A 2020 Schneider Family Honor Book

A heartwarming picture book that explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship.

In Classroom Six, second left down the hall, Henry has been on the lookout for a friend. A friend who shares. A friend who listens. Maybe even a friend who likes things to stay the same and all in order, as Henry does. But on a day full of too close and too loud, when nothing seems to go right, will Henry ever find a friend—or will a friend find him? With insight and warmth, this heartfelt story from the perspective of a boy on the autism spectrum celebrates the everyday magic of friendship.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Familiar school scenarios—from new schedules to making new friends—are portrayed with humor and understanding in this sweet picture book that will appeal to and reassure any child starting or continuing in school.

DIVERSE STORIES: Representing neurodivergent kids is a vital aspect of expanding diverse representation across books for all ages. A Friend for Henry provides a mirror and a window for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read.

AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM AND A BELOVED CHARACTER: Jenn Bailey and Mika Song were awarded a Schneider Family Honor Award for A Friend for Henry. Now, fans of this award-winning picture book can grow along with Henry! Henry’s story continues in Henry, Like Always, the first book in an early reader series based on the same character.

Perfect for:

Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school classrooms
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder
Librarians, teachers, and booksellers looking for children’s picture books that celebrate diversity and inclusion
A reassuring read for kids with varying levels of social anxiety
Gift-givers looking for a sweet and relatable book about making friends

Jenn Bailey

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A FRIEND FOR HENRY