Looking for middle grade books with neurodiverse characters? I have a series perfect for kids looking for fun, authentic portrayals of neurodiverse characters.

I cannot say enough good things about Jen Malia‘s Infinity Rainbow Club series. Illustrated by Peter Francis, the series plans to follow five neurodiverse kids in their school’s “Infinity Rainbow Club.” Each book takes turns focusing on one character. The first two books in the series follow Nick and Violet. Nick is autistic while Violet has OCD. The most recent release, Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament, follows Nick’s best friend Connor, who has ADHD.

What instantly caught my eye was that the books are classified as “Juvenile Fiction/Neurodiversity,” something I’ve personally never seen. I loved seeing it as a category so that anyone can find books with similar topics in the future. I hope it’s the start of a bigger trend in publishing.

Reading the books, there are solid lessons and realistic experiences in every book. Malia takes inspiration from her own experiences as well as her children’s experiences. The authenticity shines through, which is always a win in depicting characters with neurodiverse backgrounds. It also depicts them with everyday kid problems and how they navigate it with their respective condition. It is always growth-oriented and gives insight into their thinking process, helpful for kids and adults to see how many of our students think and see the world. The stories can easily be translated to social stories to help kids who struggle with various social interactions and show them that like the characters in the book, they can problem solve, too.

The School Library Journal had this to say about the series:

“A relatable school story that can serve as both a “window” and “mirror” about neurodiversity; recommended for upper elementary collections.

I recently read Nick and the Brick Builder Challenge aloud to a student of mine who is also on the spectrum in the upper elementary level. It was easy to connect and relate to their experiences and design activities that paired with the book, even on the fly. Quick responses to each chapter, predictions about what may happen, relatable “How would you feel if…” prompts all were easy to adapt after each chapter. So if you’re looking for books for kids with autism or books that have autistic characters for kids, Nick’s story is right for you.

While the last two titles have not been announced yet, I look forward to seeing them and sharing them with my students.

You can buy all three titles directly from the publisher Beaming Books.

I had two firsts before writing this post: visiting Nashville and attending TIC-CON 2026.

It’s hard to pinpoint the “best” part of the experience, but one of them was getting to see the author’s table with so many authors with Tourette’s presenting their books at the Author’s Table. There are so many of us who are telling our story, and many of us who are forced to do so through self-publishing since traditional publishing is not only difficult to break through, but historically exclusionary to marginalized authors.

At some point, I look forward to adding myself to the list. For now, I have several essays, poetry, and short stories not ready to be full collections. You can also check out my other pieces I’ve published about Tourette Syndrome on my writing page or at the end of this list. But for the time being, enjoy these titles written by authors with Tourette Syndrome.

This blog is always evolving. Have a book I should add? Tell me! There are many books I already have to add, but need time to represent with accuracy and praise they deserve. I’m doing this the human way, not the AI way.

Fiction

Forget Me Not by Ellie Terry

Forget Me Not is a beautiful middle grade novel in verse about two characters: Calliope June, who has Tourette Syndrome, and Jinsong P’eng, her new neighbor and classmate. The dual perspectives allow readers to empathize with both character’s perspectives and journeys. It would be perfect for a novel study in school as well. When I asked middle grade children with Tourette’s about this novel at the conference, they all enthusiastically talked about how much they loved it. Purchase your copy here.

The Awkward Agenda by Beth Morton

Finally, a romance novel with a protagonist with Tourette’s! I was so excited to see this title on the table as a fairly recent romance novel enthusiast. I finished it in a day. The fun thing about this title is that there are illustrations throughout to represent the male main character, Simon Goldberg’s, graphic novel and web comic artist career. Cali Barton, his neighbor, approaches him to help her fix her “standoffish” personality she has adopted from childhood trauma and perfectionistic tendencies. Both characters are well-rounded and fully human. Nothing felt forced or inauthentic, and there was no point where Tourette’s was the plot driver, though has a few crucial moments that all people with Tourette’s could recognize and relate to. I hope Morton writes another one sooner rather than later!

And yes, there is spice. If you know, you know.

Buy your copy here.

Christmas with a Tic by Britney Wolf

The second romance book on this list is a holiday-themed, wholesome novel by Britney Wolf, who appears twice on this list and has an active presence with the TAA. Carson, our protagonist, is struggling with Tourette’s while seeking love on a dating app. Will she find true love during the holidays? Or will her secret disrupt it all? Buy a copy here.

Poetry

Twitch and Shout, Hallelujah, Amen: Poems of Love, Forgiveness, and Living with Tourette’s Syndrome by Gregory John Nashif

An autobiographical depiction of Tourette’s Syndrome through passionate, devoted verse, Nashif’s collection documents his journey while tying it into his faith. Buy a copy here.

Nonfiction

Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen

The book that inspired the Hallmark film, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had by Brad Cohen with Lisa Wysocky documents Cohen’s journey in the classroom. Purchase a copy here.

From Trauma to Triumph: A lived experience of Tourette Syndrome, late diagnosis, and finding purpose by Paul Stevenson

Stevenson’s book closes the gap in the late diagnosis in Tourette’s representation. With short chapters and illustrations throughout, this book is an accessible look into the shame and guilt of growing up undiagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and the shock, relief, and freedom provided by late diagnosis. Buy a copy here.

Ticcing My Way Through Life by Britney Wolf

Britney Wolf’s account of her life growing up with Tourette’s in all aspects of life balances the good, bad, and ugly of having Tourette Syndrome. This book brings relatability without sugarcoating it and is appreciated among fellow members of the Tourette’s community, parents, teachers, and more. Purchase your copy here.

Children’s Picture Books

Come back soon when I’ll add some of the ones I picked up for review!

Gretchen’s Tourette’s Experiences and Commentary

Looking for my story so far? I’ve written about it for several publications. See below!

Rooted in Rights- “Billie Eilish Isn’t Just a Musician with Tourette’s, But She Makes Me Feel Seen”

Rooted in Rights-“Lewis Capaldi is Taking a Break. Why Can’t I?”

The Mighty – “Targeting ‘Illness Fakers’ Doesn’t Help Disabled People”

Blanket Sea – “What ‘Raising Tourette’s’ Means to Me as Someone Diagnosed in Their 20s”

COPE Magazine- “One Tic at a Time”

Gretchen Gales

Writer, Editor, Teacher

Reading

Book Review: The Rainbow Infinity Club Series by Jen Malia

Tourette Syndrome Books Written By Authors With Tourette Syndrome