ADHD
Age 0-3
Unstoppable Me, Susan Verde
Boundless energy, no desire to sit still, on the go! This positive portrayal of a child with hyperactivity celebrates the exuberance and enthusiasm that can come along with ADHD or other reasons some kids just seem to have an endless motor.
Age 7-11
Focused, Alyson Gerber
Middle-schooler Clea's inattention catches up to her as school and extracurriculars become more challenging. When she's diagnosed with ADHD, a lot of things fall into place for her.
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Age 3-5
My Brother is Autistic, Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
This book describes an autistic child from his brother's point of view. It talks about ways autistic kids can be helped and how they can better relate to their family and surroundings.
Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism and Its Gifts, Julia Cook
This book tells us about Zak, a boy with autism.
A Friend Like Simon, Kate Gaynot
A special educational book to help introduce children to autism.
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism, Shaina Rudolph
Story of Zane, a zebra with autism, who worries that his differences make him stand out from his peers. With careful guidance from his mother, Zane learns that autism is only one of many qualities that make him special.
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism, Laurie Lears
About a sister who takes a walk with her brother who has autism and how he sees the world different than she does.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin, Julia Finley Mosca
When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet she did just that. Her unique mind saw her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!
My Friend Has Autism, Amanda Doering Tourville
My friend Zack has a disability called autism. But that doesn’t matter to us. We talk about airplanes, build models, and enjoy hanging out at each other’s house. I’m glad Zack is my friend!
The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism, Julie L. Coe
Mackenzie loves to make new friends, and she's very excited when she finds out there is a new boy at school named Dylan. But when her attempts at befriending him fail, she goes to her mother for advice. Together they determine to solve this “friendship puzzle.”
Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears, Jennifer Veenendall
About Izzy, a feisty first grader, whose behavior is often misunderstood as she tries to cope with sensory overload in her new surroundings.
Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome, Clarabelle van Niekerk
Sam doesn't like his pancakes to touch, his sister is annoyed with his repetitive song, and his new coat hurts his skin, but once he is diagnosed, teamwork-based support helps Sam's life become a little easier.
Age 5-7
Leah's Voice, Lori Demonia
About two sisters facing the challenges and difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs, such as autism.
Waiting For Benjamin: A Story about Autism, Alexandra Jessup Altman
About a boy named Benjamin and how his family learns that he has autism. When they learn this, they hire special teachers to teach him how to listen and talk and play.
A Boy Called Bat, Elana K. Arnold
A story about a boy and the skunk who becomes his best friend, A Boy Called Bat is the first book in a series about a boy on the spectrum.
My Brother Charlie, Holly Robinson Peete
This story is about Charlie, a young boy with autism, tol through the eyes of his older sister.
Can you see me?, Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
With diary entries written by eleven-year-old Libby Scott, based on her own experiences of autism, this pioneering book, written in collaboration with esteemed author Rebecca Westcott, has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of autism.
Spaghetti Is Not a Finger Food, Jodi Carmichael
Connor knew a lot. He knew that Mrs. Winters did not like to be interrupted, but he was sure she would appreciate his fact-finding methods. One day Connor turned out to be the only one who could save the school from a dog-caused Code Yellow!
Age 7-11
Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! Sarah Kapit
Because of her autism, Vivy's parents and teachers constantly underestimate her. But Ivy knows she throws a mean knuckleball and she wants to prove how well she can do on her local boys' baseball team. This novel weaves Vivy's Jewish identity into the storyline beautifully - and is also a book about agency, friendship and how to stand up to ableism and discrimination.
Age 11-14
The Asperkid's (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens with Asperger Syndrome, Jennifer Cook O’Toole
Being a teen or tween isn't easy for anyone but it can be especially tough for Asperkids. This book is a top secret guide to all of the hidden social rules in life that often seem strange and confusing to young people with Asperger syndrome.
Dyslexia & Dyscalculia
Age 3-5
The Alphabet War, Diane Burton Robb and Gail Piazza
A realistic depiction of the long, slow process that leads to Adam’s eventual success as a reader. He sees “p” as “q” and “b” as “d” … and Adam would rather play with clay than read. His teacher wants him to practice, and so begins the alphabet war.
Age 5-7
Tom's Special Talent, Kate Gaynor
Tom isn’t sure if he has any talents at all when he sees how good his friends are at writing and reading. But a school competition soon helps him to find his own very special talent!
Thank You, Mr. Falker, Patricia Polacco
About a girl named Trisha who realizes that the letters get jumbled when she tries to read! Her teacher, Mr. Falker sees this and helps her prove to herself that she can read and will!
Other
Age 3-5
Lemon the Duck, Laura Backman
A story about a duck that was born with Neurological issues and is taken care of by a classroom of students. They learn through caring for Lemon the duck about acceptance, love, and how extra special care can go a long way!
Age 7-11
The Goldfish Boy, Lisa Thompson
Twelve-year-old Matthew is trapped in his bedroom by crippling OCD, spending most of his time staring out of his window as the inhabitants of Chestnut Close go about their business. Until the day he is the last person to see his next door neighbour's toddler, Teddy, before he goes missing. Matthew must turn detective and unravel the mystery of Teddy's disappearance - with the help of a brilliant cast of supporting characters. Mature themes of death, loss and guilt means this is more suited to readers aged 9+.