Share This Article
Photo Credit: Pexels.com
In this article, you will see our picks for 10 children’s books about autism with Black characters.
Autism Awareness Month is in April and many parents with a child on the spectrum will be looking for books about autism to read to their little ones.
While representation of autism is still low in children’s picture books, white parents will not have much difficulty finding books for their young ones.
However, the situation is much different for Black parents. The market for children’s books, including books about autism, is still skewed towards a primarily white demographic.
We already know about the disparities between Black and white character representation in children’s books, and the situation is even worse for Black representation in children’s picture books about autism.
The Association for Library Services for Children (ALSC) found that from a survey of 100 children’s books with an autistic character, fewer than 10 characters were non-white.
It cannot be overstated how important representation is for children and their parents.
Children’s books are one of the main tools for teaching children about life concepts that are appropriate for their learning and developmental levels. They also reinforce children’s identity and reflect the world and people they know.
This is why a diversity of all life experiences in children’s books is important.
If you’ve been searching for Black children’s books about autism to support your child through their diagnosis, continue reading this article.
Black children’s books about autism can be your first step in not only teaching your kids about autism but also showing them that they are not alone and that there is a community like them and for them.
Here are 10 of the most popular children’s books about autism with Black characters.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here are our picks for children’s books about autism with Black characters:
Recommended for children 4 – 8 years old.
My Brother Charlie is about a twin brother and sister. The brother, Charlie, has autism. As seen from the perspective of his twin sister, we learn about the similarities and differences between the twins and Charlie’s autism.
Recommended for children 4 -8 years old.
Charlie Makes a Splash is the follow-up to My Brother Charlie. In this book, you find Charlie and his twin sister, Callie, again. However, we hear from Charlie about all the things he loves to do and that “even though he has autism, autism doesn’t have him.”
3. When The World Gets Too Loud
Recommended for all ages.
When the World Gets Too Loud is a book that teaches children about autism and how to be kind and inclusive to those who are different from them. It is also recommended as a teacher and parent guide.
Recommended for children 4 – 8 years old.
A Day With No Words is about a boy who has autism. His mind is very active as he wonders about the difference between him and other people who can use their words. Although he doesn’t speak, he can communicate with his family.
Recommended for children 8 – 12 years old.
Just Like You tells the story of Zachariah, a non-verbal kid who is excited to start pre-k school. This book is great for teaching kids about autism awareness and acceptance, making friends and accepting each other despite our differences.
Rece Takes Swimming is about Maurice (Rece) a boy who has autism with sensory processing differences. Rece is learning how to swim but he’s very afraid, does he overcome his fears and learn how to swim?
Brailynn, the Ballerina is about acceptance, compassion and friendship. Brailynn is a ballerina with autism. As she struggles to learn the moves for the final show, her friend Jada provides the support and compassion she needs to succeed.
8. My Awesome Friend Denim Who Has Autism
Recommended for children 3 – 18 years old.
My Awesome Friend Denim Who Has Autism is about Trinity and her friend, Denim. Denim has autism. As Trinity tries to become friends with Denim, she learns more about autism.
9. Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism
Recommended for children 3 -12 years old.
Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism is about Nicholas and his baby brother Davis. Davis has autism. This book is about brotherly love and a family’s experience of the process of getting an autism diagnosis and learning about the different types of therapies for children with ASD.
Come Meet Drayen takes you into the life and daily routines of Drayden, who has autism, and his siblings.
1 Comment
Comments are closed.