A parent should reach for this book when their child is struggling to fit in, feels socially anxious, or is exploring a new neurodivergent diagnosis. Written in lyrical, accessible verse, "Good Different" follows Selah, a young autistic girl who desperately tries to follow the unwritten social rules of friendship, but always feels like she is "glitching." The story provides a powerful and empathetic window into the experience of masking and sensory overload. It's a wonderful tool for building self-confidence in kids who feel different and for fostering empathy in their peers. This book beautifully normalizes the autistic experience, showing that being different isn't bad, it's just different, and that can be good.
The book deals directly with the internal and external experience of being autistic. The approach is secular and from the first-person perspective of the child. It addresses social exclusion and mild bullying in a realistic way. The resolution is deeply hopeful and affirming, focusing on self-acceptance, the relief of a diagnosis, and the joy of finding true belonging without changing oneself.
Ideal Reader
A child aged 9 to 12 who feels like an outsider, struggles with social anxiety, or is newly diagnosed as autistic or otherwise neurodivergent. It's also an excellent empathy-building read for neurotypical children to help them understand the perspectives of their peers.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold as it handles its themes gently. A parent might want to preview scenes involving social rejection (e.g., the birthday party scene) to be prepared for conversation. The author's note at the end is highly recommended for parents as it provides valuable context about the author's own experience with autism. A parent notices their child is struggling to make or keep friends, seems exhausted after school, or hears them say things like, "What's wrong with me?" or "Why doesn't anyone like me?" This book is also a perfect resource for a parent whose child has recently received an autism diagnosis.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect strongly with the universal feelings of wanting a friend and feeling left out. An older reader (10-12) will grasp the more nuanced concepts of masking, sensory overload, and autistic burnout. They will more deeply appreciate the journey of identity and self-acceptance Selah undertakes.
What Makes It Special
Written by an #OwnVoices autistic author, its authenticity shines. The verse novel format makes Selah's complex inner world immediate, lyrical, and highly accessible. The metaphor of "glitching" is a brilliant, child-friendly way to describe sensory overload and social missteps, making the experience relatable even for those who haven't lived it.
Read plot summary
Selah, a young girl who loves creating, is starting a new school and is determined to follow the social "Rules" to make friends. She carefully masks her autistic traits, like stimming, but finds the effort exhausting and often feels like she is "glitching" in social situations. After experiences with loneliness and bullying, Selah connects with a new friend, Layla, who appreciates her unique way of seeing the world. With support from her family and an official autism diagnosis, Selah begins to understand and embrace her identity, learning that her differences are something to be celebrated.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Selah uses the word "glitching" to describe how she feels when things get overwhelming. What do you think she means by that? Have you ever had a moment where you felt like you were glitching?
2
Selah works hard to follow "the Rules" of friendship, but it makes her tired and anxious. Why do you think these rules were so difficult for her? What makes someone a truly good friend?
3
At the end of the story, Selah's family helps her see she is "good different." What does this phrase mean? In what ways was being different a good and powerful thing for Selah?
4
How did Selah's friendship with Layla change how she felt about herself and her interests? What did Layla do that showed she was a good friend to Selah?
