Ellen Outside the Lines

Ellen Outside the Lines is a heartfelt middle-grade novel following Ellen Katz, an autistic and Jewish child from the United States, on a class trip to Barcelona, Spain. The story authentically portrays Ellen's experiences with autism, including her coping mechanisms for sensory overload and social situations, drawing from the author's own neurodivergent perspective. Beyond navigating a new country, Ellen also explores her gender identity, considering she/her and they/them pronouns, and grapples with the complexities of a strained long-term friendship. The book is praised for its positive and celebratory depiction of autism, its natural integration of LGBTQ+ themes with diverse characters, and its respectful inclusion of Jewish identity and practices. It's a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and embracing what makes you unique.