We've tripped through one website and another, collecting a list of books... books about people with special needs... books with brave, stubborn, strong, resilient, cheeky, loving and confident characters, who also have a disability.
These were resourced from various websites. We've not read them. We're not certain on age specifics, and sometimes, the disability is not named.
We've put them into categories, though some of them cross over a few categories, just like Dexter. We sorted them as: cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, vision and hearing impairments, autism/Aspergers, wheelchairs, limb differences and 'various'. This post contains the books relating to autism and Aspergers.
To go to the books with the other books, click on the links:
cerebral palsy
vision and hearing impairments
Down syndrome
wheelchairs
various (muscular dystrophy, facial deformity, ADHD)
and limb differences
Feel free to let us know of other great books out there.
This engaging book is an ideal, gentle introduction to the world of Asperger Syndrome (AS). Drawing inspiration from the feline world, its delightful colour photographs of cats bring to life familiar characteristics such as sensitive hearing, scampering at the first sign of being stroked, and particular eating habits. Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes the difficulties and joys of raising a child who is different and leaves the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality, and potential of people with Asperger Syndrome.
It isn't easy being eight years old and having an older brother whom other children often misunderstand. They don't realize that when he doesn't laugh at their jokes it's because he doesn't understand them. They don't know that when he doesn't speak to them or look at them it's because he doesn't know what to say or how to make eye contact. They don't realize that he behaves this way because he has something called Asperger's Syndrome.
Sam knows that his brother Eric is different from him because his brain works differently. So, when the other children bully Eric, it makes Sam feel protective of him. But sometimes, when Eric behaves oddly, Sam feels embarrassed too. Sometimes, when Eric gets lots of attention, it makes Sam feel resentful - then, when he considers that Eric needs a lot of help and attention, it makes Sam feel guilty for feeling resentful. There are so many different feelings Sam experiences!
Brotherly Feelings explores the emotions that siblings of children with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) commonly experience.
Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon was killed in a school shooting, and Caitlin's dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure--and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be so black and white after all.
The sensitively written Let's Talk About It Books encourage preschool-age and early-grades children to explore their feelings, deal with problems that trouble them, and understand others who have problems of their own. Each title speaks to a particular concern that children might encounter in the course of growing up.
Written by a mother of a child with autism and beautifully illustrated in full colour, this book explains the behaviour of a child with autism in terms that young siblings will be able to understand, enabling them to deal both practically and emotionally with their brother/sister.
This book is aimed at younger siblings aged 4-7.
Sammy does not go to school with his older brother. Sammy has to go to school on a special bus. They cannot play in the park together. Sammy lies under the tree and watches the leaves. They are constantly at cross purposes because Sammy is autistic and does not know how to be a 'normal brother.' Then one day the older brother realises that he should not demand everything on his own terms and that Sammy's way of doing things may not be so bad. This moving book realistically portrays life with an autistic child in the family. It does not promise any simple solution but reminds us all that understanding and compromise are vital ingredients in a good relationship.
A sister's eye view of the joys and pitfalls of having a brother who has autism. Although aimed firstly at children aged 4-7, children of all ages will enjoy this book.
by K Evans and J Swogger
Growing up with a parent on the autistic spectrum can be difficult, and children may often feel confused and worried by the fact that their parent is so different to others. This positive book takes an honest look at how Asperger Syndrome can affect a family when a parent is on the spectrum, and reassures young people that it's ok to have a mum or dad who is different. Following the story of Sophie and Daniel whose dad, Mark, has Asperger Syndrome, the book reveals the family's journey from initial diagnosis to gradual acceptance of the fact that there is 'something different about Dad'. Sophie and Daniel learn the reasons behind their dad's problems with communication, his social and emotional difficulties, and the issues caused by his inflexibility of thought, sensory and motor skills, and anxiety. They also come to recognise his positive attributes, including his loyalty, punctuality, ability to help with homework for hours on end - even his detailed knowledge of car engines that has saved day trips and outings from breakdown disaster! The warm, funny story emphasises how love within a family can overcome all difficulties, looking at sensitive issues in a lighthearted yet reassuring manner. This heartwarming and realistic story is a must for all families with an AS parent.
by Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057.
He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.
This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years.
Ted and Kat watched their cousin Salim board the London Eye, but after half an hour it landed and everyone trooped off—except Salim. Where could he have gone? How on earth could he have disappeared into thin air? Ted and his older sister, Kat, become sleuthing partners, since the police are having no luck. Despite their prickly relationship, they overcome their differences to follow a trail of clues across London in a desperate bid to find their cousin. And ultimately it comes down to Ted, whose brain works in its own very unique way, to find the key to the mystery.
This is an unput-downable spine-tingling thriller—a race against time.