A Different Kind of Normal by Abigail Balfe - OPTIONAL

A Different Kind of Normal by Abigail Balfe, 240 pages. NON FICTION. Crown Books for Young Readers (Random), 2022. $23. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (puberty discussed); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

35yo Abigail Balfe is Autistic; however, she did not always realize that. Growing up in England she merely thought she was a little different than other children. She did not know the words neurodivergent or neurotypical.

Abigail creatively captures her growing up years and trying fit in. She writes about everyday issues of growing up and how being different affected her. She tackles topics such as school, emotions, family, friendships, puberty, sensory sensitivities with humor and amazing drawings. Abigail effectively captures her life being neurodivergent. I like this book and the format. If I were teaching autobiographical writing, I would use this as an example or mentor text. It will have a very specific audience.

Bryant Baird Librarian SLC School District