Here are 100 books that The Someday Birds fans have personally recommended if you like
The Someday Birds.
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Iām 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 thatās 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.
Calliope June has Tourette Syndrome and is one of the stars of this dual-POV novel ā with Calliopeās chapters told in verse and Jinsongās in prose.
At times itās a tough story to read as it doesnāt shy away from Calliopeās struggles and the bullying she experiences at school and at home, but itās 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 Iād 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.
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 againā¦
Iām fascinated by our connections to animals, our similarities and differences, and how we communicate. Large mammals have always been my favorites, but like many people, I started noticing birds in my backyard during the pandemic lockdowns. As an author of middle-grade novels, my stories have been inspired by something interesting Iāve learned about a particular animal. I started writing my novel after learning that whooping cranes had nested in Texas for the first time in over a century. I knew I had to give that momentous nest sighting to a bird-loving girl whoād appreciate the visitation by these rare and majestic birds!
This is one of those books with a setting so strong it becomes a characterāin this case, a run-down old castle in Scotland.
Thereās so much more to love here, though, like lost and found friendships, an old diary that adds a historical thread, and, of course, birds. I felt a connection to the main character, Callie, who just wants to stay home and read books!
If I were forced to choose an extracurricular activity, Iād also skip the sports and pick something animal-related, like the birding club. My admiration for Callie grew when she spoke up, even when she was intimidated.
From the author of A Field Guide to Getting Lost comes a heartwarming, āemotionally perceptiveā (Kirkus Reviews) story about new beginnings, burgeoning friendships, and finding your flock.
Callie canāt wait for her new life to start. After a major friendship breakup in San Diego, moving overseas to Scotland gives her the perfect chance to reinvent herself. On top of that, sheās going to live in a real-life castle!
But as romantic as life in a castle sounds, the reality is a little less comfortable: itās run-down, freezing, and crawling with critters. Plus, starting off on the wrong foot with theā¦
Iām 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 thatās 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.
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 parentās concern and worry about their autistic child, but this was balanced perfectly with Vivyās courage, passion, and determination as she drives the story forward.
Itās smart and fun, endearing and utterly charming.
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,ā¦
Iām 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 thatās 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.
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, Iāve 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.
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¦
Iām 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 thatās 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.
A boarding school, mysteries, magic, and animals ā another classic in the making as far as Iām concerned!
It stars an autistic girl who is reluctantly sent off to boarding school ā but the school and her experience that follows is far from what youād expect. Aliceās 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 thatās 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.
"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.
Iām fascinated by our connections to animals, our similarities and differences, and how we communicate. Large mammals have always been my favorites, but like many people, I started noticing birds in my backyard during the pandemic lockdowns. As an author of middle-grade novels, my stories have been inspired by something interesting Iāve learned about a particular animal. I started writing my novel after learning that whooping cranes had nested in Texas for the first time in over a century. I knew I had to give that momentous nest sighting to a bird-loving girl whoād appreciate the visitation by these rare and majestic birds!
This book has so many of my favorite thingsālaughter and tears on the same page, a character with a strong connection to an animal, and a funny, caring, resilient kid whoās wrestling with a difficult decision.
I enjoy seeing characters who cause their own problems, like Coop does when he derails his basketball plans by climbing a tree to check out a bird's nest! I also love it when antagonists arenāt villains; Coop and his family might be at odds about what he should do with his mockingbird, but theyāre loving parents and grandparents.
I cheered for Coop to discover where he fits in, and he's a character Iāll remember long after closing the book.
Coretta Scott King Honor winner Brenda Woods's poignant, heartfelt story of an adopted boy and the bird he rescues
Everyone expects Coop to be musical like his beloved parents, but he's not. That's one of the few things he finds awkward about being adopted-well, that and the fact that he sometimes wonders why his birth mother didn't love him enough to keep him. This summer, he's stuck at home with a broken arm after falling out of a tree trying to get a closer peek at a mockingbird nest. Later, when the eggs in the nest have hatched and theā¦
Iām pretty sure Iām about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.
Blast off with the four winners of the StellarKid Project on a trip to the International Space Station and then to the Gateway outpost orbiting the Moon! Itās a dream come true untilā¦
Iām fascinated by our connections to animals, our similarities and differences, and how we communicate. Large mammals have always been my favorites, but like many people, I started noticing birds in my backyard during the pandemic lockdowns. As an author of middle-grade novels, my stories have been inspired by something interesting Iāve learned about a particular animal. I started writing my novel after learning that whooping cranes had nested in Texas for the first time in over a century. I knew I had to give that momentous nest sighting to a bird-loving girl whoād appreciate the visitation by these rare and majestic birds!
This book helped me relive one of the bright spots of the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, when author Stephanie Lucianovic chronicled her sonās Zoom classroom spiraling into chaos when the teacher was disconnected from the class.
That fun and messy narrative unfolded in a Twitter thread known as #ZoomOfTheFlies. Imagine my delight when I saw that real-life event woven into Lucianovicās novel.
In this engaging novel in verse, I identified with Archie as he navigated through the upheaval of the pandemic lockdowns and struggled to make his voice heard over so much noise. I felt like I was in the company of a trustworthy friend who finds hope and connection amid isolation and uncertainty.
A poignant and necessary story about finding hope during difficult times, set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Archie's life--and the whole world--is turned upside down by Covid-19. Suddenly there are no more Friday night dinners out, no more going to school, no more hanging out with friends . . . no leaving the house at all.
Even though he's inside with his family all day every day, Archie can't help but feel more alone than ever before. While everyone else seems to be adapting to their new normal just fine, it's like Archie is permanently on mute,ā¦
Iām fascinated by our connections to animals, our similarities and differences, and how we communicate. Large mammals have always been my favorites, but like many people, I started noticing birds in my backyard during the pandemic lockdowns. As an author of middle-grade novels, my stories have been inspired by something interesting Iāve learned about a particular animal. I started writing my novel after learning that whooping cranes had nested in Texas for the first time in over a century. I knew I had to give that momentous nest sighting to a bird-loving girl whoād appreciate the visitation by these rare and majestic birds!
This book is a fun story that shows the ups and downs of middle school life and has some fascinating bird facts.
Though a parrot isnāt the pet that Arden wanted, it turns out to be the pet she needed, and I loved her scientific approach to figuring out why Ludwig the parrot is so smart.
I read this in one sitting, not only because itās a quick read but because I had to find out how Arden was going to stand up to her bully and figure out the mystery tied to Ludwigās brilliance.
Arden Sachs has always wanted a pet: a purring kitten or an adorable puppy, or even a fuzzy guinea pig. But living in a cramped condo with her mom and siblings means sheās unhappily pet-free. Then her Uncle Eli, a professor and scientist, asks Arden to look after Ludwig, his African Grey parrot, while heās away on sabbatical in Guinea. A little afraid of the bird, Arden reluctantly agrees to prove that she can handle pet ownership.
But when Ludwig goes beyond his usual sounds and imitations to spout numbers and words that seem wayā¦
Men have always been attracted to young women, who possess a glow that their mothers have possibly lost. Girls are more vulnerable and impressionable and are more likely to believe what they are told. Their passionate desire to be loved, combined with their conviction that no one understands them, makes them uniquely vulnerable to predators. But there is another side to the story. Girls do not passively wait to be seduced or exploited. They thrill in actively testing their own sexual power and often put themselves in physical and emotional danger with no understanding of the long-term consequences of relationships where the power dynamic leaves them exposed to exploitation and abuse.
Iāve never read anything remotely like this book.
Itās a painfully
difficult but beautifully poetic read about an Irish girl from a
miserably dysfunctional family with a difficult, abusive, ranting mother
and a disabled older brother.
After she is sexually abused by her uncle, the girl allows herself to be
used by the boys at school and begins a series of loveless encounters,
as if determined to prove how worthless she is. At college, she
continues her career of joyless, destructive promiscuity.
The book is
steeped in guilt and shame, redeemed only by the depictions of pure love
she has for her brother. Like a poem or a lyrical poetry performance,
the novel does truly incredible things with language.
Taking only what they can quickly pack, 11-year-old Mardella and her mom secretly move away from their abusive home to start a fresh life in Haven, MN. But Mardellaās sure she's to blameāif only she hadnāt dialed 911, her dad wouldnāt be in jail, her mom wouldn't have been fired,ā¦
I am a clinical psychologist who has specialised in neurodiversity and neurodivergence for the past twenty years. Human brains, emotions, and behaviour have always fascinated me, hence why I studied psychology. Neurodiversity was a natural field to enter for someone interested in both child development and neuroscience. I am also an avid reader and wax lyrical about the value of literature for understanding both oneās inner self and the world around us.
This book is one young personās story about "growing up feeling different" and describes their experience of being autistic in a very human and humorous way.
I particularly like this book because it strikes a very balanced tone, and it has so many relevant examples of features that are both strengths and challenges, depending on the context. Itās an excellent read for newly diagnosed autistic people or people who perhaps are thinking they might be autistic.
This delightful book is in a graphic novel format, which, as I mentioned above, is one of my favourite modalities for reading. Partly because the illustrations bring the text to life, and partly because the designs and artwork in themselves are so aesthetically appealing. Also, the text in this book is large and, all-round, itās a very neurodiversity-friendly read!
In this joyfully illustrated memoir, Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the ānormalā world around her. This is a perfect book for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to learn more about neurodiversity.
When Abigail was growing up, she was missing Very Important Information about herself. The information? That Abigail is autistic! In fact, Abigail didnāt know she was autistic until she was (kind of) an adult.
This is Abigailās story about what it was like growing up autistic in a confusing ānormalā world. With entertaining anecdotes and funny accompanying illustrations, Abigail details herā¦