It is heartening to see more books with neurodiverse main characters. Not only are these stories fantastic for young people who experience neurodiversity in one way or another, but it’s wonderful for all readers to learn about what might be going on in someone else’s mind and build empathy.

Below are some of our most popular stories that champion neurodiversity.

When I See Blue by Lily Bailey

Sometimes Ben’s brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.

An authentic and affecting story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey.

Ways to Be Me by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

Ten-year-old Tally had high hopes for Year 6. Being in the top class at school means a whole host of privileges, but even better than that is the school production-and Tally is convinced she’ll win the lead role.

But at home, Tally feels pressured and wishes things didn’t bother her so much but sometimes she is so misunderstood and frustrated, she could explode. Then Tally’s mum and dad tell her about something called autism. And everything changes.

This is a prequel to two other stories about Tally called Can You See Me? and Do You Know Me?.

Fish in a Tree by Linda Mullaly Hunt

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb?

However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

11.32am. Ted and his sister Kat watch their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye. The pod rises from the ground, high above the city.12.02am. The pod lands and the doors open. Everyone exits - everyone but Salim.

Has he spontaneously combusted? (Ted’s theory.) Has he been kidnapped? (Aunt Gloria’s theory.) Is he even still alive? (The family’s unspoken fear.)

Even the police are baffled - so it’s up to Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, to solve this mystery and find Salim. Teaming up with Kat, Ted follows a trail of clues across London - while time ticks dangerously by …

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

‘Look, I didn’t want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek God. I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporised my maths teacher. Now I spend my time battling monsters and generally trying to stay alive.’

Author Rick Riordan wrote this bestselling story for his son, who has ADHD and dyslexia, just like the main character, which doesn’t stop him saving the world from monsters and gods all the time!

A Different Sort of Normal by Abigail Balfe

‘Hi! My name is Abigail, and I’m autistic. But I didn’t know I was autistic until I was an adult. This is my true story of growing up in the confusing ‘normal’ world, all the while missing some Very Important Information about myself.

There’ll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heart-warming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way you’ll also find some Very Crucial Information about autism. If you’ve ever felt different, out of place, like you don’t fit in … this book is for you.’