Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an autistic person and mother of an autistic child and a huge part of my book-loving life is finding characters like us. Up until the last few years that’s not been easy, but this lack of fair representation has driven me to seek out books that shine a spotlight on neurodivergent children, smashing stereotypes and harmful notions that continue to be promoted and adored via mainstream media. Recommending books that portray neurodivergent characters in a way that does more harm than good and reinforces the stigma and treatment of neurodivergent people in real life, so I use my platform to talk about the right books telling the right stories. 


I wrote

All the Small Wonderful Things

By Kate Foster,

Book cover of All the Small Wonderful Things

What is my book about?

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Someday Birds

Kate Foster Why did I love this book?

The Someday Birds was an absolute page-turner for me.

The author draws you immediately into the main character, Charlie’s, head and keeps you there in the most delightful way with writing that is beautifully lyrical and immersive. To some, on the outside, the plot may seem quiet, but it is explosive and loud to Charlie. That is what matters and makes this book such a clever and accurate representation of an autistic brain.

It’s also a wonderfully balanced portrayal, not shying away from the everyday struggles autistic people often battle through, but also the purity and joy they can experience if allowed. 

By Sally J. Pla, Julie McLaughlin (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Someday Birds as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

The Someday Birds is a debut middle grade novel perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree, filled with humor, heart, and chicken nuggets. Charlie's perfectly ordinary life has been unraveling ever since his war journalist father was injured in Afghanistan. When his father heads from California to Virginia for medical treatment, Charlie reluctantly travels cross-country with his boy-crazy sister, unruly brothers, and a mysterious new family friend. He decides that if he can spot all the birds that he and his father were hoping to see someday along the way, then everything might just turn…


Book cover of Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!

Kate Foster Why did I love this book?

Oh, where to start with this one! I adored this story about a baseball-loving autistic girl.

The voice is so real, and the characterization dismantles so many stereotypes, at the same time as celebrating sport and kids in pursuit of their dreams. I loved how the author allowed us to understand a parent’s concern and worry about their autistic child, but this was balanced perfectly with Vivy’s courage, passion, and determination as she drives the story forward.

It’s smart and fun, endearing and utterly charming. 

By Sarah Kapit,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

In this perfectly pitched novel-in-letters, autistic eleven-year-old Vivy Cohen won't let anything stop her from playing baseball--not when she has a major-league star as her pen pal.

Vivy Cohen is determined. She's had enough of playing catch in the park. She's ready to pitch for a real baseball team.

But Vivy's mom is worried about Vivy being the only girl on the team, and the only autistic kid. She wants Vivy to forget about pitching, but Vivy won't give up. When her social skills teacher makes her write a letter to someone, Vivy knows exactly who to choose: her hero,…


Book cover of Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star

Kate Foster Why did I love this book?

Cosima Unfortunate is a remarkable historical mystery packed full of adventure that centers a group of girls, disabled or different in some way, who are sent away, or taken by force, to live and learn in a rather unpleasant school, but who together embark upon a daring heist.

It has all the markings of a future classic, and thankfully is also the start of a series. Though the main character is physically disabled, I’ve chosen this book because some of the supporting characters are neurodivergent and are portrayed accurately and sensitively and play essential roles in the plot. Each girl is feisty and determined, brilliant and brave, and shine when allowed to be themselves.

By Laura Noakes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Meet Cosima Unfortunate, and prepare to go on the adventure of a lifetime . . . A breathtaking tale of mystery, family and friendship from a phenomenal new voice, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Tamzin Merchant, Hana Tooke and Robin Stevens.

'Gorgeous and powerfully inclusive...' Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

Cosima has spent all her life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls, along with her best friends: Pearl, Mary and Diya. Cos longs for a real home and a real family. But when Cos finds out that famed explorer Lord Francis Fitzroy is planning to adopt them, she and…


Book cover of The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks

Kate Foster Why did I love this book?

A boarding school, mysteries, magic, and animals – another classic in the making as far as I’m concerned!

It stars an autistic girl who is reluctantly sent off to boarding school – but the school and her experience that follows is far from what you’d expect. Alice’s autism is portrayed authentically, and we get to climb right inside her mind to share her worries and anxieties and in turn her actions.

Her autism is intrinsic to her character and that’s what makes this book so real. But, for me, the most marvelous aspect of this book is that an autistic character plays the lead in an exciting fantasy any child would be thrilled to read. 

By Emily Kenny,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

"Has heart, soul and so much spirit." Lindsay Galvin, author of Darwin's Dragons

"Disappearing animals, twists and turns, and an amazing autistic protagonist." Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Dosh

"Exciting, deftly plotted and full of surprises." Sinead O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North

Alice Tonks would love to make friends at boarding school. And, being autistic, she just wants people to accept her for who she is. But after a rather strange encounter with a talking seagull on her first day, she suddenly has a new challenge and a lot of questions.

Animals are going missing and Alice can't…


Book cover of Forget Me Not

Kate Foster Why did I love this book?

Calliope June has Tourette Syndrome and is one of the stars of this dual-POV novel – with Calliope’s chapters told in verse and Jinsong’s in prose.

At times it’s a tough story to read as it doesn’t shy away from Calliope’s struggles and the bullying she experiences at school and at home, but it’s also jam-packed with hope and beauty and small moments that can change a life forever.

I also think this was the first book I read starring and written by someone with Tourette, and it challenged virtually everything I’d ever known about the disability. I read it in an hour several years ago and it still has a firm place in my heart and soul.  

By Ellie Terry,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Forget Me Not as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Calliope June has Tourette syndrome. Sometimes she can't control the noises that come out of her mouth, or even her body language. When she and her mother move yet again, she tries to hide her TS. But soon the kids in her class realise she's different. Only her neighbour, who is also the class president, sees her as she truly is - a quirky kid, and a good friend. But is he brave enough to take their friendship public?

As Callie navigates school, she must also face her mother's new relationship and the fact that she might be moving again…


Explore my book 😀

All the Small Wonderful Things

By Kate Foster,

Book cover of All the Small Wonderful Things

What is my book about?

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He's sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the cockapoo. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity. This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.

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Interested in autism, neurodiversity, and the brain?

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