A Different Kind of Normal

Starred review from August 1, 2022

Gr 4-8- Albert Einstein, Emily Dickinson, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were likely autistic. Greta Thunberg, Elon Musk, and the author of this book are very much on the spectrum. Diagnosed her thirties, the British-born author/illustrator takes readers on a heartfelt and hilarious journey growing up with autism. Celebrating neurodiversity, the book covers typical topics including school, bullying, social relationships, and family interaction. However, it's the addressing of seldom discussed issues such as puberty, imposter syndrome, and gender identity that sets this book apart. The author stresses the complexities represented in all forms of neurodiversity, challenging the assumption that boys are more typically associated with autistic behaviors. The unique format paired with the conversational narrative tone, perfect cartoon-like illustrations, bulleted lists, and sidebars make this a compelling and easy read. A string of footnotes takes on the tone of a running gag; but these short asides often give readers the most pause and prompt deep introspection. Back material includes acknowledgements, support resources, and a helpful glossary that also serves as an index. VERDICT Heartfelt and insightful, this remarkable book has the potential to be life-changing, not only for adolescents with autism, but also for the people who care for them. Highly recommended.-Lynne Stover

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2022
An author illustrates an autobiographical story of growing up as a bisexual autistic girl. Abigail, a White girl growing up in England, has so many sources of anxiety: If nothing else, there are too many scary things that might go wrong in a school bathroom. Illustrated with whimsical, doodlelike art, this work follows Abigail, who wasn't diagnosed as autistic until she was 33, as she looks back on her childhood and teen years. Her narrative isn't orderly by any means; she'll interrupt a fraught topic to insert sketches of cats or a smiling uterus and fallopian tubes making a terrible pun. But the overall theme is clear: It can be rough to be autistic in an allistic world, but it can also be pretty great. It's fine to stim, flap your hands, draw a whole page of cats, or do other things that are satisfying and don't hurt anyone else. The chaotic storytelling belies the overall helpfulness of the contents. Sidebars cover everything from intersex conditions, infodumping, and sensory overload to autism myths. Abigail assures autistic readers that they'll have friends, romance (if they want it), and places where they don't have to mask: Readers will feel comforted hearing that things really do get better. The awkward and inconsistent conversion from the original British English muddies the clarity, but the work is inviting and accessible for both neurotypical and neurodivergent readers. Useful and reassuring--and wrapped up in a charming, cutely illustrated package. (reading list, glossary) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 31, 2022
Author-illustrator Balfe offers readers tools and permission to forge their own paths in a funny and sincere illustrated memoir “for everyone.” Balfe introduces herself to the reader as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, sharing her own experiences by way of noting that “if someone had told me when I was younger that it was OK to not be like everybody else... then I think I would have found growing up a lot easier.” Alongside affirming, candid text that meanders through footnotes, parentheticals, and sidebars, a cartoon portrayal of Balfe’s childhood self weaves in and out of topics—school, special interests, emotions, family and friendships, sensory sensitives, social communication, humor, puberty, and college—through a medically informed, gender-inclusive lens. Prose, crayon-bright doodles and comics, and accessible infographics are further layered into the diary-like volume, making for a jam-packed read. The wealth of advice and reassurance may at times seem basic—trust yourself, bullying is not okay—but the accessible takeaways are no less affirming or liberating as a result, emphasizing the idea that “it’s actually pretty amazing to be a different kind of normal.” Back matter includes resources for further learning. Ages 8–12.