Everyone is unique! That’s why on World Autism Awareness Day, we’re highlighting three fantastic BC books that put an important lens on autism and other neurodivergent perspectives in ways that are informative, empathetic, and inspiring. We hope each of these selections offers something as extraordinary and meaningful as the topics they explore for every reader!
The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt by Gabrielle Prendergast (Orca Book Publishers)
The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt is a middle-grade novel told in letters that provides a great starting point for discussion on various wide-ranging themes, including neurodiversity, blended families, mental illness, systemic oppression and homelessness. We follow Sara Salt, who has selective mutism and isn’t so great with strangers. Sara’s little brother is born prematurely; her mom and stepdad send her to stay in Toronto with her half-sister Abby, who is starting a transitional housing park for unhoused people. Sara soon discovers she too has ways of getting things done. When Sara realizes the mayor and police are hurting the unhoused community, she realizes she can advocate through letters and that there are many ways to stand up for what you believe in.
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Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day by Lana Button (Orca Book Publishers)
Brianna Banana can’t seem to make friends. She can be impulsive and distracted, and sometimes she loses her temper, but Brianna is sure these troubles will disappear once she’s chosen to be a classroom helper. When the new girl is picked instead, Brianna prepares for another disappointing day. But the opportunity for friendship may just be the unexpected surprise she was waiting for. Although Brianna doesn’t have a diagnosis through which to understand her challenges, her family and school do their best to offer support, guidance and kindness as she navigates the everyday ins and outs of school. Readers who have experienced big feelings, social struggles, emotional dysregulation or difficulties with attention will find Brianna a sympathetic and relatable character.
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Autistic Adults: Exploring the Forgotten End of the Spectrum by Daniel Smeenk (Ronsdale Press)
Autistic Adults is an accessible and comprehensive look at adults with autism, written with an aim towards understanding and empathy. Though many may be familiar with autism through a child’s lens, author Daniel Smeenk addresses this gap by looking at how adults with autism present and how they see themselves, offering insights from his experiences as a writer with autism. He provides information and practical advice to inspire neurotypicals—those whose brains function as typically expected for their age and cultural background—to better understand and empathize with adults with autism, as they often have the greatest impact on an autistic person’s well-being in their day-to-day lives, from within the home, the grocery store, to their jobs.
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