A Different Sort of Normal cover art

A Different Sort of Normal

A real-life completely true story about being unique

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A Different Sort of Normal

By: Abigail Balfe
Narrated by: Abigail Balfe
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About this listen

Brought to you by Puffin.

The beautiful true story of one girl's journey growing up autistic - and the challenges she faced in the 'normal' world

I'm not like the other children in my class . . . and that's an actual scientific FACT.

Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was an adult-sort-of-person*.

This is my true story of growing up in the confusing 'normal' world, all the while missing some Very Important Information about myself.

There'll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heart-warming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way you'll also find some Very Crucial Information about autism.

If you've ever felt different, out of place, like you don't fit in . . . this book is for you.

*I've never really felt like an actual-adult-person, as you'll soon discover in this book...

Told through the author's remarkable words, this is the book for those who've never felt quite right in the 'normal' world.

Very important, very funny and very informative. This is the book the world needs right now.

'Funny, poignant and wise, with a rich seams of understanding and empathy . . . one of the best children's non-fiction books I've read in long time' The Bookseller

'This book is what I needed as a kid! Empathetic, joyful and beautifully authentic. I loved it!' Elle McNicoll, author of A Kind of Spark

© Abigail Balfe 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Neurodiversity Nonfiction Health Special need Autism Funny Feel-Good Witty Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

A funny, fascinating illustrated memoir that conveys - via joyous tangential leaps, vivid doodles and informative notes - how it felt to grow up autistic and undiagnosed . . . a rewarding and highly entertaining read
I REALLY love it. It's the book I wish I'd had when I was a kid (I'd have known I was autistic immediately, right down to the cats). Buy it for your kids, your parents, your grandparents. Mostly buy it for yourself
Illuminating
A hugely engaging, funny and informative account of being neurodivergent
This book is what I needed as a kid! Empathetic, joyful and beautifully authentic. I loved it!
Funny, poignant and wise, with a rich seam of understanding and empathy . . . one of the best children's non-fiction books I've read in a long time
Insightful, accessible and easy to navigate, this is an essential book for autistic and allistic (non-autistic) readers of all ages
An amazing, life-changing hug of a book I wish I had when I was growing up. It's funny, eye-opening and supremely reassuring and an important, myth-busting look into autism and how that experience can vary so much. For anyone and EVERYONE who has ever felt different. Time to reclaim it and celebrate it
This book is a great explainer, full of empathy for different situations, which explodes many misconceptions about autistic people along the way! I wish I had had this available many years ago when teaching an autistic child on a one-to-one basis
What a difference Abigail Balfe's new book is going to make for so many people! A Different Sort of Normal is a wonderful blend of humour, information & reassuring comfort
All stars
Most relevant
I am in year 6 and in year 5 I read this book many times.

One of my favourites

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Really enjoyed this book, which I would recommend to anyone of any age. A must read for our new diverse society!

Excellent book suitable for any age

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Loads of relatable information and support. I would recommend that everyone read or listen to it. In another year I'll let my daughter listen to it too.

Fabulous book 😁

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Abigail gives clear information about her own life experiences to enlighten the perspectives of neuro diversity.

A different sort of normal

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An easily digestible book that is jam packed full of useful bits and pieces! Definitely worth your time

Brilliant!!

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