Ivelisse Housman
[isbn]
Unseelie is the story of Isolde and Iselia who are on the run from the fae when a heist goes awry. Iselia (Seelie) is an Autistic changeling trying to figure out how to control and utilize her magic in order to save herself and her sister. This is the Autistic representation in young adult sci-fi/fantasy we've been waiting for.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Rebecca Ollerton
[isbn]
Sensory: Life on the Spectrum is an anthology by Autistic artists about their life experiences. There's a variety of ways to be Autistic and/or neurodivergent, and this collection displays that. If you've met one Autistic person, you've only met one Autistic person. I definitely recommend this to readers who want to see themselves or someone they love represented.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Maxfield Sparrow
[isbn]
This is a collection of experiences and essays from transgender Autistic people. The Autistic and LGBTQ communities often intersect, and this anthology is a wonderful window into that intersection.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Rivers Solomon
[isbn]
An Unkindness of Ghosts is a beautiful and visceral story about Aster, a neurodivergent queer person aboard the low decks of the HSS Matilda. She and the other residents of the ship fly towards the supposed Promised Land. While this novel is hard sci-fi among the stars, it is also an analysis of racism, classism, and ableism. Aster is definitely one of my favorite neurodivergent characters.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Mickey Rowe
[isbn]
The best source of information on autism is Autistic adults like Mickey Rowe. Mickey's story is about the ups and downs of an Autistic actor finding his way through the ableism of theater. He becomes the first Autistic actor to play the role of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
This is a must read for folks interested in disability in theater, and for those who want to know more about Autistic... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Kacen Callender
[isbn]
Finally! The book demigender folk have been waiting for!
Felix Love is a demiboy who is going through interpersonal turmoil at school, at home, and online.
While Felix's story touches on subjects such as being Black, queer, and trans, it also involves a love triangle, school bullies, and online drama.
I highly recommend this book for everyone, but especially demigender folks and trans young adults who have been waiting for a young adult fiction... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Megan Devine
[isbn]
It's OK That You're Not OK is excellent at saying the quiet parts out loud regarding grief. Devine touches on anger, frustration, and how to set boundaries with people, even your own family. This book is full of anecdotes and matter-of-fact statements that try to help grief feel more tolerable. These stories and coping techniques aren't here to "fix" your grief, but rather help you feel held within it.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Nicole Panteleakos
[isbn]
Nova is an 11-year-old nonverbal autistic girl in foster care who is intensely interested in space. In particular she's interested in the Challenger space shuttle launch which will bring the return of her sister, Bridget. She is so enthralled and overwhelmed with the idea of space that she excitedly stims, but the people around her don't quite understand why. Nor do they understand how intelligent she is. Through the 10 or so days of this book,... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Louis Levy
[isbn]
Kzradock the Onion Man and the Spring-Fresh Methuselah is a classic psychological horror with a turn at every moment. This story explores the depraved and illogical side of the human psyche. I highly recommend this title to those who enjoyed The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Carol Anderson
[isbn]
Highly recommend for folks looking to expand their antiracist knowledge. Anderson goes through historical moments in order. This makes for a read packed with information that has been glossed over in a lot of public education settings. A must-read.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
[isbn]
This is an amazing book to add to your antiracist library. Written for young adults, this book is wonderfully comprehensive and perfect for a classroom setting. Empower young people with the knowledge of their history to forge an antiracist future.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Octavia E Butler
[isbn]
This is a wonderfully strange collection of stories by Butler, the content of which pushed the boundaries of the time. The standout story of this collection is of course "Bloodchild," which follows a Terran child named Gan. He is living on a planet inhabited by arachnid-like humanoids who depend on Terrans for survival.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Jeff Vandermeer
[isbn]
VanderMeer's Annihilation is a disturbing yet intriguing story that keeps you turning pages. Four women of varying scientific professions are assigned to venture into Area X on a 12th expedition. No one before them has survived. Peer into the journal of the Biologist as she writes her firsthand account of Area X.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
Other Wind is such an amazing finale to a series that is close to my heart. Everything ties together, but not in a way that you would expect. The journeys you began with these characters are ending, but there are also new journeys beginning that are left to your imagination.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
In my eyes, Tehanu is the tale of a family being woven together. We are reintroduced to Tenar, and are given a glimpse into what her life has been like since the escape from Atuan. She and Ged become parental figures to a mysterious injured child, and are brought closer together for it. This is a story of all levels of love and hardship that bring communities together during times of chaos.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
The Farthest Shore becomes the story of Ged being a mentor in a way you never thought he would. He and Prince Arren sail the archipelago together on a quest to quell the darkness engulfing the lives of those touched by wizardry. You get to see Ged's thoughts and ways of life age in a way opposite of how we knew him in Wizard of Earthsea. I highly recommend this book if you'd like to continue your journey in Earthsea.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
Tombs of Atuan takes you on a different journey than you expect to go on, or rather, someone else's journey. You follow Tenar as she gives away her name to the darkness and later discovers her true self and her true name along with the secrets of the tombs and her home. She eventually crosses paths with our favorite wizard, and the story continues. I highly recommend this continuation of the Earthsea series. The lore only gets richer and... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
Le Guin had me hooked at the first chapter with Wizard of Earthsea. When you read the story of Ged, you don't feel like you're reading about him, you feel like you're there with him. She has created such an amazing world with diverse cultures and a shockingly logical magic system. This is the most immersive experience I've ever had with a book and I highly recommend it to those who love her other works and those who read Tolkien.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Tehlor Kay Mejia
[isbn]
This story is absolutely mind-boggling and touches on important topics such as queer relationships, privilege, sexism, and the inner workings of politics while continuing to be a quick read. The ending leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book in the series.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Grace Ellis, Shae Beagle, Kate Leth
[isbn]
This is the most inclusive comic I have ever read in my whole life. There are gay werewolves, a gender-nonconforming centaur, a mermaid who uses a wheelchair, and more. It touches on topics of not needing to change your body for other people, first arguments as a couple, and teamwork. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Rebecca Sugar's work as well.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Nicole Panteleakos
[isbn]
Nova is an 11-year-old nonverbal autistic girl in foster care who is intensely interested in space. In particular she's interested in the Challenger space shuttle launch which will bring the return of her sister, Bridget. She is so enthralled and overwhelmed with the idea of space that she excitedly stims, but the people around her don't quite understand why. Nor do they understand how intelligent she is. Through the 10 or so days of this book,... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Meg Raby, Elisa Pallmer
[isbn]
This is an amazing read on autism acceptance! Otto the crow has a wonderful family and an accepting sister who are there for him in times of misunderstandings. Highly recommend for introducing the idea of autism to children, or autistic children who want to see themselves in a main character.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Nagata Kabi
[isbn]
This is an amazing queer manga touching on a lot of relevant issues. Kabi experiences self-harm, anorexia, and a longing for feminine affection that goes deeper than she can explain. This one struck me to my very core, and I've never had a manga do that before. I can't recommend Kabi's story enough.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Patricia Polacco
[isbn]
As someone who grew up with learning disabilities, this book really got to me as a child and even now. This is a story about a girl who has dyslexia with letters and numbers. Her classmates make fun of her when she isn't advancing as quickly as the other students, but Mr. Falker takes her under his wing. This is such a hopeful read for everyone, but especially for children with learning disabilities. It shows them that they have worth, talent,... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Eleanor Morrison, Faye Orlove
[isbn]
This is a great conversation starter for you and your younger children or students about consent. The idea of consent starts at a very early age when children start to realize they control their bodies and what they do with them. This means that they also have the power to say "no" to anyone they don't want in their personal space. There are Q&As in the back to help you start the discussion.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Naoki Higashida and Ka Yoshida
[isbn]
This is the voice of an autistic writer who uses a communication board and technology to speak. As an autistic person, it's nice to see different perspectives on this journey we experience as autistic people growing up in a neuro-typical world. Higashida writes this book in a Q&A format and manages to make simple questions and answers about autistic life poetic. He isn't always positive, and is sometimes even transparent with the moments at which... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Takashi Hiraide and Eric Selland
[isbn]
A couple in Tokyo have a different perspective on cats and the lives they lead because of a small visitor named Chibi. The description of the setting and Chibi's little soul are so vivid that I felt like I was in their house with them. This is an awesome addition to the beautiful cat literature out there. I highly recommend this read for anyone who enjoyed The Travelling Cat Chronicles or I Am a Cat.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Ursula K Le Guin
[isbn]
The Left Hand of Darkness is unlike any story I've ever read before. Le Guin takes an interplanetary story and blows it out of the water. Genry Ai visits a planet of bi-gender people who are asexual for most of their lives. He gets wrapped up in their politics and their world in a way he never thought possible. This read had me attached to characters who are supposed to be alien, but feel too close to home to be anything but relative. I... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Pro Familia, Dagmar Geisler
[isbn]
An awesome kids' book on consent and self-advocacy! It is written in a way that is clear for a child to understand, and that parents or teachers can build a discussion around. There are situational explanations with friends and relatives given in the story. It goes on to say that you can always tell someone no, even if the person in your space is a relative or a friend. Highly recommended for kids reaching the age where they start to grasp the... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Jacqueline Kelly
[isbn]
This is an amazing story about a young woman of science and her studies with nature in rural Texas. Her eccentric grandpa teaches her biology out of his study, and they end up becoming partners in crime with their research. Most people in Calpurnia's life don't believe in women of science, but her grandpa does and instills and nurtures the curiosity within her.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Erica Silverman, Holly Hatam
[isbn]
An awesome story to explain to children what being transgender means. A great read for a sibling or close loved one of a trans kid, especially. The plot of this book is a big sister witnessing her younger trans brother starting to be himself. It even depicts the process through which the child might reject the idea at first, but then accept it in the end after they begin to understand. Highly recommended for trans kids and siblings of trans... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Allen Ginsberg
[isbn]
I consider this collection a part of queer history. This read is vulgar and blunt, but very real. Ginsberg's work puts me in the mindset of someone who is defeated, howling, but accepting it as truth.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Sarah Hoffman, Ian Hoffman, Chris Case
[isbn]
This is an awesome story that teaches children that clothing and fashion have no gender. Everyone should wear what they feel the most comfortable in, and in Jacob's case, that would be dresses. It walks through the pushback and interactions one might get from going against the norm, and how to handle them.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Keith Negley
[isbn]
This is a great read to combat negative comments such as "man up" or "boys don't cry" and all of that nonsense. The message gets delivered but the illustrations are funny and lighthearted enough to keep the mood elevated while reading. I imagine this would be a great read-aloud to a class of elementary school students. Feel all the feelings!
Recommended by Rin S.
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Isaac Asimov
[isbn]
Foundation is an oldie but goodie in the sci-fi world in my opinion. My brother offhandedly recommended it to me, and it has easily become a favorite. Asimov's writing style flows in a way that is complex but also digestible, and the dialogue is the most unique I've experienced. I'm usually not much for space politics, but this story is amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has liked Le Guin or Douglas Adams.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Raleigh Briggs
[isbn]
An awesome do-it-yourself guide for simple remedies, medicines, and cleaners! I say simple, but you will acquire a lot of skills if you put any of these methods in practice. If you're interested in relevant homesteading skills in a fast-paced world where there is hardly any time for that, this is totally for you!
Recommended by Rin S.
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Pia Mellody
[isbn]
There are many addictive behaviors such as substance abuse, sex addiction, and others, but we hardly ever talk about being addicted to other people. If you are coming out of an abusive relationship, or you're repeating toxic behaviors that you've learned from your elders, this guide is an amazing character study for you or a loved one living with a codependent personality.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Nancy Garden
[isbn]
This story is another teen romance like any other, but instead of a boy/girl relationship, two girls fall in love. I wish I had this book in high school to help me through the romance book phase, because I never felt like I resonated with the stereotypical, straight, teen love novels. This book is amazing for any teen looking for the right fit for a romance novel, or an adult who never got to experience this romantic phenomena.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Airlie Anderson
[isbn]
From the perspective of an agender person, this is a book I wish was available when I was growing up. The story is very simple, yet colorful and self-explanatory. It's probably a good book to read to any age group of elementary school students, especially when they're reaching that age where they start to question the world around them and have queries that don't necessarily have an easy answer. In summation, it's okay to be this, that, or... (read more)
Recommended by Rin S.
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Haruki Murakami, Philip Gabriel
[isbn]
The tale of Tsukuru Tazaki is refreshingly sad. I like to describe it to others as the world's saddest glass of water, because the read is so smooth and quenches a need to dissociate into mystical sadness for a little while. It leaves you wanting to know what happens to everyone in their normal lives after the book is over, which I suppose is the whole point of a lot of Murakami's work.
Recommended by Rin S.
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Kathryn Erskine
[isbn]
This book is such an amazing telescope into the autistic mind. No matter your age, this is a really insightful book that deals with autism and grief. The main protagonist is a smart and funny autistic girl, and it's very empowering.
Recommended by Rin S.
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