In today’s post I want to feature my favorite books I read this year with neurodivergent main characters. When making this post I realized I only had read about autistic main characters this year and no other neurodivergent characters, so I re-titled it to reflect that. Below I share my top 6 and tell you a bit about the autistic main characters in these books.
I only include books were it’s clearly stated the main characters are autistic or the author has said the characters are autistic.
I am linking up with Books of My Heart for their Top of 2024.
My Top 6 Books with Autistic Main Characters of 2024
The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Brandy Schillace
This was a lovely cozy mystery. The main character Jo is autistic. She gets involved in a mystery when she moves to England where she inherited an estate. I really liked the mystery and Jo was a great main character. Her being autistic is a clear and important part of her personality and I thought that part was very well written and I could relate to Jo on various points.
You can read my review for this book here.
Honey Moon Murder by Dahlia
One of the main characters in this series George is autistic. I felt this was written very well and he was quite the relatable character. I was at times envious how well George knew what he needed and dealt with being autistic, as I am not there yet, but it also was inspiring. The romance is really well done too and I like seeing George and Murphy together. This series are cozy mysteries with a strong romantic sub plot.
You can read my review for this book here.
Speak Up! by Rebecca Burgess
Main character Mia is autistic. I liked reading about Mia and thought she felt relatable and realistic. I also really appreciated the positive and affirming tone of the book with how Mia is authentically herself and is happy with who she is despite her struggles. I liked seeing Mia interact with her friends Charlie and how supportive they are of each other. I liked how happy and uplifting the ending was and how it ends things on a high note.
You can read my review for this book here.
The Skeleton Crew Series by Dahlia Donovan
One of the main characters, Hyde is a genderfluid autistic vampire. I really like reading about them. They switch between using she/ her pronouns and they/ them. This author writes such great autistic characters. Hyde is relatable and likable. I love the way the community accepts them, although there are a who don’t. There is a sweet romance as well and plenty of likable side characters. Can’t recommend this series enough, it’s such a fun one!
You can read my review for A Curse for Samhain here.
You can read my review for A Fatal Autumnal Stew here.
My Kind of Trouble by L.A. Schwartz
One of the main characters in contemporary romance Preston is autistic. I also liked reading about Preston and I liked how relatable he felt. It was fun to spot things I could relate to and behaviors I recognized. He also has a sister who’s autistic and it was interesting to see some different traits and traits that present differently in her. I also really liked the romance and how understanding and accepting Harmony is.
You can read my review for this book here.
Key Lime Sky by AL Hess
I loved this book so much! Denver is the main character and xe is autistic and non-binary. The autistic representation is so well done and xe felt so relatable. And I really liked the romance with how Ezra was there for xem and how accepting he was of Denver. Denver has meltdowns and struggles with sensory sensitivities while trying to save the town. It just felt so real and raw. One of the best books I read this year and it has awesome autistic representation.
You can read my review for this book here.
I know I read a few, can’t remember off the top of my head right now though. The Key Lime Sky is still one I want to read too.
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2024/12/14/countdown-to-2025-day-14-christmas-pudding-if-you-cold-squeeze-in-just-one-more-book-for-2024/
I hope you get around to reading The Key Lime Sky, it was such an awesome book.
Very unique topic to pick. I like it. Different. Thanks for sharing.
Angela (Angel’s Book Nook) recently posted…Top 10 Books I Meant to Read This 2024 Year
After getting diagnosed as autistic I’ve been trying to read more books with autistic characters. It was fun to showcase the ones I read this year like this.
I love this Top 10 Topic. I’ve only read one of them, but look forward to trying a few.
I am happy you told me about The Framed Women of Ardemore House, it was such a great read.
I’m aware that I read a number of books with neurodivergent protagonists, but didn’t make a note of it. Something I need to do in the coming year! Thank you for your list – I love the look of several here.
I like to write them down so I can make this post at the end of the year :).
A genderfluid autistic vampire, you say??? You definitely have my attention. And I still plan to get to Key Lime Sky at some point lol. I’m glad you found so many books with autistic characters this year, and so many good ones that you were even able to make a top list!
I thought it was so fun to read about a genderfluid autistic vampire. I hope you get around to reading Key Lime Sky at some point, it was such a good one.