A Different Kind of Normal: My Real-Life COMPLETELY True Story About Being Unique - Hardcover

Balfe, Abigail

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0593566459 ISBN 13: 9780593566459

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers, 2022

Synopsis

In this joyfully illustrated memoir, Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the “normal” world around her. This is a perfect book for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to learn more about neurodiversity.

When Abigail was growing up, she was missing Very Important Information about herself. The information? That Abigail is autistic! In fact, Abigail didn’t know she was autistic until she was (kind of) an adult.

This is Abigail’s story about what it was like growing up autistic in a confusing “normal” world. With entertaining anecdotes and funny accompanying illustrations, Abigail details her experiences and explains some Very Crucial Information about autism. And about neurodiversity too— a word that celebrates the importance of all brain types!

Essential, funny, and completely unique, this book is for anyone who has ever felt different.

About this title

About the Author

Abigail Balfe is a Brighton-based writer, illustrator, and creative producer. Original storytelling has always been at the heart of Abigail's career, and she has spent a decade leading social media campaigns for some of the biggest TV and entertainment clients in the world. Abigail also used to perform stand-up comedy and won several tiny trophies for her onstage humor, which involved life-size illustrations, ridiculous songs, and rambling stories about her family.

Reviews

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 Stoverα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0593566459
• ISBN 13: 9780593566459
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240