Books Featuring Autistic Characters

Cameron CapelloApril 10, 2024

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One of the most powerful ways to understand autism is through literature, in which characters with autism are portrayed with depth and authenticity. I’ve highlighted five incredible books featuring autistic characters.

Great books to read for Autism Acceptance Month

“The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang

Helen Hoang's funny yet poignant book, "The Kiss Quotient," offers a fresh perspective on romance with an autistic protagonist, Stella Lane. Stella is a successful econometrician who struggles with social interactions and relationships due to her Asperger's. As she embarks on a journey to improve her romantic skills by hiring an expert, Micheal Phan, readers witness their hilarious but tender relationship grow. The book highlights the unique experiences of individuals with Asperger’s navigating the complexities of love and intimacy.

"Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata

Protagonist Keiko Furukura is depicted as an outsider in society, struggling to conform to societal norms and expectations. While not explicitly stated, Keiko's behavior and thought patterns align with the characteristics of autism, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of neurodiversity. At the age of eighteen, she began working at the Hiiromachi branch of “Smile Mart,” where she finds peace and purpose in her life. In the store, unlike anywhere else, she understands the rules of social interaction, including mannerisms, dress, and conversation; through Keiko's perspective, the novel challenges readers to reconsider what it means to be "normal" and celebrates the beauty of embracing one’s outsiderness.

"Between Two Thorns" by Emma Newton

"Between Two Thorns" by Emma Newman is the opening installment of the Split Worlds series, blending urban fantasy with intricate social commentary. Set in a world where the fae coexist in secrecy with humans, the story revolves around Cathy, a young woman torn between the rigid societal norms of the fae and her longing for autonomy. Emma Newman, the author of "Between Two Thorns," was diagnosed as autistic, and her work subtly reflects her experience!

"Act Your Age, Eve Brown" by Talia Hibbert

In Talia Hibbert's heartwarming romance novel, "Act Your Age, Eve Brown," Jacob Wayne is everything Eve Brown is not: regimented, organized and controlled. As the romance unfolds between Jacob and Eve, readers witness the importance of understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness in relationships involving individuals with autism.

"A Kind of Spark" by Elle McNicoll

"A Kind of Spark" by Elle McNicoll is a beautiful middle-grade novel that follows the story of Addie, an autistic girl who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about a local witch trial from centuries past. As Addie navigates the challenges of school and bullying, she finds solace and purpose in her determination to honor the memory of those accused of witchcraft.As we commemorate Autism Acceptance Month, let’s celebrate the diverse voices and experiences of individuals with autism! From Keiko Furukura’s routine at the convenience store to Addie’s quest to uncover the truth about witches, literature plays a vital role in fostering empathy, understanding, and acceptance. type: embedded-entry-inline id: 1YDZkciH09LqcBeEB6g1CO

Keep reading on Fable

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