Samara Cole DoyonNext Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity

Love the AAC rep and the celebratory spirit

This story is perfect delivered and illustrated. Teaching our kids about people who may process the world differently is so important and this book did just that.

This is a beautifully written story! I bought it for my classroom but it would be great for families, too!

As a mom with a son on the spectrum this is the most beautiful story. The illustrations are impeccably accurate and relatable. My 8yo moderately verbal child loves this book. Thank you for the representation!

How utterly refreshing to read a joyous picture book about a neurodivergent child, written by a neurodivergent parent! So often these books are written by neurotypical parents who really do mean well. But they tend to downplay the child's diagnosis so that he or she isn't seen as DIFFERENT, when, in the real world, maybe the child IS different and maybe that's wonderful?In particular, I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book. Doyon acknowledges that, while a neurodivergent child's behavior can sometimes seem disruptive in public places, she asks neurotypical readers to just imagine how overwhelming the situation might be for the child. Raising a fuss or shaming the parent helps no one.NEXT LEVEL: A HYMN iN GRATITUDE FOR NEURODIVERSITY is a beautiful story of the unshakable bond between a child and parent that celebrates the child's unique spirit. Brava!

NEXT LEVEL: A Hymn of Gratitude for Neurodiversity is the picture book I’ve been waiting for, and everyone needs to read it. Yes, everyone.Because this book lovingly and empathetically portrays a Black and nonspeaking autistic boy with audible and visible stims, I’m not exaggerating when I say that this representation will be life-changing and even lifesaving for neurodivergent children of Color, who face numerous layers of stigma in their daily life.From a neurodivergent mother’s perspective, Samara patiently addresses how others view an Autistic child with pity and “some kind of fear”, but then focuses on the intense world an autistic child experiences; seeing, feeling, hearing and saying everything on a whole different level. Not once does the story feel infantilizing or didactic, because Samara goes all in on delivering a powerful message for autistic children: Not awareness or even acceptance, but gratitude.Kaylani’s illustrations capture the frenetic motions of the main character, using linework to depict invisible sensations and feelings that nobody else notices. I particularly loved the expressive faces and gestures, and enjoyed the repetition of similar shapes throughout the story.Every library and classroom needs a copy of this book to foster empathy, acceptance and normalization of visibly and audibly ‘disruptive’ neurodivergent traits.Representation is so powerful, especially when it’s done right. Five stars, highly recommend. ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️

Honestly, a must have for the classroom, family room, and everywhere kids like to read. It's beautiful and compelling and so compassionate for our next level kids. I couldn't love it more!!