The Real Boy

Reach for this book when your child feels like they are watching the world from the outside or struggles to navigate social cues that seem to come naturally to everyone else. Oscar is an orphan who lives in a world of magic and potions, yet he feels fundamentally different from the people around him. He prefers the company of cats and the orderly rows of herbs to the unpredictable nature of human conversation. As a mysterious illness begins to affect the children of his town, Oscar must step out of his comfort zone to save his home. This is a beautifully written high-fantasy novel that serves as a powerful metaphor for the neurodivergent experience. It validates the feelings of children who experience sensory overwhelm or social anxiety, ultimately showing them that their unique way of processing the world is a strength, not a flaw. While it touches on themes of isolation, it is a deeply hopeful and validating read for children ages 8 to 12.