Fans pick 100 books like Special Children, Challenged Parents

By Robert A. Naseef,

Here are 100 books that Special Children, Challenged Parents fans have personally recommended if you like Special Children, Challenged Parents. 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 Son-Rise

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Author Of Watching Sarah Rise

From my list on every parent of an autistic child should read this.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mothering a child with special needs was a journey I didnā€™t expect to be taking and one that has been immensely challenging. I am always seeking ways to become my best self and the best mother I can be, helping my children be their best selves. I want my children to feel supported, loved, and like they can be their truest, fullest selves. These books helped me connect with my children in the ways that were the most helpful, impactful, and loving. They guided me in running a Son-Rise Program, which was by far the most influential thing I ever did to help my daughter with autism and developmental delays.

Jennifer's book list on every parent of an autistic child should read this

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Why did Jennifer love this book?

I was so deeply moved and inspired by reading this book that, even as a young student in college, I almost hoped I would have a child with autism so that I could have the experience of running a Son-Rise Program. I loved how Bears and Samahria charted their own course when there were no mapped parenting paths that appealed to them. I loved their optimism, love, joy, and determination.

They decided not to stop Raunā€™s repetitive behaviors but used those behaviors as the bridge to connection, whereas the professionals seeing Raun at the time wanted to stop the behaviors so that they could force Raun to connect. The forcing didnā€™t work, but joining the behaviors brought miraculous changes.

What moved me the most was how much Raun changed and grew in response to the internal work Bears and Samahria did to be clear and present. They invited Raun toā€¦

By Barry Neil Kaufman,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In 1979, the classic best-seller Son-Rise was made into an award-winning NBC television special, which has been viewed by 300 million people worldwide. Now, Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues presents an expanded and updated journal of Barry and Samahria Kaufman's successful effort to reach their once "unreachable" autistic child. Part one documents Raun Kaufman's astonishing development from a lifeless, autistic, retarded child into a highly verbal, lovable youngster with no traces of his former condition. Part two details Raun's extraordinary progress from the age of four into young adulthood. Part three shares moving accounts of five families that successfully used theā€¦


Book cover of Autism Breakthrough

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Author Of Watching Sarah Rise

From my list on every parent of an autistic child should read this.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mothering a child with special needs was a journey I didnā€™t expect to be taking and one that has been immensely challenging. I am always seeking ways to become my best self and the best mother I can be, helping my children be their best selves. I want my children to feel supported, loved, and like they can be their truest, fullest selves. These books helped me connect with my children in the ways that were the most helpful, impactful, and loving. They guided me in running a Son-Rise Program, which was by far the most influential thing I ever did to help my daughter with autism and developmental delays.

Jennifer's book list on every parent of an autistic child should read this

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Why did Jennifer love this book?

I donā€™t know what could be more inspiring than hearing from someone who experienced the Son-Rise Program as the recipient of the program. I knew that Raun had changed immensely thanks to the program his parents ran for him, but I loved reading Raunā€™s perspective on his own journey as the original Son-Rise son.

I loved the straightforward way he explains the Son-Rise Program because I can always use reminders for how to best meet my daughter where she is. Reading this book felt like a refresher course from my training at the Autism Treatment Center of America and helped me be more of the mom I want to be. 

By Raun K. Kaufman,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

As a boy, Raun Kaufman was diagnosed by multiple experts as severely autistic, with an IQ below 30, and destined to spend his life in an institution. Years later, Raun graduated with a degree in Biomedical Ethics from Brown University and has become a passionate and articulate spokesperson for the autism community. So what happened? Thanks to Son-Rise, an incredible program his parents created, Raun experienced a full recovery from autism. In Autism Breakthrough, Kaufman presents the ground-breaking principles behind the program that helped him, and so many other families with special children. Kaufman explains that autism is frequently misunderstoodā€¦


Book cover of Autistic Logistics

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Author Of Watching Sarah Rise

From my list on every parent of an autistic child should read this.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mothering a child with special needs was a journey I didnā€™t expect to be taking and one that has been immensely challenging. I am always seeking ways to become my best self and the best mother I can be, helping my children be their best selves. I want my children to feel supported, loved, and like they can be their truest, fullest selves. These books helped me connect with my children in the ways that were the most helpful, impactful, and loving. They guided me in running a Son-Rise Program, which was by far the most influential thing I ever did to help my daughter with autism and developmental delays.

Jennifer's book list on every parent of an autistic child should read this

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Why did Jennifer love this book?

I love how Kate makes working on any skill or situation seem doable. Kate was one of my teachers when I was training to run a Son-Rise Program, and it is so helpful to have her words on my bookshelf for when I get frustrated or forget my best intentions.

This book came out after my daughter was potty trained and after she was sleeping through the night in her own room, so those sections of the book were enjoyable to read as a reminder of where we had been. The sections on what to do what your child is upset have been particularly helpful as my daughter and I sometimes have big emotional clashes, especially now that we are in sync with our periods.

I appreciate having Kateā€™s suggestions so that I donā€™t feel trapped or alone in any difficult situation. 

By Kate Wilde,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Have you ever wished that your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) came with a manual? This book provides just that, offering clear, precise, step-by-step advice on everything you want to know, including:

- How to toilet train your child without pushing or pressuring
- How to get your child to sleep in their own bed and through the night
- What to do when your child tantrums, hits or bites
- How to introduce new foods, without a fight

Based on decades of experience, Kate Wilde tackles these day-to-day issues and more, using tried-and-tested techniques to help you transformā€¦


Book cover of Listening Effectively to Children

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Author Of Watching Sarah Rise

From my list on every parent of an autistic child should read this.

Why am I passionate about this?

Mothering a child with special needs was a journey I didnā€™t expect to be taking and one that has been immensely challenging. I am always seeking ways to become my best self and the best mother I can be, helping my children be their best selves. I want my children to feel supported, loved, and like they can be their truest, fullest selves. These books helped me connect with my children in the ways that were the most helpful, impactful, and loving. They guided me in running a Son-Rise Program, which was by far the most influential thing I ever did to help my daughter with autism and developmental delays.

Jennifer's book list on every parent of an autistic child should read this

Jennifer Celeste Briggs Why did Jennifer love this book?

I always find it helpful to express my feelings, and I love that this book addresses the need for children to do so, too. Whenever I feel tight and anxious in my parenting and realize Iā€™m trying to control my children's emotional experiences, this is a helpful reminder to be with them and listen.

That always makes a difference. I remember that I donā€™t have to solve my kidsā€™ problems; I can just show up and listen. I can trust that when they get sad and mad, they will be sparkly again, just as I am when I move through my feelings.

The most helpful section of the book for me was about when kids show anger. My daughter often has angry outbursts, and I liked that this book reminded me that she might be having underlying feelings of fear and anxiety. It helped me get to the root ofā€¦

Book cover of Far from the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity

Joanna Faber and Julie King Author Of How to Talk When Kids Won't Listen: Whining, Fighting, Meltdowns, Defiance, and Other Challenges of Childhood

From my list on to create strong connections in their families.

Why are we passionate about this?

Joanna Faber is the daughter of Adele Faber, a pioneer of the internationally acclaimed best-selling How To Talk series that has helped millions of parents worldwide. Joanna joined forces with her childhood friend Julie King to provide support for parents and educators of the 21st century. Each draws on her own experiences ā€“ Joanna as a bilingual teacher in West Harlem, Julie as a specialist in helping parents of children on the autism spectrum ā€“ to lead workshops and speak to parent groups, teachers, doctors, and librarians worldwide, including online sessions to support parents during Covid lockdowns and afterwards. Together, Joanna and Julie have written two best-selling How To Talk books

Joanna and Julie's book list on to create strong connections in their families

Joanna Faber and Julie King Why did Joanna and Julie love this book?

Instead of starting with the question, "How can I change my child's behavior?" Andrew Solomon starts by asking, "How does my child experience the world?"

He tells the stories of parents who have struggled to accept that their children are profoundly different from them and offers a deeply optimistic view of relationships and family. This book takes a fascinating dive into different ways of being human ā€“ among them, deafness, dwarfism, transgenderism, autism ā€“ and inspires us to look at our children through new eyes.

By Andrew Solomon,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Far from the Tree as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, a Books for a Better Life Award, and one of The New York Times Book Reviewā€™s Ten Best Books of 2012, this masterpiece by the National Book Awardā€“winning author of The Noonday Demon features stories of parents who not only learn to deal with their exceptional children, but also find profound meaning in doing soā€”ā€œa brave, beautiful book that will expand your humanityā€ (People).

Solomonā€™s startling proposition in Far from the Tree is that being exceptional is at the core of the human conditionā€”that difference is what unites us. He writes aboutā€¦


Book cover of The War That Saved My Life

Katherine Marsh Author Of The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine

From my list on historical fiction to read with middle schoolers.

Why am I passionate about this?

Not only have I written six critically acclaimed novels for middle-grade readers, including three historical fictions, I am the parent of a tween and teen who is always looking for great read-alouds and read-alongs for my own family. I am a firm believer that this is a valuable way to encourage literacy and love of story as I wrote in a recent, much-discussed essay in The Atlantic. Having lived abroad, including as an exchange student and camper in the Soviet Union and for three years in Belgium, I am also a huge believer in expanding our own as well as our kidsā€™ knowledge of history beyond our own borders, cultures, identities, and perspectives. 

Katherine's book list on historical fiction to read with middle schoolers

Katherine Marsh Why did Katherine love this book?

This younger and gentler World War II book is also a great family read aloudā€”one I read to my own.

After her brother is evacuated during the Blitz, Ada, a young Londoner with a disability kept home by her abusive mother, runs away after him.

Bradleyā€™s story follows a familiar turn: namely the introduction of a seemingly hard-hearted caregiver who turns out to be the very parent Ada needs. But the book hits these notes with precision and warmth, evoking older, beloved classics. Thereā€™s also a great sequel!

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The War That Saved My Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

*Newbery Honor book
*Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award 

This #1 New York Times bestseller is an exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War II, from the acclaimed author of Fighting Words, and for fans of Fish in a Tree and Sarah, Plain and Tall.
 
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Adaā€™s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesnā€™t waste a minuteā€”she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins aā€¦


Book cover of Look Up!

Nancy Bo Flood Author Of I Will Dance

From my list on to see a child first and understand the disability.

Why am I passionate about this?

I believe stories help heal our hearts and give us ā€œnew eyesā€ to see ourselves and others. I write to celebrate the courage shown by children as they meet challenges, perhaps the loss of a parent or a friend, the sting of rejection because of being ā€œdifferent.ā€ Stories show us how others face fear or failure. Stories help us celebrate who we are. As a child psychologist, I worked with families and educators on the Pacific island of Saipan to develop programs for students with disabilities so all children could continue their education. My books have been given a variety of awards but the best reward is when a child reading one of my books, smiles, and says, ā€œI am in this book.ā€

Nancy's book list on to see a child first and understand the disability

Nancy Bo Flood Why did Nancy love this book?

In ā€‹Look Up! by Jung Jin Ho the reader slowly comes to understand that the main character is a child sitting on a small balcony outside a tall building in a wheelchair. This child is lonely and isolated. The reader can feel the angry emotion coming off the pages as the child feels frustrated that no one sees them. Everyone on the streets below goes about their day and never notices the child even when she pleads, ā€œLook up!ā€ Jin-Ho uses a black and white color scheme and a combination of lines and objects to evoke melancholy emotionsā€¦ until the last page when color is used to show happiness, contentedness, and relief. Someone has finally ā€œlooked upā€ and seen more than a wheelchair

By Jin-Ho Jung, Mi Hyun Kim (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Look Up! 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?

A nearly wordless story about compassion, friendship, and perspective.

High on a balcony, a girl watches the world-- passersby hurrying along, carrying umbrellas in the rain, riding bikes and walking dogs.  She wishes that someone-- anyone!-- would look up and notice her.  Finally, one day, a boy does. Realizing she can't see anything but the tops of people's heads, he lays flat on the pavement. . . and then another person does. . . . and another. The girl smiles, and color begins to brighten her gray world-- as does her newfound friendship.

With spare, simple text and striking black-and-whiteā€¦


Book cover of No Longer a Secret: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges

Carol Stock Kranowitz Author Of The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Differences

From my list on sensory processing differences.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a preschool teacher for 25 years, I observed many children with sensory processing differences (SPD), autism and ADHD. I wondered why they were uncomfortable touching finger paints, why they avoided swings and never let their feet leave the ground, why they broke crayons and tripped on-air, and why they felt inadequate playing and making friends. To help"out-of-sync" children become more competent in work and play, I learned to identify their sensory processing challenges and steer them into early intervention. My mission is to explain to families, teachers, and professionals how SPD affects learning and behavior, to offer practical solutions, and to see all children flourish.

Carol's book list on sensory processing differences

Carol Stock Kranowitz Why did Carol love this book?

This book explains how to help children with sensory and regulation issues participate in daily life at home, at school, or out-and-about. "A SECRET" approach engages children through its seven components: Attunement, Sensation, Emotional regulation, Culture, Relationship, Environment, and Task. Parents, teachers, and therapists will appreciate these common-sense, on-the-spot, low-cost, problem-solving techniques. Using A SECRET brings hope and help, as you and your kids learn to enjoy being together and having fun!

By Lucy Jane Miller, Lisa M. Porter, Doreit S. Bialer

Why should I read it?

1 author picked No Longer a Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Parents and teachers often struggle with the advice given by occupational therapists regarding support for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). What makes this book unique is the exploration of secrets that professionals sometimes hold close.

This book helps us see the big picture: A child's strengths, sensory differences, the family's role, and ways to support children in any context. The authors illuminate the complexities of choosing appropriate strategies and offer a framework to make creating a sensory lifestyle manageable.

This invaluable resource, updated and in a new edition, provides cost-effective, functional, and on-the-spot problem-solving tips to use at home,ā€¦


Book cover of The Rescue

J.S. Wik Author Of Habitude

From my list on all of the romance and some of the suspense.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was always in love with love. I had my life all planned out, I was going to marry my high school sweetheart and have a family and live happily ever after. Newsflash, that didnā€™t happen and Iā€™m glad it didnā€™t! As Iā€™ve gotten older I still find myself in love with love, but now there are other things included with it such as quiet rebellion and a determination to simply be me. I find that I enjoy the suspense aspect because I know life isnā€™t perfect. We donā€™t all have stalkers or physically abusive exes, but books are a safe place to experience the emotions of these situations.

J.S.'s book list on all of the romance and some of the suspense

J.S. Wik Why did J.S. love this book?

This is another one of Nicholas Sparks books that I read at the recommendation of a good friend and Iā€™m so glad I did! Denise is one of my most favorite fictional female main characters, and there was absolutely no surprise that Taylor fell for her despite his best efforts!

I was completely immersed in this book to the point that I stayed up way later than I should have when I needed to work the next morning and then woke up with a book hangover! This one was one that I needed a palette-cleansing book to read after because I was so emotionally invested!

By Nicholas Sparks,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

How do you learn to trust again?

Denise Hilton, a young single mother, is driving through Edenton, North Carolina, when her car skids off the road during a storm.

With her is her four-year-old son, Kyle, a boy with severe learning disabilities for whom she has sacrificed everything. When volunteer fireman Taylor McAden finds her she is unconscious and bleeding, but when she wakes an even more chilling truth becomes clear: Kyle is gone.

When confronted by raging fires or deadly accidents, Taylor feels compelled to take terrifying risks to save lives, and the search for Kyle is no exception.ā€¦


Book cover of Cosima Unfortunate Steals A Star

Kate Foster Author Of All the Small Wonderful Things

From my list on middle grade about neurodivergent kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™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 thatā€™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. 

Kate's book list on middle grade about neurodivergent kids

Kate Foster Why did Kate 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, Iā€™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 andā€¦


Book cover of Son-Rise
Book cover of Autism Breakthrough
Book cover of Autistic Logistics

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