Middle Grade - Neurodivergence

This list features books with main and secondary characters who are neurodivergent. Neurodivergency is loosely defined as neurological difference such as ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as many others.

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Focused By Alyson Gerber Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9781338185980
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Scholastic Inc. - January 5th, 2021

Clea is constantly getting distracted, blurting words out, and forgetting things. It even starts to ruin chess--her favorite activity. She knows she needs to focus, but it feels like her brain is working against her. After getting tested, Clea finds out she has ADHD, but the diagnosis is just the beginning. Now she has to figure out the next steps. Relatable for readers with or without ADHD, Clea’s story is one of growth and learning to be a self-advocate.

(Suggested Ages: 8-12)


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Tornado Brain By Cat Patrick Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781984815316
Availability: Special Order - may be out of print
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - May 5th, 2020

Neurodivergent Frankie has dealt with her fair share of 7th grade drama. Exacerbated by her hatred of loud noises and touching and her inability to stay focused, she’s had a hard time keeping friends. When her former best friend goes missing, Frankie’s going to have to be strong and work with others to untangle this mysterious disappearance. An intriguing mystery told with a powerful voice and sprinkled with tornado facts, allows readers to truly see inside Frankie’s head and understand her struggles.

(Suggested Ages: 10-14)


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Chester and Gus By Cammie McGovern Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9780062330697
Availability: Special Order - may be out of print
Published: HarperCollins - March 13th, 2018

Told through a dog’s eyes, this story explores the unlikely friendship that forms between Chester, a failed service dog who’s destined to a life as a normal pet, and Gus, a nonverbal ten-year-old boy with autism. A great choice for a young middle grade reader who enjoys learning about everyone’s differences.

(Suggested Ages: 7-11)


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Can You See Me? By Libby Scott, Rebecca Westcott Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9781338608939
Availability: Backordered - OK to 'add to cart' and we'll let you know when your copy is here
Published: Scholastic Inc. - February 2nd, 2021

Navigating 6th grade is hard enough for any kid, with new friends, a new school, and new uniforms. But Tally’s autism makes adjusting extra hard for her. The new uniforms are scratchy, her friend has started acting differently, and everyone seems to care about fashion and popularity--two topics which are foreign to Tally. She decides the best way to conquer middle school is by hiding her autism. But soon she learns that maybe fitting in isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Based on Libby Scott’s own experience living with autism, this story is full of great representation and a true voice.

(Suggested Ages: 9-12)


A Boy Called Bat (The Bat Series #1) By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator)
$9.99
ISBN: 9780062445834
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Walden Pond Press - March 13th, 2018

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Tune It Out By Jamie Sumner Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9781534457003
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers - September 1st, 2020

Lou lives in a truck with her mom, who forces her to sing at the local coffee shop instead of going to school. Lou doesn’t like it, the crowds, loud noises, and touching is just too much for her. Child services finds out about their homelessness and separates the pair, sending Lou to live with her aunt and uncle. With their help, she learns that her sensory processing disorder doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with her, she just experiences the world differently. Perfect for emotionally mature middle grade readers who enjoy experiencing the world through another’s eyes. 

(Suggested Ages: 10-14)


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Not If I Can Help It (Scholastic Gold) By Carolyn Mackler Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780545709484
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Scholastic Press - July 30th, 2019

Willa has sensory processing disorder, which means that certain textures and feelings bother her. She manages it well, through calming techniques, routines, and occupational therapy but doesn’t let her classmates, or even her best friend Ruby, find out. When her dad reveals that he’s been dating Ruby’s mom, Willa’s home world and school world begin to combine and she’s scared for the result. Relatable for any kid whose parent is remarrying or otherwise going through big life changes.

(Suggested Ages: 8-12)


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Fish in a Tree By Lynda Mullaly Hunt Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780142426425
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - March 28th, 2017

Ally has made it to sixth grade without being able to read. It’s not that she doesn’t try, but the letters just don’t seem to make sense in her brain. Her new substitute teacher notices her struggling and begins to work with her one-on-one. After being diagnosed with dyslexia, Ally learns that it’s okay and she can still be her usual creative self. Great story for anyone who feels different or academically behind.

(Suggested Ages: 8-12)


A Mango-Shaped Space By Wendy Mass Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780316058254
Availability: Special Order - may be out of print
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - October 19th, 2005

Slider By Pete Hautman Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9781536204322
Availability: Backordered - OK to 'add to cart' and we'll let you know when your copy is here
Published: Candlewick - April 23rd, 2019

Rules (Scholastic Gold) By Cynthia Lord Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780439443838
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Scholastic Paperbacks - September 1st, 2008

How to Speak Dolphin By Ginny Rorby Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780545676076
Availability: Special Order - may be out of print
Published: Scholastic Press - March 28th, 2017

Planet Earth Is Blue By Nicole Panteleakos Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9780525646600
Availability: usually available in 3-5 business days
Published: Yearling - May 5th, 2020

Caterpillar Summer By Gillian McDunn Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9781547603145
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Bloomsbury Children's Books - October 6th, 2020

The Space We're In By Katya Balen Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780823447442
Availability: Special Order - may be out of print
Published: Margaret Ferguson Books - January 12th, 2021