April is Autism Acceptance Month. Share the below stories with your patrons to foster an inclusive environment in your classroom or library.
Defanged by H.E. Edgmon
Ages 8-12
To save the only life he’s ever known, a tween vampire has to destroy it first in Defanged, a new speculative middle grade from author H.E. Edgmon.
★ “Edgmon injects optimism throughout . . . As Lux’s biological and found families overlap, they offer a reassuring sense of acceptance and belonging in the face of adversity and oppression.” —Publisher’s Weekly
Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna
Ages 8-12
From the bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches comes an action-packed, enchanting middle grade fantasy about a neurodivergent heroine, a mysterious school, and a world of magical creatures.
★ “Fast-paced and engaging… This is a beautiful, inclusive work that’s also a terrific story.” —School Library Journal
Moonwalking by Zetta Elliott and Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Ages 10-14
For fans of Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson, this middle-grade novel-in-verse follows two boys in 1980s Brooklyn as they become friends for a season.
★ “The coauthors’ equally strong contributions evocatively bring the characters and setting to life through visual poetry….A stellar, hauntingly beautiful narrative.” — Kirkus Reviews
Hazelthorn by CG Drews
Ages 13-18
CG Drews returns with another deeply unsettling and yet hauntingly beautiful tale of murder and botanical body horror, perfect for fans of Andrew Joseph White and We Have Always Lived in the Castle.
★ “Searingly atmospheric … Evander, who is neurodivergent, seeks ‘normality,’ a goal gorgeously juxtaposed by his fantastically bizarre surroundings, and by the story’s ‘normal’ people intently portrayed as the true monsters. … This is devourable horror and romance set against a malicious, vine-choked tapestry.” —Shelf Awareness
Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin
Ages 14-18
From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.
★ “Careful attention to character, colonialist history, and explorations of how magic interacts with neurodiversity and gender identity bring welcome complexity to a familiar outsider-goes-to-magic-school premise, making this a truly thoughtful, engaging reflection on the dark academia genre.” —BCCB
Crashing Into You by Rocky Callen
Ages 14-18
In this fiercely moving YA romance novel, Leti Rivera’s love of street racing is put to the test when tragedy strikes her family and threatens to tear her apart from the boy she’s falling for.
★“An Ecuadorian cultural infusion and great autistic representation layer with busy, realistic-feeling teens, a complex but ultimately hopeful family dynamic, and a lightning-fast plot for a powerful emotional payoff about the consequences of losing one’s self.” —Booklist
May the Best Man Win by Z. R. Ellor
Ages 14-18
A trans boy enters a throw-down battle for the title of Homecoming King with the boy he dumped last summer in ZR Ellor’s contemporary YA debut.
★ “Ellor delivers an intense story about self-discovery, pain, and forgiveness. Fans of Leah Johnson’s You Should See Me in a Crown (2020) won’t want to miss this thoughtful lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers high-school dramedy with a romantic core.” —Booklist
Stolen City by Elisa A. Bonnin
Ages 14-18
Twin thieves attempt to pull off a daring heist in Stolen City, the sophomore fantasy novel from Dauntless author Elisa A. Bonnin.
“The discussion of the past, occupation, and societal roles bind the characters together and lead to a satisfying climax. Cinematic action and an entertaining caper.” —Kirkus Reviews