This is the book that has been missing from my classroom library! Sharing this book with elementary aged kids is an absolute must-as a way to teach about neurodiversity and celebrate and understand the gift of autism in one’s self or others! It is both incredibly heartwarming and informative!

After reading it I felt like I had received a warm hug along with renewed energy to create spaces that ensure people of all neurotypes feel safe, included, supported, and celebrated! The author even provides specific examples of ways to create this space and she provides the terminology to give the language to the readers to feel better versed in sharing and understanding their own or others’ experiences with autism. The author achieves sharing all of this information while sharing about 3 diverse characters’ experiences-characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and who might remind you of children with autism you already know and adore in your own life.

I wish for all people to read this book! We would have a much more inclusive and loving world for all if everyone read it!

As someone who works with autistic children, this was so insightful. I could see this book in any classroom library, helping students understand their differences. The glossary was an excellent touch, and I appreciate that the book didn't "water down" any of the vocabulary.

This was such a lovely and affirming read!! I found it to be such a needed, joyous celebration of what it means to be autistic- and a vital message that whatever our neurotype, our brains and personalities are needed and should be celebrated as they are.

The characters and lived experiences in this book are diverse which is very appreciated- there is no one way to ‘look’ or ‘seem’ autistic. I especially liked the section of the book that covered the different ways that different autistic people might communicate (eg signing, AAC, echolalia). The section on meltdowns, shutdowns and self regulation tools was also a real highlight.

This is a book that is so needed at this time, especially given the climate and discourse that autistic children and adults are unfortunately having to witness and live through. This book communicates clear and factual information in a neuroaffirming way- at a time when neurodivergent families really need this sort of media to be available. The author’s lived experience and love for the autistic community shines through.

Thank you very much to Free Spirit Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy!