Different Sort of Normal

The book is a beautiful true story of one girl's journey growing up autistic and the challenges she faced in the normal world. It is written by Holly Smale, who is autistic, and Elle McNicoll, who is not. It is a rewarding and highly entertaining read that will help those who have never felt quite right in the normal world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

The British Book Awards 2022:


Blue Peter Book Awards:


Best Book with Facts 2022:


Longlisted:


The Observer Children's Book of the Month:


July 2021:


The Bookseller Book of the Month:


July 2021:


Holly Smale, Author of the Geek Girl Series:


"This book is what I needed as a kid! Empathetic, joyful, and beautifully authentic. I loved it!"


"Elle McNicoll, Author of A Kind of Spark:


"The beautiful true story of one girl's journey growing up autistic - and the challenges she faced in the normal world."


"I'm not like the other children in my class. . . . and that's an actual scientific FACT."

Introduction:


"Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was an adult-sort-of-person*. 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."

The Autistic Experience:


"I've never really felt like an actual-adult-person, as you'll soon discover in this book. . . . I've always felt like I was living in a parallel universe, like I was looking in from the outside. It's not that I didn't understand the rules - I just didn't feel like they applied to me."


"I've always been a bit of a loner, but I didn't realize that it was because of my autism. I didn't know that I was different from other people in a way that couldn't be seen. I thought that everyone felt the same way that I did."


"But as I grew older, I started to realize that my autism was a part of who I was. It wasn't something that I had to hide or be ashamed of. It was something that made me unique and special."

Navigating the 'Normal' World:


"Growing up, I faced a lot of challenges in the 'normal' world. I struggled with social interactions, communication, and sensory overload. I often felt like I was living in a bubble, disconnected from the rest of the world."


"But I also found ways to cope with my autism. I developed my own coping mechanisms, such as using visual aids, listening to music, and creating routines. I also found support from my family and friends, who helped me understand and accept myself."


"Over time, I learned to navigate the 'normal' world more effectively. I found jobs that I was passionate about, made friends who understood me, and found a sense of belonging in the community."


"But I also realized that there was still a lot of work to be done to raise awareness and understanding of autism. I wanted to help other people who were going through the same things that I had gone through."

Conclusion:


"This book is my way of sharing my story with the world. I hope that it will inspire others to accept and celebrate their differences, just as I have learned to accept and celebrate mine. I hope that it will help to break down the barriers that exist between people with autism and the rest of the world."


"I'm not an expert on autism, but I'm a person with autism, and I'm here to share my experiences and insights with you. I hope that you'll find this book helpful and informative."

*Note:


"This book is based on the author's personal experiences and opinions. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment."

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241508794