Before reading the book, I was unsure of what the young boy in the story would be dealing with. Usually, I'll read the synopsis before I read. It took me just a few pages in to realize that the young boy Aiden was autistic. The messages and ideas expressed in this book are so timely and important for parents of autistic children as well as the communities in which these children interact and develop their own identities.

I have a nephew that is on the spectrum and there are still things I don't understand about his behavior or his identity, but books like this help to break down those barriers. No child should feel abandoned, neglected, or mistreated because of their disabilities and different behaviors. It is just mere discrimination, but many times it's also plain ignorance. We have the ability to learn and embrace others, but, sometimes we choose not to.

I really enjoyed the images here from the illustrator. They worked so well with the message and words presented by the author. More books are necessary like this so we can become a world that understands and appreciates all types of individuals and how they go everyday into the world.

Parents of autistic children, please show this to your child because representation matters. Schools and other institutions show others that we can accept and be friends with anybody regardless of who or what they are.

5 stars

Thanks @rowhousepublishing for the gifted e-arc.