More Middle-grade Books with Neurodivergent Main Characters
I’m glad to see more neurodivergent characters in middle-grade books, including some by neurodivergent authors. Ages 8 to 12 is a time when a lot of kids are being diagnosed or wondering more about their neurodiversity. It’s so important to have books with these folks as sympathetic and three-dimensional characters. I wrote an earlier post with great books in this category and also had a spotlight on Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen. But there are even more books to highlight. Enjoy the choices below.
We Could be Heroes by Margaret Finegan (2020)
Hank, who is autistic, and Maisie, who has epilepsy, form an unlikely friendship centered around Hank’s neighbor’s dog (also epileptic). Maisie is concerned that the dog, Booler, isn’t getting enough attention and care. They concoct a plan to kidnap/adopt Booler. The acceptance between the two kids and their differences was great.
54 Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers by Caela Carter (2021)
Gwendolyn reads her own neuropsych evaluation and makes a list of all the “problems” listed on it, hoping to find a way back to normal. Her mother is a recovering alcoholic, and Gwendolyn uses the format of a 12-step program to guide her. The beginning of this book was tough for me because of how negative everything was, but once Gwendolyn and her mother find Dr. Nessa, a great therapist who knows how to talk to kids and adults, things start to lift. I found this a striking depiction of the brain and thoughts of someone neurodivergent.
Ellen Outside the Lines by A. J. Sass (2022)
Ellen, who is on the autism spectrum, is going to Barcelona with her Spanish class, including her dad (as chaperone) and her best friend Laurel. Their exploration of the city is designed as a scavenger hunt, and when Ellen and Laurel aren’t on the same team, they are sorely disappointed. Ellen’s team, however, turns out to be pretty cool. They don’t mind helping Ellen when she is overwhelmed by noisy places, and they work well together to solve the clues. Bringing in elements of Judaism, neurodiversity, gender diversity, homosexuality, and more, this book covers a lot while embracing the joy of one’s first big trip.
Honestly Elliott by Gillian Dunn (2022)
As a fan of books about baking, I was excited to read this novel by McDunn. An unlikely pairing on a group project (love this trope!) produces inspiring and delicious results. Elliott, who has ADHD, eventually makes a connection with partner Maribel, who has celiac disease. Includes positive portrayals of therapy.
A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin (2022)
A night of mischief turns tragic when Max’s friend ends up in a coma. Max, who has ADHD, tries to put together the missing pieces of that night to figure out if he is responsible. A new friend, who is a budding journalist, helps Max investigate. I appreciated the details of Max’s ADHD coping strategies.