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Abigail Balfe

A Different Kind of Normal: My Real-Life COMPLETELY True Story About Being Unique Hardcover – October 4, 2022

by Abigail Balfe (Author)

12 ratings

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In this joyfully illustrated memoir, author-illustrator Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the "normal" world around her.

Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was (kind of) an adult. 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, heartwarming 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.

Important, funny, and completely unique, this book is for anyone who has ever felt different.

Reading age

8 - 12 years
Print length

240 pages
Language

English
Grade level

3 - 7
Lexile measure

980L
Dimensions

5.87 x 0.82 x 8.62 inches
Publisher

Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication date

October 4, 2022
ISBN-10

0593566459
ISBN-13

978-0593566459
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-8- Albert Einstein, Emily Dickinson, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were likely autistic. Greta Thunberg, Elon Musk, and the author of this book are very much on the spectrum. Diagnosed her thirties, the British-born author/illustrator takes readers on a heartfelt and hilarious journey growing up with autism. Celebrating neurodiversity, the book covers typical topics including school, bullying, social relationships, and family interaction. However, it's the addressing of seldom discussed issues such as puberty, imposter syndrome, and gender identity that sets this book apart. The author stresses the complexities represented in all forms of neurodiversity, challenging the assumption that boys are more typically associated with autistic behaviors. The unique format paired with the conversational narrative tone, perfect cartoon-like illustrations, bulleted lists, and sidebars make this a compelling and easy read. A string of footnotes takes on the tone of a running gag; but these short asides often give readers the most pause and prompt deep introspection. Back material includes acknowledgements, support resources, and a helpful glossary that also serves as an index. VERDICT Heartfelt and insightful, this remarkable book has the potential to be life-changing, not only for adolescents with autism, but also for the people who care for them. Highly recommended.-Lynne Stoverα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

★ "Heartfelt and insightful, this remarkable book has the potential to be life-changing, not only for adolescents with autism, but also for the people who care for them." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Useful and reassuring—and wrapped up in a charming, cutely illustrated package." —Kirkus Reviews

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown Books for Young Readers (October 4, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593566459
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593566459
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 980L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.87 x 0.82 x 8.62 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #896,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,123 in Children's Books on Disabilities
- #1,761 in Anxiety Disorders (Books)
- #6,627 in Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books)

Customer Reviews:
12 ratings

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About the author

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Abigail Balfe

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Abigail is a queer neurodivergent (autistic & ADHD) author, illustrator and Emmy award-winning creative producer living in Brighton, England in the UK. Original storytelling has always been at the heart of Abigail's career and she has spent 12+ years leading social media campaigns for some of the biggest TV & entertainment clients in the world including Sony Music, BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Netflix.

Abigail also used to perform stand-up comedy and won several tiny trophies for her onstage humour; which involved life-size illustrations, ridiculous songs and rambling stories about her family.

Her book about growing up autistic and not knowing she was autistic, A Different Sort of Normal, was named Puffin Books' lead non-fiction title of 2021 and has received many other accolades including being shortlisted for Children's Non-Fiction Book of the Year at the British Book Awards 2022 and longlisted for Best Book With Facts at the Blue Peter Book Awards 2021.

A Different Sort of Normal was republished in USA and Canada this year under the slightly different title A Different Kind of Normal, and has been featured in the New York Times.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5

12 global ratings

5 star		77%
4 star		12%
3 star 0% (0%)		0%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star		11%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Deacon Tom

Spectacular

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 1, 2023

This is a great primer on Autism. Abigail Balfe is a 35 yr old autistic lady who walks the reader through many different phases on her journey.

The ones that were most impressive were sexuality; school struggles and puberty. The presentations were honest and filled with graphics.

This was truly amazing.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Caitlinerika

Fantastic Book

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 3, 2022

This is a wonderful book for many ages. Children and adults both will enjoy it. I love that it’s written by an autistic author. It’s great for better understanding the autistic experience if you’re not autistic or for relating to a book if you are autistic.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Jasmine

Blooming marvellous! Don't hesitate to buy it.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 7, 2023

Verified Purchase

Awesome book! I bought this following a recommend from an autistic book club online. I wanted something accessible for my daughter (NT) to read to help her understand her brother (ND). It's brilliant - we had such giggles together at the funny parts and talked more in depth about the things that challenged. She devoured it. (Age 7 but with a higher reading ability). She's now asking for more 'life stories' (biographies) so I'm on the hunt!
I'm not sure what the difference if between this one and the one titled "A different SORT of normal" but I chose this one because it has a more recent publishing date.
I loved the into pages where the author 'gives permission' for us to read it. Too often it's too hard to know who the audience is. This book is for everyone. I've included a photo of the starting pages to show you.

One person found this helpful

Maggie

One of the best books about autism that I’ve ever read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 10, 2022

Verified Purchase

I bought this book to read with my children. One of my children is autistic and as we were reading the book together he kept commenting ‘she gets it mummy’. The significance of a child recognising themselves in a book is so important and Abigail Balfe really helped my child to recognise that he is not alone in his way of experiencing the world.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I read so many books and papers about autism and this book is absolutely one of the best.

One person found this helpful

RB

Funny, accessible and important

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 3, 2022

Verified Purchase

This was a joy to read. Eye-opening, but also totally original, honest and funny. I haven't read anything like this before. I recommend it to everyone looking for an entertaining read who is interested in how others experience the world.

One person found this helpful

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