Lists

Here are a few books that I hope will serve as both windows and mirrors for all who read them, just as they have for me. Most of the authors are themselves Autistic.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. And that, dear reader, is a very big deal. In scarcely a decade, we have gone from almost no fiction by openly Autistic authors being published to having an embarrassment of riches.

This list is something of a sample platter. I have tried to represent a variety of genres. I have tried to show some of the extraordinary diversity of autism and the ways Autistic and LGBTQ identities so often overlap. Some of the books here feature Autistic characters and the issues specific to them, some have characters who “read” as Autistic even if the term is never used, and some do none of that. The only criteria are that these are works of fiction intended for adults, written by authors who have publicly identified themselves as being Autistic.

These books feature different kinds of neurodiverse characters and experiences. When possible, we suggest titles by authors and illustrators who identify as autistic or otherwise neurodivergent.

These stories focus on family, food, land, language, and identity, reflecting both the joy and complexity of everyday life. Expect lots of good food, big feelings, and stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Here are some of our favorite memoirs, suggested by staff.

This list features staff-recommended books written by Arab American authors or featuring Arab American characters.

Here are some of this year's Academy Award nominees and winners that you can check out and watch at home.

We believe these critically acclaimed under the radar gems deserve to be seen more often. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” —Michelle Obama. We love to celebrate the achievements and determination of women everywhere. Here are several of our favorite nonfiction books about women making waves.

Here is some of the best fiction by Black authors published in 2024 and 2025.

Here is some of the best nonfiction by Black authors published in 2024 and 2025.

Enjoy these albums created by Black musicians and recommended by our staff members.

We're highlighting albums created by Black musicians and recommended by our staff members.

We're highlighting staff-recommended movies and television shows written, produced, or directed by Black creators.

Our expert staff members have selected these excellent titles for kids.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and choose some of their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and choose some of their favorite titles.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite albums.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and choose some of their favorites.

Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

So many great books! Here are some of this year's favorites, selected by our expert staff members.

Our expert staff members have selected these picture books especially for this age group.

The list includes books for kids just learning to read, through independent readers. Also see the Staff Picks list for picture books for this age group.

Our expert staff members have selected these books for enjoying both nonfiction and graphic novels.

Some of our favorite 2025 fiction and graphic novels for middle schoolers. From funny to fantasy, realistic to mystery, there's something here for everyone to love.