Did you know that book sales are currently at an 8-year high? It’s true and, what’s more, I’m willing to wager that at least 80% of these sales doesn’t just background features to make people look smart on Zoom. Yet, what if I told you there was a way to look smart, be smart and get a kick-ass read at the same time?
Autism books, i.e. books that contain autism themes, are one such genre that offers all of this as, quite simply, the unique perspective they carry is not only enlightening but fresh and informative at the same time. Nevertheless, due to many of these books coming from smaller publishers, it’s not uncommon to find people who have never read any of this category of books, even at a time when every other genre is flying off the shelf.
This all changes today, however, as in this post you will find 10 such autism books, all of which are set for release this year, and each of which comes recommended for those who want to try something new, as well as anyone who wants to further plunge into the awesomeness of this genre [All books mentioned in this article can be found by clicking the affiliate links in headings or titles with bold red links].
1. Moonwalking
Coming from black feminist writer: Zetta Elliot, as well as autistic author Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Moonwalking is a middle-grade story set in 1980s punk-rock Brooklyn, and looks at the budding friendship of an autistic boy and an Afro-Latinx kid – as they discover a common interest in music.
While there’s not too much we know other than this brief synopsis, I’m putting Moonwalking on my most anticipated list because, quite frankly, how often do we hear about the pairing of these two unheard voices – especially from authors who have such a personal investment in the tale?
Of course, what follows is anyone’s guess but, as an autistic person very much into rock and heavy metal, I’m looking forward to Moonwalking breaking down misconceptions that the autism community is opposed to all types of mosh pit music, and I’m also excited for the opportunity to broaden my understanding of other BAME demographics whilst I’m reading.
[Please note, some listings of Moonwalking state that this exciting title might not make it on to shelves until 2022. However, at this time, other sources refute this with a 2021 release]
2. The Secret Life of Kitty Granger
It’s always a bold move to say that a book is going to be part of a series before the first entry has even hit store shelves. Yet, after reading the synopsis of The Secret Life of Kitty Granger, it’s not hard to see why author G.D Falksen had the confidence to do so.
Set in the swinging 60s of psychedelic London, The Secret Life of Kitty Granger charts the neurodivergent adventures of the titular Kitty Granger when, after a chance encounter with some international baddies, she stumbles into the world of spycraft. What transpires is a mission to fight fascism with all the gizmos and gadgets you’d expect from a Bond movie – only this time our autist agent must avoid all the obstacles which come with her condition, all the while harnessing the quirks which will give her a much-needed edge.
Whilst on paper, most will come to see The Secret Life of Kitty Granger as a kind of spectrum 007, readers should put their expectations more in line with the exploits of the Kingsmen comics/movies; exploits which deliver unprecedented twists with protagonists unlike any the genre has seen before.
[The Secret Life of Kitty Granger is set for release on March 2nd (that’s this week!)]
3. Paws
Long time readers of the site will know that I am a big fan of short, heart-warming narratives involving autistic children embracing their identity whilst bonding with nature. Yes, this is an entirely specific love, yet year on year, some wonderful author manages to deliver on it and 2021 seems no different.
Telling the tale of Alex and his best friend Kevin the Cockapoo, Paws by Kate Foster is a story about coming to terms with change, as one autistic boy’s quest for popularity finds him entering his cherished canine into a local dog show.
Aimed at kids ages 9-13 (but inevitably going to be adored by this 27-year-old), Paws looks to be my go-to recommendation for younger autists this year, perfect for scratching that itch of those who loved Caterpillar Summer in 2019.
[Paws is set to release exclusively for Kindle on April 7th]
4. Show Us Who You Are
Easily my most anticipated book of the year (sorry to all the other books on this list), Show Us Who You Are is the follow-up novel from the outstanding Elle McNicoll (A Kind of Spark) and, from what we’ve already seen, this title seems to cement McNicoll as the neurodivergent writer of our generation (if not lifetime).
Following a meeting in which an autistic 12-year-old is dragged to her brother’s boss’s house, Show Us Who You Are is a story of an unexpected friendship between an intimidating CEO’s son, Adrian and said employee’s sister, Cora. A rare acquaintance isn’t all this book has in store though as readers soon realise that the more Cora comes into Adrian’s life, the more her intrigue grows for his father’s mysterious AI project… and the dark secrets it holds.
What has me particularly excited for this latest release is how, instead of rehashing old ground, Show Us Who You Are looks to take all the sensibilities that made A Kind of Spark the breakout it was and innovate them through a whole new channel – for example, moving the setting from the closed districts of outer Scotland and integrating the hustle and bustle of London’s Canary Warf.
Additionally, it should also be noted that McNicoll recently summed up the book by comparing it to a middle school Black Mirror and, if that doesn’t get you excited for this release, then I don’t know what will.
5. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family
No matter how hard I try to read every autism book, it always seems that the ones I miss are guaranteed to be the ones I should have paid the most attention to. This was certainly the case with last year’s ‘Get A Grip Vivy Cohen’ – an autism book that went on to be in most people’s top 3. However, with the news that author Sarah Kapit is to release another autism centric narrative this year, I hope to make up for 2020’s blunder by keeping a close eye on the new novel.
Titled The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family, this new book from the autistic author seems to have a more exuberant plot to last year’s smash hit as, this time around, readers follow 12-year-old Lara Finkel, an autist who starts her very own family detective agency only to find her attention split between her ongoing mysteries and her neurodiverse sister’s suspicious snooping.
With two autistic sisters helming a single narrative, there’s even more to be excited about than just a riveting plot as The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family sets out with the potential to show just how diverse the spectrum can be, even within the same gene pool. So, what mysteries will be uncovered and what differences will be displayed? Well, you’re going to have to wait until the 23rd March to find out.
6. Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature
Autistic naturalist, Dara McAnulty has been heralded for his work as a conservationist by BBC Springwatch, The Daily Mirror and Birdwatch magazine. So, when 16-year-old McAnulty turned his hand to publication with his debut title Diary of a Young Naturalist, last year, it’s little surprise that the accolades didn’t slow down. Now, one year later, McAnulty looks to keep up this momentum with the announcement of a new book entitled Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature, and it’s one you’re going to want to keep an eye out for.
In this new book by the young autist, McAnulty invites readers to further discover the world around them, categorising the overlooked everyday into 5 easily replicated journeys;
- looking out of the window
- venturing out into the garden
- walking in the woods
- investigating heathland
- wandering on the riverbank
In a style familiar to previous readers of McAnulty’s work, these chapters aim to raise greater awareness of just how wonderful our planet is and, thanks to stand-out illustrations from Barry Falls, this is a discovery with no age limit.
Furthermore, with each fact-filled section closing out with an activity such as planting wildflowers and making a bird feeder, Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature is the ideal read for those looking to make up for last year’s lost hours as well as those who just want to see the world through the eyes of someone who may one day be the next Attenborough.
7. A Room Called Earth
In my ‘Autism Books I am Currently Reading‘ post from last year, I discussed how I had been reading A Room Called Earth, a novel that shone an introspective lens on female autism, through a narrator driven story of a young woman getting ready for and attending a party.
In the review, I explained how I was blown away with the witty writing and the depth to which each theme it covered was explored and I also commended the book for covering such a broad range of subjects including:
- Society’s view of beauty
- Family & Friendships
- Sexuality
- White privilege
- Female identity
- Australia’s treatment of indigenous people
- Self-worth
- Self-understanding
- Self-appreciation
- Cats
However, while I was unquestionably floored by just how outstanding a Room Called Earth is, I made the terrible mistake of not acknowledging when it would come out. Thankfully, with a new year comes a new opportunity to fix this and so, I can finally say, A Room Called Earth is out right now!
8. Underdogs: Acceleration
Set in a world where all of the UK has been locked away (a concept I’m sure author Chris Bonnello viewed as apocalyptical in conception… but now feels eerily too familiar), the Underdogs series is a gritty teen dystopian set of novels that pits a team of neurodiverse freedom fighters against a clone army, as England’s only hope.
Following on from the darker turn of the previous novel, Underdogs: Acceleration, is a must-read this year, which picks up with the ragtag team of ex-special students coming to terms with the losses suffered in their last fight for liberation (no spoilers here). Unfortunately for the Underdogs, this opportunity to mourn is cut short, however, when the looming danger of Project Acceleration is discovered, a threat which the team must travel out of their familiar London setting to overcome.
Quoted as exploring the darker elements of human nature and the emotional toll of leadership and combat, like its title, Underdogs: Acceleration shows that everything from the quality of narrative to stakes on the line is set to increase in this penultimate chapter, which has taken the community by storm.
[Please note: while those who contributed to Underdogs: Acceleration on Unbound will receive their copy this year, physical releases will not be available until February 2022)
9. The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Toolkit
If there’s an opportunity to big up the work achieved by neurodiverse campaigner Siena Castellon, you can be sure that I will be there and, with the release of her new workbook The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Toolkit, you can be sure that I have a new opportunity to make good on.
But ‘What is The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Toolkit?’ you may ask. Well, pitched as a companion piece to Castellon’s previous release The Spectrum Girl’s Survival Guide, this comprehensive manual features more than 100 different exercises and activities aimed at achieving autistic excellence; whether support is required to succeed in school, reframe negative thoughts, safeguard mental health or practice self-care.
At this point, it cannot be stressed how much of an asset Castellon’s teachings are to our community and, with already considerable buzz for this book coming from Dr Tony Lloyd and the iconic Dr Temple Grandin, it seems that this title only further proves this.
10. Social Queue
Have you ever read the plot of a book and thought ‘Wow! that’s fantastic. How has no one ever thought of that before?’ Well, that’s exactly how I felt about this last book today, Social Queue, a soon to be realised autistic book written by freelance writer Kay Kerr.
Portraying the complexities and unquestionable confusion which come with falling in love on the spectrum, Social Queue stars Zoe: an autistic intern at a newspaper company who believe she has never been loved. This all changes after she is set an assignment to explore these beliefs and, in the aftermath of its publication, she is inundated with responses from previous suiters who state their advances had been ignored.
What transpires is a journey of self-realisation, as Zoe subsequently realised that her whole life she may have missed the social queues from her many potential love interests – a plot which gives me serious ‘To All The Boys I Have Loved Before‘ vibes – a book/film which I haven’t stopped praising since 2018 and an admiration I hope to feel again when Social Queue releases later this year.
Carry on the Conversation:
What book are you most looking forward to in 2021? Let me know in the comments below. And, if you would like to hear more reviews of autism books, then check out my previous book roundup titled: 3 Exciting New Autism Books I’m Currently Reading.
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised, on Instagram @autisticandunapologetic and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next time for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
