Celebrating world autism awareness day at the library!
On World Autism Awareness Day (April 2), we want to promote kindness and understanding for people with autism spectrum disorders. It is important to celebrate differences in how our brains work and function, and creating diversity in our lives can provide a positive future for everyone. This week, let’s pick up a book and learn more about how we can raise awareness for autism spectrum disorders. Here are 6 children’s titles to get you started (descriptions provided by the publisher):
“Jeffrey Loves Blue” by Loretta Garbutt (2023). Jeffrey is very attached to the colour blue. But when his classmate Keiko wants to use the blue paint, Jeffrey will have to try a different colour. With some gentle coaxing, the narrator helps him to navigate his emotions, encouraging him to consider Keiko’s feelings and to find the courage to try something new while also doing something nice for a friend. The focus of the picture book is not about getting rid of Jeffrey’s fixation - it’s about widening his perspective in order to help a friend, and thus encouraging empathy.
“Remarkable Remy” by Melanie Heyworth (2023). A picture book for both Autistic and nonAutistic readers aged 3 and up, Remarkable Remy illuminates the experiences and strengths of Autistic people, and the joys of having Autistic friends. The author founded ‘Reframing Autism’, a company run by and for Autistic people and their families and allies. It is dedicated to creating a world in which the Autistic community is supported to achieve acceptance, inclusion and active citizenship.
“Ways to Play” by Lyn MillerLachmann (2023). Riley has plenty of ways to play, but bossy cousin Emma thinks those ways are wrong, wrong, and wrong. Fortunately, Charlie the dog is on hand to help with a breakthrough demonstration that there are MANY ways to play; and all of them are right.
“My Friend Julia: A Sesame Street Book about Autism” by Jennifer Cook (2023). We are all amazing because we are all different. Abby, Elmo, and the Sesame Street friends introduce young readers to Julia. Full-color photos and accessible text make this children’s non-fiction book an age-appropriate introduction to autism.
“All the Small Wonderful Things” by Kate Foster (2023). Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all-maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.
“Can You See Me? by Libby Scott (2020). Eleven-year-old Tally is starting sixth grade at Kingswood Academy and she really wants to fit in, which means somehow hiding her autism, hypersensitivity to touch, and true self, and trying to act “normal” like her former best friend. However, as she records her thoughts and anxieties in her coping diary, Tally begins to wonder--what is “normal” anyway?
Visit lethlib.ca today to check out these titles – and so many more. Also be sure to sign up for a Library card, there’s no fee for memberships in 2024, and have fun exploring all the resources your Lethbridge Public Library has to offer.