92 books like Same Way Ben

By Maryann Cocca-Leffler,

Here are 92 books that Same Way Ben fans have personally recommended if you like Same Way Ben. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of A Friend for Henry

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why did Jennifer love this book?

Such a sweet book about a boy just trying to find a friend who sees the world as he does. 

I think this is another book we can all relate to, but especially a sensitive child like Henry who doesn’t like overstimulation and kids who’s rules are different than his. Eventually Henry finds a little girl who doesn’t like broccoli and understands he doesn’t like triangles, and together they build a tower with no triangles or broccoli, which feels perfect to both of them.

By Jenn Bailey, Mika Song (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Friend for Henry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

2020 Schneider Family Honor Book

In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend-or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.


Book cover of It's So Difficult

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why did Jennifer love this book?

I love this book so much! With his beautiful child-like drawings, Guridi masterfully helps the reader see life from the perspective of a neurodiverse child struggling with day-to-day life. Guridi does this by juxtaposing limited palette drawings with off-white backgrounds with full-page black background pages showing the text of the child’s inner dialogue. 

This book would be amazing for both a neurodiverse child managing his or her own life and a parent trying to envision this child’s inner struggles.

By Raul Nieto Guridi, Lawrence Schimel (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked It's So Difficult as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

A school day can be so overwhelming: so many people, so many noises, so many things to remember. Grown-ups say it’ll get easier with time, but even saying hello is incredibly hard. Thank goodness for comforts like math, for anything that can relax a restless mind. Maybe this time a few words will come out at last…

An empathetic look at anxiety and overstimulation, It’s So Difficult follows a child throughout the challenging routines of a single day. Even the smallest step forward can be an enormous triumph. 


Book cover of If You Give a Moose a Muffin

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why did Jennifer love this book?

We all know Numeroff’s “IF” books. I love them all, but I picked the Moose book because the moose scares himself by shouting, “BOO!” But all of them have a similar message.

Whether neurodiverse or neurotypical, we are all familiar with the feeling of starting one task, which leads to another, which leads to another…etc. I remember reading this book to my kids when they were young and how it captured how I felt as an overwhelmed mom (not to mention one with undiagnosed ADHD).

Interestingly, it was written over 30 years ago during a time when ADHD wasn’t as easily diagnosed. In a way, this speaks to the ever-presence of neurodiversity, whether specifically recognized or not. 

By Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked If You Give a Moose a Muffin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he'll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix...

In this hilarious sequel to the beloved If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose.

The If You Give...…


Book cover of Niko Draws a Feeling

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why did Jennifer love this book?

This book gave me goosebumps. Which then inspired me to draw that feeling.

Niko reminded me of myself observing the world and trying to capture it on paper, but Niko takes it a step further as he draws the “ring-a-ling” of the ice cream truck and the warmth of the sun on his face. 

This is another book that all children will relate to, but a special select few will feel inspired, as I did.

By Robert Raczka, Simone Shin (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Niko Draws a Feeling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Niko loves to draw his world: the ring-a-ling of the ice cream truck, the warmth of sun on his face.

But no one appreciates his art. Until one day, Niko meets Iris . . .

This imaginative and tender story explores the creative process, abstract art, friendship, and the universal desire to feel understood.

A Junior Library Guild selection, Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book, Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice, Midwest Connections Pick, NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts,…


Book cover of Now I'm a Bird

Benson Shum Author Of First Night of Howlergarten

From my list on inclusion and being true to yourself.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I was always the outcast. I wasn't the smartest in class. I wasn't the strongest in sports. I was always the shy kid in the back, trying not to make a noise. But when I made a connection with someone or they made the effort to say hi. I treasured our friendship. I love writing and sharing stories where we are talking about inclusion and building empathy toward each other. I hope you will enjoy these books on the list.

Benson's book list on inclusion and being true to yourself

Benson Shum Why did Benson love this book?

A heartfelt story about a little girl who had feathers. And how her feathers eventually filled in and her arms became wings.

She was made fun of by some classmates, but as she started to stand up for herself, she found a flock of friends who were just as different. If you ever feel like you are an outcast, this is a book for you. I love this story about how it's ok to be different. You never know who else feels the same way. 

By Sue Ganz-Schmitt, Renia Metallinou (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Now I'm a Bird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mom's Choice Award 2021 - Gold Level
Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year Award 2022
Firebird Book Awards - Juvenile Fiction First Place 2021
Firebird Book Awards - Picture Book for All Ages 2021

It isn't easy to be the only kid in school who's a bird. Then again, you can fly!

Julianna didn't mean to be a bird. It just happened, feather by feather. "It's a rare and beautiful condition," explains the note her mom sends to school, though it doesn’t help with the teasing. But Julianna’s wings take her to places she hadn’t imagined, with a birds-eye…


Book cover of Waylon! One Awesome Thing

Laurie Calkhoven Author Of Roosevelt Banks and the Attic of Doom

From my list on laugh-out-loud chapters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a former book publishing professional turned full-time children’s book author. I’ve never swallowed a frog, battled imaginary bears, or had a slime war with ghosts like my character, Roosevelt Banks, but I have written more than fifty books for children. These range from beginning readers (You Should Meet Misty Copeland) and chapter books (Roosevelt Banks, Good-Kid-in-Training) to middle grade historical novels (Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1775).

Laurie's book list on laugh-out-loud chapters

Laurie Calkhoven Why did Laurie love this book?

Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome through science, like attracting cupcakes by controlling gravity. But it's impossible for him to concentrate on his inventions when Arlo Brody is dividing the fourth grade boys into two groups. His attempts to navigate fourth grade and be friends with everyone (except for one very scary new kid) are hilarious.

By Sara Pennypacker, Marla Frazee (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Waylon! One Awesome Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

From the creators of the New York Times bestselling series Clementine comes another chapter book collection that will keep readers engaged and laughing until the very last page.

Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome through science, like teleportation, human gills, and attracting cupcakes by controlling gravity. But it's impossible for him to concentrate on his inventions when he's experiencing his own personal Big Bang.

Arlo Brody is dividing the fourth grade boys into two groups. Waylon would rather be friends with everyone. Well, everyone except the scary new kid, Baxter Boylen.

Waylon's older sister, Neon, is…


Book cover of Shift Your Mind: 9 Mental Shifts to Thrive in Preparation and Performance

Alan Stein Jr. Author Of Sustain Your Game: High Performance Keys to Manage Stress, Avoid Stagnation, and Beat Burnout

From my list on managing stress and beating burnout.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a professional keynote speaker and author that has long been fascinated with tenants of high performance. When I began, I was curious about how high performance could lead to increased achievement and accomplishment. Now, I am fascinated by how high performance can lead to heightened happiness and fulfillment. Thus, I love reading, watching, and listening to any resource that can help improve the quality of my life… so that I can pay that forward and improve the quality of life for those I serve. I believe a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. 

Alan's book list on managing stress and beating burnout

Alan Stein Jr. Why did Alan love this book?

Your mindset may be the most important factor in not only your performance, but in your happiness and fulfillment as well. It creates the foundation for your attitude and your philosophy on life. Shift Your Mind is a brilliantly written, practical guide full of useful constructs to help you heighten your current perspective and greatly enhance the quality of your life, your relationships, and your performance.

By Brian Levenson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Shift Your Mind as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Greatness is a matter of timing.

Executive and mental performance coach Brian Levenson has spent years working with high performers in sports, business, and culture. And from the field to the boardroom, he noticed something surprising. Talented people were failing to reach their goals, not because they lacked the necessary skills, but because they didn't understand the mental processes that fueled them.

When it comes to high performance, talent isn't enough.

He began interviewing former CIA agents, world-class chefs, astronauts, athletes, CEOs, and more to find a solution, and soon realized that elite performers have one thing in common. They…


Book cover of Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life

Ronnie F. Lee Author Of Know Money No Problem: A Guide to Positive Personal Economics

From my list on creating a better you.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an ordinary person who was able to achieve an extraordinary life for myself. My parents, who currently do not own a home, have always struggled to make ends meet. When I left the US Army at 23 with only $3,000 in savings, I quickly spent it while trying to adjust to civilian life in a foreign country. With a limited college education, I turned to books for inspiration. These books provided me with insights into the details behind success stories and changed my mindset. I was motivated to write my own book, Know Money No Problem, to pay it forward and help others achieve their own version of success. 

Ronnie's book list on creating a better you

Ronnie F. Lee Why did Ronnie love this book?

To truly stay ahead of failure, one must embrace discomfort and avoid becoming stagnant. Life is a constant race, and if you stop running, you cannot win. Who Moved My Cheese? serves as a great example that is easy to read, digest, and a powerful reminder to keep pushing forward in the race of life.

The book highlights the importance of not taking good fortune for granted and avoiding getting too comfortable. It teaches that everything is constantly evolving, and it is essential to remain vigilant and open to new opportunities.

I once used this book to teach a group of high schoolers how to stay alert to opportunities and overcome the fear of discomfort.

By Spencer Johnson,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple parable that reveals profound truths. It is the amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish them and make them happy. Cheese is a metaphor for what you want to have in life, for example a good job, a loving relationship, money or possessions, health or spiritual peace of mind. The maze is where you look for what you want, perhaps the organisation you work in, or the family or community you live in. The problem is that the cheese keeps moving.

In…


Book cover of Change: What Really Leads to Lasting Personal Transformation

Christian Jarrett Author Of Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change

From my list on achieving lasting personal change.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a psychologist and neuroscientist and I've been writing for the public about all things mind and behaviour for more than two decades. Something I've noticed in that time is that the question people want to know the answer to, perhaps more than any other, is how much we can ever truly change, deep down. After all, self-help advice is seemingly endless, but does any of it really work, or are we ultimately destined to always revert to type? That's what motivated me to begin delving into the latest science of personality – defined by psychology as the habits of emotion, behaviour, and thought that make us who we are.

Christian's book list on achieving lasting personal change

Christian Jarrett Why did Christian love this book?

Week in, week out, therapists meet people who are trying to change. Kottler is a highly experienced psychotherapist and in this book you will discover all that he has learned about the process of personal transformation through his career – including the obstacles to change (such as procrastination and lack of self-monitoring) and also the factors that make it easier, such as through fostering hope. I particularly enjoyed the passages on what's known as post-traumatic growth - that is, our ability to turn frightening or stressful experiences into catalysts for positive personal development.

By Jeffrey A Kottler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Change as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Think of a time in your life when you overcame a significant, chronic, intractable problem that had challenged you for years, until somehow you managed to completely turn things around in such a way that the change has persisted to this day. How did this happen, and what was it that made the greatest difference?

Jeffrey Kottler has often explored this question-interviewing hundreds of people about their change experiences and synthesizing all the research around the globe-and he poses it in the opening pages of Change: What Really Leads to Lasting Personal Transformation. This fundamental query-how do we (or don't…


Book cover of The Future You: Break Through the Fear and Build the Life You Want

TJ Kostecky Author Of Eyes Up!: Discover Your Full Potential and Form Meaningful Connections Through Subtle Shifts in Perspective

From my list on self-help on life and leadership that work!.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I first started coaching at the tender age of 15, my main passion in life has been helping others find their own passions. Over more than four decades as a coach, educator, and mentor, I’ve read a lot of self-help books. They don’t always deliver. But some gems in the genre have truly helped me—along with the thousands of people I’ve recommended them to—experience significant personal growth and discover a richer, more meaningful existence. It’s my pleasure to share the best of the best here. Pick one up today and I promise your life will be better for it! 

TJ's book list on self-help on life and leadership that work!

TJ Kostecky Why did TJ love this book?

As a lifelong educator and coach, I’m constantly helping people think about their futures. One piece of advice I always give is to grab a copy of this book. Johnson is a futurist who works with large corporations, governments, and institutions on planning for the years and decades ahead. In this book, he brings his “future casting” process to the individual level, helping people change their story about their future and then showing them how to get there.

The future can feel daunting. Before reading this book, even I used to get tripped up thinking about it. Johnson reassures us with his measured thoughts on the topic and his clear, actionable program for seeing the future and your rightful place in it.

By Brian David Johnson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Future You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW

By the time you reach the end of the book, I promise you will understand your Future You better than ever...you will be able to see yourself in the future you want and know the steps needed to get there.

Brian David Johnson has spent a quarter century helping governments, schools, corporations, and small businesses shape the future-now, he wants to help you.

In The Future You, Johnson distills his work as an applied futurist and gives readers the practical tools to craft the future they've always wanted. Offering a unique combination of practical guidance, interactive…


Book cover of A Friend for Henry
Book cover of It's So Difficult
Book cover of If You Give a Moose a Muffin

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Interested in change, school, and neurodiversity?

Change 42 books
School 279 books
Neurodiversity 94 books