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

Author-illustrator Balfe offers readers tools and permission to forge their own paths in a funny and sincere illustrated memoir “for everyone.” Balfe introduces herself to the reader as a late-diagnosed autistic adult, sharing her own experiences by way of noting that “if someone had told me when I was younger that it was OK to not be like everybody else... then I think I would have found growing up a lot easier.” Alongside affirming, candid text that meanders through footnotes, parentheticals, and sidebars, a cartoon portrayal of Balfe’s childhood self weaves in and out of topics—school, special interests, emotions, family and friendships, sensory sensitives, social communication, humor, puberty, and college—through a medically informed, gender-inclusive lens. Prose, crayon-bright doodles and comics, and accessible infographics are further layered into the diary-like volume, making for a jam-packed read. The wealth of advice and reassurance may at times seem basic—trust yourself, bullying is not okay—but the accessible takeaways are no less affirming or liberating as a result, emphasizing the idea that “it’s actually pretty amazing to be a different kind of normal.” Back matter includes resources for further learning. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)