Celebrating Autism Awareness Month in KidLit

In the month of April, we celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Schools, clubs, organizations alike shine the spotlight on how to go beyond simply promoting autism awareness, but encouraging children to become partners in movement toward acceptance and appreciation.

• In 2000 the rate of autism was 1 in 150 children. 
• In 2016, the number jumped up to 1 in 68. 
• For boys some reports find the number is as high as 1 in 28.

Neurodiversity in Children’s books

A very hot topic in the children’s literature world is diverse books. However, neurodiversity representation needs to be a part of that conversation.

While the definition of neurodiversity is evolving, the term can mean that the identification of autism, OCD, ADD and others are natural variations or neurological differences.

They are not diseases or reasons for shame and pity. In many ways, children with these differences have a gift. However, without real connections to children with these differences, most children will see the differences as something negative.

Teaching empathy must be an explicit discussion in the early years; we cannot afford to teach it “later” or risk passing on implicit bias to young children through the books they read (or don’t read).

The Importance of Autism Awareness Month in Kid Lit

When looking at the data, 82% of autistic kids say they are lonely and 95% of autistic families lack community. Without support, the growing number of children with ASD and their families will continue to suffer social isolation and stigmas. However, community and connection can be as simple as reading a bedtime story.

*Please see this article from Better Help to find free online therapy and counseling.

Invisible disabilities like autism can easily be left out of the discussion of “diverse books”. I want to bring books about autism to the table today by introducing a new picture book in the series: Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes, and Playdates. This book is published by Nothing But the Truth Publishing which specializes in diverse female authors and illustrators. 

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes, and Playdates

The Stewie Boom! book journey started years ago when the author Christine Bronstein’s niece was born with autism. The passion for raising awareness grew further when she became a parent of a 3-year-old with special needs child herself. 

After writing Stewie Boom! Starts School based on her son’s real experiences in starting school for the first time, she decided to continue to use children’s literature as a way to introduce more children to the side of autism they may not notice by themselves.

In this precious new book in the series, the story line has a very relatable adventure: a play-date. Main character Penelope is spunky and independent. This added layer of showcasing strong girls in picture books is also deeply valuable.

Austism Appreciation and Acceptance

The story begins at school when Penelope’s teacher encourages the class to play with someone new at recess.  She is encouraging children to see that minds, like handprints and snowflakes, are one of a kind.

Penelope chooses Eric and they have so much fun she invites him over for a play-date. Before he arrives, Penelope’s Mom tells her that Eric’s mind is called “on the spectrum,” and so his unique preferences might be different from the ones she’s used to.

As the story unravels, we see a deep understanding and appreciation for the strengths of children with autism. Children, as well as parents, will be able to use this incredible story as a handbook for understanding how to use social and imaginary play while valuing inclusion and neurodiversity.

Under the activities tab on the Stewie Boom! website, you can find supplemental resources for families and teachers to use during your read aloud session. Furthermore, at the end of the book you will find a list of inclusive friendship goals and a  certificate.

Stewie Boom! In the Press

This incredible book has already received rave reviews. Some of the press coverage highlights:

“A useful and compassionate tale about inclusivity for kids and parents.” –Kirkus Reviews

“This book captivated me right away with its joyous illustrations, and it provides some great inspiration for ideas for teachers and parents looking to interact with families of children on the spectrum and teach their children about inclusivity.” –L. P. Kaplan, Ph.D., Chairman and Founder, US Autism & Asperger Association

“Kids and adults alike can benefit from the message in this book, which teaches understanding, compassion, and kindness for all who are different.” –Axie Barclay, San Francisco Book Review

Free Picture Book for Teachers

If you are in a classroom, Nothing But the Truth is offering you a FREE copy of Stewie Boom! series: Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes, and Playdates. You can email info@stewieboom.com.

Additionally, the Stewie Boom Website has multiple lesson plans and activities for teachers (Pre K-3rd grade). The Lexile level for the book is 640.

Parent/Teacher Guide for Autism Awareness

Included in this lovely book are tips for welcoming and raising/teaching special needs children.

For example:

For families welcoming:

• It is always best to start with short play-dates. Thirty minutes to an hour is plenty of time to start.
• Put away special toys because nothing can sour a budding friendship like a broken favorite toy.
• Communicate with your kids about their friend’s differences and ways in which they are the same. Keep the conversation going after play dates to see how they felt it went, what could be done differently the next time or what you can do again.

For families with special needs kids:

• Don’t’ pressure yourself too much to make play-dates work. Some will work and some won’t. What’s important is giving yourself and your child the opportunity to build relationships.
• Ask for things that will help make it a successful play-date. If the dog barking will frighten your child, ask if the dog can remain outside.

Order Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes, and Playdates: Amazon | Shop your local indie bookstore

Recommended age: 4-8

Other Picture Books for Autism Awareness Month

• Since We’re Friends: An Autism Picture Book
• A Friend like Simon
• I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism
• All My Stripes

Disability in Kid Lit Resource

Disability in Kidlit is dedicated to discussing the portrayal of disability in middle grade and young adult literature. We publish articles, reviews, interviews, and discussions examining this topic from various angles—and always from the disabled perspective. If you are looking for Middle Grade or Young Adult books, Disability in Kid Lit is the very best resource.

Connect on Social Media

Follow Stewie Boom! on Instagram | Facebook

Follow Nothing But The Truth Publishing on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Win an autographed copy of a brand new picture book celebrating neurodiversity for #autismawarenessmonth! #stewieboom @NBTTPublishing #giveaway #kidlitwomen Click To Tweet

Tips for Reading Aloud

When reading Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope, I want to help you make the text leap off the page. I have written a read aloud guide full of helpful strategies. These  will transform your books into reading magic. Engage your little ones with these tips to help them begin their journey of loving books while also reading the world!

By subscribing below, you will receive a free printable PDF Top 10 Tips for Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-Schoolers.

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Tips for Reading with Kids

Join the Biracial Bookworms tribe and you will get our FREE printable Top 10 Tips for Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Pre-Schoolers. You will learn the best strategies for parents and teachers to read to young kids. It's up to you to make reading fun and memorable and the love for books life long, but we're here to equip you to do it.

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