Explore these junior fiction picks that feature characters on the Autism-Asperger’s Spectrum.

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

In this uplifting story by the author of the Baby-Sitters Club series, a misunderstood 11-year-old with Asperger’s must break out of her comforting routines to go on an epic quest to find her lost dog.

 

 

Rules by Cynthia Lord

A story about what it’s like to be the sibling of a child with autism, 12-year-old Catherine struggles to teach her autistic brother rules about how to behave in public. But when Catherine meets new friends one summer, she is forced to reconsider what is “normal” after all.

 

 

Mockingbird by Katheryn Erskine

In this sensitive story about grief and hope, Caitlin, a ten-year-old with Asperger’s, must approach new friendships as a way to cope after her brother is killed in a tragic attack. It provides thoughtful insight into the main character’s “black and white” thinking style, and deals gracefully with difficult subject matter.

 

 

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

In this heartwarming book about being an outsider, Willow is a 12-year-old with Asperger’s and a certified genius, but can’t seem to connect with others. When she loses both her parents in an accident she must overcome her grief and reach out to triumphantly form her own surrogate family.

 

 

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

This is a fun and funny piece of historical fiction that will amuse kids and adults alike, b it’s also a reminder of how autism was not acknowledged in the 1930s. In order to prevent his autistic sister Natalie from becoming institutionalized and get her accepted into school, Moose Flanagan must enlist the help of one of Alcatraz’s most famous inmates.