. Puffin Books.

Helen is a popular and well-liked student, but acts out due to her difficulties reading. She is constantly committing pranks, like tying strategically placed string to trip her teacher to distract from her struggles reading aloud. When a teacher realizes these difficulties and recommends a special education course, Helen is extremely reluctant and afraid of the judgement and potential social rejection by her peers. This is bolstered by her mother's denial of her daughter's dyslexia and the fact that she requires extra assistance. With encouragement from her father, Helen attends the classes and realizes that she is not stupid as she had originally thought, but simply needed a little help to achieve what she has always been capable of.

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Stanley Will Probably be Fine by Sally J. Pla

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Stanley Will Probably be Fine by Sally J. Pla

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Play, S.J. (2019). Stanley Will Probably be Fine. HarperCollins.

Stanley is a middle schooler with anxiety and a sensory-processing disorder, which presents challenges in his day-to-day life. When a lockdown drill causes a panic attack, the school counselor creates him a Ready Room where he can go when school is too overwhelming. It's here that Stanley creates his own comic book starring John Lockdown. Throughout the graphic novel, Stanley reminds himself to emulate the bravery of John Lockdown to combat the worries of middle school and drifting away from his best friend. When his neighbor signs them up for a Comic Trivia Quest which will take them throughout the city, Stanley learns how to calm himself and quiet his worries to redefine what it means to be brave, since bravery is not exclusive to superheroes.
This book is the main text not only because it is a graphic novel and fun read but it gives a nuanced and realistic look into the experience of a neurodivergent learner. Throughout the novel, the daily impacts of his anxiety and sensory disorder are exemplified, sounds are overwhelming and constant worries plague his mind. This novel also gives a great example of how to be a friend to a neurodivergent learner. His neighbor Liberty encourages Stanley to pursue his interests, such as the Comic Trivia Quest, and supports him through his anxieties. This novel also challenges normalcy as in the beginning, Stanley is constantly told by his friend to "be normal." By the end of the novel, however, Stanley accepts who he is and realizes there is no such thing as "normal."

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Raby, M. (2019). My Brother Otto. Gibbs Smith Publisher.

Piper the crow describes her brother Otto who is on the Autism Spectrum. She describes her brother, including the fact that he wears yellow sweatpants and a yellow t-shirt everyday and will be extremely upset if he is told to wear something else. Otto is also nonverbal, so he uses a tablet to, for example, tell a waitress his order. Although Piper describes the ways her brother acts differently than her, she emphasizes that ultimately Otto loves to play, learn, and have friends, just like everyone else.

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Steig, W. (2009). Amos & Boris. Square Fish.
Amos the mouse decides to build a boat and sail the seas. Here he meets Boris the whale and the two become an unlikely pair of friends. The two bond over their differences and ultimately grow to appreciate what makes the other so unique. Each individually experiences struggles throughout the book but the other is always there to lend a helping hand.
While this book does not explicitly relate to or mention the topic of neurodiversity, this book could be a tool to aid in a discussion regarding what is normal. Both animals are considered to be a mammal, yet for Amos it is normal to scurry on land, while a typical day for Boris involves swimming throughout the ocean. As a land and sea mammal, the two experience and view the world differently, much like neurodivergent and neurotypical learners. Normality is relative. It was somewhat difficult to find a title related to neurodiversity, which may be an indicator that the text list should be updated to ensure mirrors for all learners.

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Davis, M. (2019). Superstar. Harper Collins Publisher.

David has been homeschooled all his life, that is until he enters public school in fifth grade. David has autism and finds the school environment, such as the cafeteria, extremely overwhelming. Not to mention, David experiences bullying as well. He feels as if no one, not the teachers or other students understand him. In an attempt to fit in, David sets out to find his "thing" and sets his sights on the science fair. David has always loved space, his late father was an astronaut who passed away in a shuttle accident. This book offers great insight into the perspective of a neurodivergent learner who does not feel like they belong.

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Autism Detective: Investigating What Autism Means to You by Elaine Brownless

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Autism Detective: Investigating What Autism Means to You by Elaine Brownless

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Brownless, E. (2021) Investigating What Autism Means to You. Jessica Kingsley Publisher.

This book is set to be released May of 2021. It is an interactive story in which the protagonists Kit and Scully are tasked with the mission to learn about autism. They accomplish this by interviewing six children and based upon what they and the reader have learned from the book about autism, the reader must deduce which child is on the autism spectrum. This book not only teaches children how a brain with autism functions and the impact this has on behavior, but students must put into practice what they have learned by listening to six children's experiences and identifying which student expresses behaviors described in the book. Students will hear from children with autism about their experiences, helping the reader to better understand how these learners think and experience life in a different way than a neurotypical child, as well as the challenges they face as a result.

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