Books for PreK-5th Grade

Peers/Friendship

Books for PreK-5th GradeFamily FocusPeers/FriendshipInclusion/DiversityFor Individuals with Autism

These books explore autistic people and friendships. The books help readers to understand the characteristics of autism and how to be a supportive friend.

A Book About What Autism Can Be Like

Author: Sue Adams (Mother of children with autism)

Grade Levels: Grades Kindergarten -5

Short Summary:

Chris and Andrew are very good friends, but sometimes Chris does things that Andrew doesn't understand. Chris can hear a fly buzzing when it's a mile away! But he doesn't like bright flashing lights like the ones on Andrew's favorite arcade game. Chris and Andrew have lots of fun together, but at times they laugh at completely different things-it doesn't matter though, because everyone is different, and being different can be rather cool! Chris and Andrew are here to help people understand the experiences of a child with autism, and how others can help by understanding how they are different and recognizing their many unique talents. This fully illustrated book is targeted at boys and girls aged 5+ and serves as an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.

A Friend Like Simon

Author: Kate Gaynot

Grade Levels: Preschool-2nd grade

Short Summary:

This is a special education children's picture book that introduces autism. When an autistic child joins a mainstream school, many children can find it difficult to understand and cope with a student that is somewhat ‘different’ to them. This story encourages other children to be mindful and patient of the differences that exist and to also appreciate the positive contribution that an autistic child can make to the group.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Similarities and differences
  • Diversity
  • Inclusion
  • Friendship

A is for Autism, F is for Friend: A Kid’s Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism

Author: Joanna L. Keating-Velasco

Grade Levels: 2-6 grade

Short Summary:

Does your child understand that children with classic autism are just children who want friends? A is for Autism, F is for Friend: A Kid s Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism provides an inside look at the life of Chelsea, a young girl who has classic autism. In this book, Chelsea walks us through her day, including trips to the playground and park, and explains that although she sees other kids playing and wants to join them, social interaction can be tricky for her. In sharing some of her strengths and challenges, Chelsea compares them with issues that all kids face, highlighting the many things she and her schoolmates have in common. One of the goals of this book to is help typical children understand that they experience that, too! A is for Autism, F is for Friend provides an enjoyable, discussion-oriented format for teaching youth about autism.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Life experience of someone with autism
  • Making friends
  • Sensory differences
  • Communication differences

Supplemental Resources:

All About My Brother

Author: Sarah Peralta

Grade Levels: Preschool-2nd grade

Short Summary:

In this charming picture book, eight-year-old Sarah Peralta demystifies autism by giving us insights into the world of her younger brother, Evan, who is nonverbal. While Evan may not be interested in play dates like Sarah is, he loves to jump on his bed, twirl sticks, swim, and munch on potato chips. Through her simple depictions of Evan's everyday behavior, Sarah encourages others to approach autism without fear or pity. The effects of her book will live long beyond the last pages, as Sarah invites her young readers to share ideas on how to live with siblings or classmates who have autism spectrum disorder.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Friendship

Supplemental Resources:

All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism

Author: Shaina Rudolph

Grade Levels: Preschool-2nd grade

Short Summary:

This is the story of Zane, a zebra with autism, who worries that his differences make him stand out from his peers. Zane rushes home to tell his mother about problems he faced during his school day, and she reminds him that while others may only see his "autism stripe," he has stripes for honesty, caring, and much more.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Differences as a positive

Supplemental Resources:

Andy and His Yellow Frisbee

Author: Mary Thompson

Grade Levels: K-4th grade

Short Summary:

A heartwarming illustrated children’s book about Andy, a boy with autism. Like many children with autism, Andy has a fascination with objects in motion. It’s Andy’s special talent for spinning his Frisbee combined with a new classmate’s curiosity about his behavior that sets this story in motion. Rosie, the watchful and protective sister, supplies background on Andy and autism, as well as a sibling’s perspective.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Sibling perspective

Supplemental Resources:

Ann Drew Jackson

Author: Joan Clark

Grade Levels: Grades 4-6

Short Summary:

Do your students need to understand their peers with autism a bit better? Joan Clark's sequel to her popular book, Jackson Whole Wyoming, reintroduces us to Jackson Thomas, a fifth-grade boy on the spectrum. This time, we find Jackson in a new school, with new classmates. Hillary Branson, a spunky, independent classmate of Jackson tells the story from her perspective as the classmate assigned to complete a science project with Jackson. Hillary has a serious attitude problem and tends to lie; therefore, it comes as no surprise that when assigned to work with Jackson, she rebels in any way she can. As the story unfolds, the reader begins to understand Hillary's background and delight in how she and Jackson discover they have a lot more in common than they ever realized.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Peers
  • Changing schools

ASD Zoo of Kalamazoo

Author: Josie Santomauro (parent of a child with autism)

Grade Levels: Preschool

Short Summary:

The ASD Zoo of Kalamazoo is an illustrated, rhyming children s book that connects the characteristics of various zoo animals to the major social skills characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder. In the Kalamazoo Zoo there are a lot of animals that have ASD. The book demonstrates how these animals exhibit specific characteristics, eccentric behaviors and special needs. These animals with ASD handle their diagnosis, challenges and successes by learning to live in harmony with the other social and neuro-typical animals. The goal of this book is for children to recognize their own characteristics and learn how to capitalize on them or adapt for greater success in the social realm. This resource can be used with children and their peers to talk openly about diagnosis, challenges and differences when it comes to ASD. Professionals can also use the resource in schools or clinics.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Understanding autism and how it impacts the child
  • Socialization with peers
  • Rhyming

Can You See Me?

Author: Libby Scott (autistic) and Rebecca Westcott

Grade Levels: 3-6 grade

Short Summary:

Things Tally is dreading about sixth grade:

  • Being in classes without her best friends
  • New (scratchy) uniforms
  • Hiding her autism

Tally isn't ashamed of being autistic -- even if it complicates life sometimes, it's part of who she is. But this is her first year at Kingswood Academy, and her best friend, Layla, is the only one who knows. And while a lot of other people are uncomfortable around Tally, Layla has never been one of them . . . until now.

Something is different about sixth grade, and Tally now feels like she has to act "normal." But as Tally hides her true self, she starts to wonder what "normal" means after all and whether fitting in is really what matters most.

Inspired by young coauthor Libby Scott's own experiences with autism, this is an honest and moving middle-school story of friends, family, and finding one's place.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Self-awareness
  • Empathy
  • Middle school
  • Masking

Supplemental Resources:

Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes

Author: Jennifer Elder (mother of autistic son)

Grade Levels: Grades 3-7

Short Summary:

Different Like Me introduces children aged 8 to 12 years to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, math, literature, philosophy and comedy.

Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky to Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Banneker and Julia Bowman Robinson, among others. All excel in different fields but are united by the fact that they often found it difficult to fit in-just like Quinn.

Fully illustrated in color and written in child-friendly language, this book will be a wonderful resource for children, particularly children with autism, their parents, teachers, carers and siblings.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Diversity
  • Intelligence
  • Peers
  • Friendship

Do You Want to Play? Making Friends with an Autistic Kid

Author: Daniel Share-Strom

Grade Levels: Preschool-4th grade

Short Summary:

"Do you want to play?" That's what Jamie, with her favorite yellow truck, asks new kid Dylan, who only seems to want to line up his cars. Can Jamie make a friend before Mommy comes to take her home? A heartwarming story of learning about others and finding new ways to have fun. One of the most common issues for Autistic kids is friendship. Many other children's books on this subject often depict the neurotypical child as doing their Autistic pal a favor by befriending them, often forcing them to first change a part of themselves. Do You Want to Play? takes a different approach, showing us that autistic children are more than capable of making meaningful contributions to relationships and suggests how typical children can alter their own approach in order to foster a true connection.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Peers
  • Play
  • Relationships

Supplemental Resources:

Dragon and His Friend: A Dragon Book About Autism

Author: Steve Herman

Grade Levels: PK-2nd grade

Short Summary:

Having a pet dragon is so much fun!

You can teach him many things such as sit, roll over, and play…

You can teach him how to behave, how to be kind, how to control his emotions, and much more…

But what if your dragon has a new friend who has autism?

How do you explain autism to your dragon?

How do you help him understand that we’re all uniquely different, and we think, feel and experience the world differently?

How do you teach him that our differences can be helpful and get him to learn important lessons about patience, understanding and tolerance so we can best accommodate our differences?

Get this book now and learn how!

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Friendship
  • Differences

Supplemental Resources:

I Am Autism “in the classroom”

Author: Blake Carter Desiree

Grade Levels: ?

Short Summary:

Blake is a wonderful kid. He has both autism and ADHD and it makes daily life a whole lot different. The students in his class often don’t understand why he acts the way he does. Follow along with Blake as his classmates learn about his differences and finally begin to understand him, becoming one big classroom family.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Differences
  • Friendship

Jackson Whole Wyoming

Author: Joan Clark

Grade Levels: 2-6 grade

Short Summary:

His classmates have identified him as a friend of Jackson's, who has autism, and now Tyler is trying to understand what that means in terms of his own personality. Over the course of this highly readable and swift-moving middle-grade novel (2nd to 6th grade), Tyler realizes that Jackson is a true friend who has enriched his life. Other students get to know Jackson across the school year. The book celebrates individual differences in all people and fosters an environment or acceptance. Written by a speech-language pathologist who works with children with autism spectrum disorder, this novel belongs on the library shelf of any middle-grade classroom.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Social
  • Personal perspective
  • Friendship

Supplemental Resources:

Learning about Friendship: Stories to Support Social Skills Training in Children with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism

Author: Kay Al-Ghani

Grade Levels: Preschool-2nd grade

Short Summary:

Making friends can be a challenge for all children, but those with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) can struggle more than most. This collection of ten fully illustrated stories explores friendship issues encountered by children with ASD aged four to eight and looks at how they can be overcome successfully.

Key problem areas are addressed, including sharing, taking turns, being a tattletale, obsessions, winning and losing, jealousy, personal space, tact and diplomacy, and defining friendship. The lively and entertaining stories depersonalize issues, allowing children to see situations from the perspective of others and enabling them to recognize themselves in the characters. This opens the door to discussion, which in turn leads to useful insight and strategies they can practice and implement in the future. Each story has a separate introduction for adults which explains the main strategies within it.

This book will be a valuable resource for all parents and teachers of children with ASD, along with their friends and families, and anybody else looking to help children on the spectrum to understand, make and maintain friendships.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Sharing
  • Taking turns
  • Being a tattletale
  • Obsessions
  • Winning and losing
  • Jealousy
  • Personal space
  • Friendship

Supplemental Resources:

My Best Friend Will

Author: Jamie Lowell and Tara Tuchel

Grade Levels: 2nd and 3rd grades

Short Summary:

This stunning black-and-white photo journal chronicles the relationship between 11-year-old neurotypical Jamie and her friend Willie who has autism. The reader enters Willie’s world through Jamie’s eyes to witness events that unfold at school, at home, and at play. In the process, you will gain a rich understanding and appreciation of Willie’s many unique qualities and come to accept that they are all a part of who he is.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Friendship

Supplemental Resources:

My Friend Has Autism (Friends with Disabilities)

Author: Amanda Doering Tourville

Grade Levels: Kindergarten-3rd grade

Short Summary:

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!

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Friendship
  • Autism

Supplemental Resources:

My Friend with Autism

Author: Beverly Bishop Age Group &/or

Grade Levels: 1st-4th grade

Short Summary:

This book’s vivid illustrations and charming storyline will foster tolerance and understanding among peers, while the printable coloring pages will enlighten and engage learners!

My Friend with Autism is the exceptional result of parent Beverly Bishop’s determination to educate her son’s classmates about autism, thus helping her son fit in at school. A peer narrator explains that his friend with autism is good at some things and not so good at others―just like everyone else! In an informative, positive tone, he addresses issues such as:

  • Sensory Sensitivity
  • Communication Differences
  • Unique Ways of Playing
  • Insistence on Routine

At the end of the book are page-by-page notes for adults, which supplement the text with facts and explanations to further educate teachers and classmates’ parents.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Sensory
  • Communication
  • Play
  • Routines

Supplemental Resources:

Noah Chases the Wind

Author: Michelle Worthington

Grade Levels: Preschool-2nd grade

Short Summary:

Noah knew he was different. He could see things that others couldn't, like the patterns in the dust that floated down on sunbeams. Noah is different. He sees, hears, feels, and thinks in ways that other people don't always understand, and he asks a lot of questions along the way. Noah loves science, especially the weather. His books usually provide him with the answers he needs, until one day, there's one question they don't answer—and that is where Noah's windy adventure begins.

Filled with rich, sweeping illustrations, this picture book celebrates the inquisitive nature of all children, including those on the autism spectrum, who cannot stop asking a question until an answer has been unearthed.

The book contains a page of information for parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of helping children feel good about their differences and know that being different is okay.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Sensory
  • Inclusion
  • Special interest
  • Theory of mind

Supplemental Resources:

Oliver Onion: The Onion Who Learns to Accept and Be Himself

Author: Dianne Murrell

Grade Levels: Grade level 1-2

Short Summary:

Readers and listeners who have delighted in Diane Murrell's earlier picture book, Tobin Learns to Make Friends, will welcome her latest book written for and addressing some of the major issues faced by all children, but particularly so by those with autism spectrum disorders. Oliver the Onion doesn't like himself. But when he decides to try on the "look" of a tempting-looking orange, he soon realizes that he cannot run away from who he is but should instead celebrate his uniqueness. Oliver Onion is written for 4- to 10-year-olds but the colorful illustrations and heartfelt message will appeal to children and adults alike. A discussion guide helps teachers and others engage children in thoughtful exploration of the book.

His sensitive and heart-warming story emphasizes the importance of a strong sense of self and self-acceptance the very foundation upon which our children must develop. A great story to prepare our children for the challenges in today's diverse society.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Acceptance
  • Friendship

Supplemental Resources:

  • Students could journal “What makes me unique?” Create poems or draw a picture. “I like me because…”

Piggy

Author: Mireille Geus

Grade Levels: 5-8 grade

Short Summary:

The story of a young girl's struggle and ultimate victory over disability. Piggy (Big in the original Dutch), like Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, is told in the first person by an autistic child. Twelve-year-old Lizzy Bekell lives with her mother and attends a special school. Her nickname is Dizzy, which aptly describes the dreamy abstraction that overcomes her when she is faced with things she finds unpleasant or uncomfortable. She spends her free time waiting at the bus stop (without ever getting on a bus) or standing against a streetlamp and watching other children play. She is often teased and bullied. Lizzy's behavior feels familiar, like an exaggerated version of our own fears, and even her strangeness seems like a reasonable response to a threatening world. Everything changes, however, when she meets Abigail, a girl perfectly capable of standing up to other kids. Abigail sees in Lizzy an easy mark, someone so trusting that she can be easily manipulated. At the same time, Abigail, herself a lonely girl, hopes that Lizzy will be her friend. When Abigail comes up with a plan to wreak vengeance on the boys who've been teasing them, she finds it easy to make Lizzy an accomplice. Lizzy is soon faced with events that challenge her to overcome the closed, internal world of autism. How far can Lizzy allow herself to be manipulated before she stands up to Abigail?

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Bullying
  • Friendship

Quinn at School

Author: Rick Warren

Grade Levels: Preschool-2 grade

Short Summary:

Mom's Choice Award Winner! Early diagnosis and early intervention are both important factors in the lifelong success of those diagnosed. Quinn at School: Relating, Connecting, and Responding at School - A Book for Children Ages 3-7 is based on vignettes that reflect the hardships (interacting with classmates, greeting teachers, playground politics, art class, library visits, etc.) preschool and kindergarten children with social challenges face each school day. Many children, not just those with an autism spectrum disorder, have difficulty initiating or sustaining social contact, and this highly visual picture book helps children do just that using examples from environments and situations they are familiar with. In addition to being used as a lap book, Quinn at School comes with a free CD that includes the book in a digital PDF format, which allows children to advance the pages on a computer, keeping them highly engaged and making the resource doubly effective. For classroom use, the digital format may be converted for use with a Mimio whiteboard or SMART notebook system. A fun poster is included, making this a perfect educational tool to help young children with ASD learn that school can be fun!

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Friendship
  • Social challenges

Supplemental Resources:

  • Book comes with CD and poster

Rules

Author: Cynthia Lord (she has a son with autism)

Grade Levels: Grades 3-8

Short Summary:

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is nearly impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules, from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public," in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Friendship
  • Honesty
  • Acceptance
  • Diversity

Supplemental Resources:

Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book

Author: Celeste Shally

Grade Levels: Preschool-2 grade

Short Summary:

Matt’s autism doesn’t keep him from having fun! Even when he struggles in social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys love playing sports, watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. By working together, a best friend’s understanding and compassion change Matt’s frustration into excitement. No matter where they go—from the basketball court to the playground swings to the neighborhood pool—the two friends enjoy spending time with each other.

David Harrington’s bright illustrations delightfully compliment Celeste Shally’s sweet and touching story of friendship. This book is the perfect guide for parents and children to better understand people with autism spectrum disorders.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Social
  • Families

Supplemental Resources:

The Kaleidoscope Kid

Author: Elaine Marie Larson

Grade Levels: Preschool-4 grade

Short Summary:

The Kaleidoscope Kid is written for children with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism to remind them of their many special gifts. Children on the autism spectrum possess a kaleidoscope of intellectual strengths and unique personality traits. Their outlook and creative ways are as variable and colorful as the view through a kaleidoscope. Written in light verse and illustrated in bold, colorful and entertaining illustrations, The Kaleidoscope Kid draws the reader to the book with the colorful, bold design of its cover. The interesting illustrations inside provide a vivid backdrop for the poetry. The book touches on subjects familiar and dear to children including pets and friends and a few of kids favorite things like dinosaurs, holidays, and summer vacations. The reader is reminded that those with Aspergers syndrome and high-functioning autism can proudly acknowledge to themselves that they are excellent, special and one-of-a-kind individuals. They are usually truthful, helpful and dependable. The book is an expansion on Elaine Marie Larson s first book, I Am Utterly Unique, an ABC book on the positive traits exhibited by children on the autism spectrum for children ages 4-10. The Kaleidoscope Kid can be enjoyed by children in this younger group, but entertains and educates readers of all ages through light verse.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Special interests
  • Pets
  • Friends
  • Holidays
  • Summer vacations

Supplemental Resources:

  • May want to start with the book I Am Utterly Unique
  • Have students write poems about their own special interest

Trainman: Gaining Acceptance and Friends Through Special Interests

Author: Stefan Kavan

Grade Levels: 3-7 grade

Short Summary:

In this warmly illustrated children's book, we meet Stefan, who has a deep interest in trains, roads, and maps. At first, Stefan's near-exclusive interest in transportation-related topics isolated him from other kids, but his parents and teachers helped turn his unique talents into an asset. His classmates now respect Stefan for his vast knowledge and have come to recognize that he is more like them than different. This book is an ideal addition to any autism awareness program at the elementary level.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Special interests
  • Autism
  • Acceptance

Tully and Me: A Story about Differences, Understanding and Friendship

Author: Keeley Shaw

Grade Levels: Preschool-6th grade

Short Summary:

"A smile feels the same on the inside."Tully and Me explores a friendship built on differences and understanding. Tully represents an individual affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. The unique characteristics associated with Autism are portrayed including an affinity for counting and order, and a love for visual stimulation. Whimsical watercolor illustrations help to showcase a unique friendship that is nurtured through adversity and understanding. Tully and Me explores a world where our differences and the universal language of a smile bring us together. Everyone who enjoyed The Dot by Peter Reynolds, We're amazing 1,2,3 by Leslie Kimmelman and Marybeth Nelson, and I'm Like You, You're Like Me by Cindy Gainer will enjoy this read as well! This book is an excellent teaching tool for lessons on diversity, Autism, individuals with special needs, and accepting and curating friendships with people who are different. As well, it is a beautiful story for families to share. This picture book is appropriate for children and adults of all ages.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Diversity
  • Friendship
  • Autism
  • Special needs

Supplemental Resources:

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome

Author: Clarabelle Van Niekerk

Grade Levels: Kindergarten –2 grade

Short Summary:

Answering the question Why is Sam different?, this heartwarming story tells of the challenges of living with Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism. This firsthand view of the life of an undiagnosed child presents behaviors and characteristics that are common among children with this disorder. 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. With endearing illustrations, the book includes 10 helpful tips geared toward children, showing them how to respect and accept differences as well as to interact with a classmate or friend with Asperger Syndrome.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Sensory
  • Differences

Supplemental Resources:

We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3! (Sesame Street)

Author: Leslie Kimmelman

Grade Levels: Preschool-3rd grade

Short Summary:

This story stars Elmo, Abby, and their friend Julia, who has autism. Together, the three pals have a delightful playdate.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Friendship
  • Sensory

Supplemental Resources:

Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears?

Author: Jennifer Veenendall

Grade Levels: Preschool-2nd grade

Short Summary:

Meet Izzy, a feisty first grader, whose behavior is often misunderstood as she tries to cope with sensory overload in her new surroundings. This brightly illustrated book creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. It's a great resource for occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to share with children. Resources for adults at the end of the book include definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites.

Themes/Topics Covered:

  • Autism
  • Sensory
  • Behaviors
  • Friendship
  • Acceptance

Supplemental Resources: