In the United States, individuals with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) make up 13 percent of the total population. About one in six children have a developmental disability.
Characters with developmental disabilities can offer wholly different perspectives, allowing readers to see through the lenses of those who think and process things differently. Including underrepresented identities leads to richer plots, new possibilities, and far more compelling stories. It also helps reduce stigma and challenge stereotypes while highlighting experiences and unique perspectives that might not have otherwise been shared with a broader audience.
These three novels highlight characters with developmental disabilities, portraying their challenges and triumphs and the diversity of their lived experiences. By featuring main characters with developmental disabilities, these stories allow readers of all ages to see themselves reflected in grand adventures, gritty thrillers, and the sweetest of romances.
HOT PICK
Cemetery Boys: Espíritu by Aiden Thomas
SYNOPSIS:
Former spirit Julian can see things others can’t. While navigating his budding relationship and newfound supernatural abilities, he begins to see darker things than just ghosts: shadows out of the corner of his eye; gaping, hollow wounds that no one else can feel, let alone see. Not even his boyfriend, Yadriel, busy with his own responsibilities, can see these “dark spots.” Then, Angel, a strange new sorcerer with healing abilities, appears, and they just might have the answers Julian is searching for. Desperate for solutions, Julian accepts Angel’s help, even if they use more violent methods than he’d like. When he spots a dark wound on one of his close friends, Julian must decide who to place his trust in and how far he’s willing to go to save those he cares about.
WHY:
With a largely Latino cast, Cemetery Boys gained a large following based on its trans and Latinx representation, as well as its heartfelt and emotional story beats, as readers followed Yadriel’s journey of self-discovery. Julian, the love interest in the first novel, and the protagonist in Cemetery Boys: Espíritu, was a fan favorite for his energetic personality, despite his traumatic past. After the release of Cemetery Boys, Julian was often thought to have ADHD, which was later confirmed by author Aiden Thomas, who wrote in a Tweet: “I wrote him specifically as having ADHD! Since no one took the time to test/understand him, he was automatically just labeled Bad News (like LOTS of POC boys).” In Espíritu, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite brujx return and meeting a new cast of diverse characters! This long-awaited sequel to Aiden Thomas’ Cemetery Boys releases on September 16, 2025.
COFFEE SHOP READ
My Kind of Trouble by L. A. Schwartz
SYNOPSIS:
Con woman Eve is out for revenge. After years of scams and swindles around California, she has set her sights on a more personal target: the man who ruined her father’s life. She heads to Brookville, California, armed with the blueprints for a nonexistent musical festival lined up and ready for the town’s wealthy mayor — the very same man who stole her father’s music algorithm. Everything is in position, but there is one last piece to put in place. Librarian and piano teacher Preston owns the land where Eve’s festival will take place, and she needs his cooperation. Preston, used to beating back opposition to his library programs and too focused on keeping his life and career going, has no time for her. Eve will stop at nothing for revenge and offers her help to preserve Preston’s youth programs. An unlikely bond flourishes between the shelves, and Eve must decide what she values most: romance or revenge.
WHY:
Described as charming and comical, My Kind of Trouble takes place in a picturesque small-town atmosphere with two juxtaposed love interests. Eve, our main female lead, is a chubby and charismatic con woman who butts heads with the male love interest, Preston. An introverted and autistic librarian, he couldn’t be more different than Eve. He sees through all of her attempts at flattery and cuts straight to the point. For once, her put-on charms and sly skills cannot sway her target. Focused on character development and budding romance, this novel subverts your expectations while providing a well-thought-out and compelling representation of autism.
DARK HORSE
Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
SYNOPSIS:
In this Appalachian thriller, 16-year-old Miles Abernathy uncovers evidence proving the sheriff of Twist Creek is guilty of an unfortunate “accident” that injured and killed innocent townsfolk. A proud socialist, Miles is staunch in his political beliefs and hopes for a better future. Beaten within an inch of his life by the sheriff’s son, Miles is forcefully embroiled in a generational struggle for power and control over Twist Creek. In his hospital bed, the ghost of a soot-covered man, one of the first victims squashed under the heels of the town’s villainous law enforcement, hovers above his head. Other townsfolk emerge from the woodwork, fed up with the cycle of cruelty and fear that hangs over them all. Under stress and scrutiny, is Miles willing to put everything he has on the line for a better future?
WHY:
This story tells the gritty, queer, and twisted tale of Miles, an autistic trans teenager, as he fights for truth and justice in his small Appalachian town. Readers have lauded White for his accurate portrayals of being both transgender and having autism spectrum disorder. Brutal and unapologetic, Compound Fracture doesn’t hold its punches when it comes to political takes and righteous anger. With a powerful story that tackles generational trauma, transgender identity, poverty, and community violence, this novel is perfect through and through. Make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading, as some aspects of the novel may be difficult for some readers.
It is important to feel seen. In a world where representation is increasing but not yet the norm, it is essential for those with and without developmental disabilities to see characters who live different lives and face different challenges than they do. We hope you enjoyed these three novel recs featuring characters across all types of spectrums. Don’t forget to tune in next week for more curated recommendations!
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