Here are 97 books that Same Way Ben fans have personally recommended if you like Same Way Ben. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of A Friend for Henry

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why Jennifer loves this book

Such a sweet book about a boy just trying to find a friend who sees the world as he does. 

I think this is another book we can all relate to, but especially a sensitive child like Henry who doesn’t like overstimulation and kids who’s rules are different than his. Eventually Henry finds a little girl who doesn’t like broccoli and understands he doesn’t like triangles, and together they build a tower with no triangles or broccoli, which feels perfect to both of them.

By Jenn Bailey , Mika Song (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Friend for Henry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

2020 Schneider Family Honor Book

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.


If you love Same Way Ben...

Ad

Book cover of Pedal Pusher: How One Woman's Bicycle Adventure Helped Change the World

Pedal Pusher by Mary Boone,

In 1894, Annie Cohen Kopchovsky set out to ride her bicycle. Not to the market. Not around the block. Not across town. Annie was going to ride her bike all the way around the world—because two men bet no woman could do it. Ha!

This picture book, with watercolor illustrations…

Book cover of It's So Difficult

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why Jennifer loves this book

I love this book so much! With his beautiful child-like drawings, Guridi masterfully helps the reader see life from the perspective of a neurodiverse child struggling with day-to-day life. Guridi does this by juxtaposing limited palette drawings with off-white backgrounds with full-page black background pages showing the text of the child’s inner dialogue. 

This book would be amazing for both a neurodiverse child managing his or her own life and a parent trying to envision this child’s inner struggles.

By Raul Nieto Guridi , Lawrence Schimel (translator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked It's So Difficult as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

A school day can be so overwhelming: so many people, so many noises, so many things to remember. Grown-ups say it’ll get easier with time, but even saying hello is incredibly hard. Thank goodness for comforts like math, for anything that can relax a restless mind. Maybe this time a few words will come out at last…

An empathetic look at anxiety and overstimulation, It’s So Difficult follows a child throughout the challenging routines of a single day. Even the smallest step forward can be an enormous triumph. 


Book cover of If You Give a Moose a Muffin

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why Jennifer loves this book

We all know Numeroff’s “IF” books. I love them all, but I picked the Moose book because the moose scares himself by shouting, “BOO!” But all of them have a similar message.

Whether neurodiverse or neurotypical, we are all familiar with the feeling of starting one task, which leads to another, which leads to another…etc. I remember reading this book to my kids when they were young and how it captured how I felt as an overwhelmed mom (not to mention one with undiagnosed ADHD).

Interestingly, it was written over 30 years ago during a time when ADHD wasn’t as easily diagnosed. In a way, this speaks to the ever-presence of neurodiversity, whether specifically recognized or not. 

By Laura Joffe Numeroff , Felicia Bond (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked If You Give a Moose a Muffin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he'll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix...

In this hilarious sequel to the beloved If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose.

The If You Give...…


If you love Maryann Cocca-Leffler...

Ad

Book cover of Real Princesses Change the World

Real Princesses Change the World by Carrie A. Pearson,

Real Princesses Change the World is an inspirational and diverse picture book that highlights 11 contemporary real-life princesses and four heirs apparent from around the world.

Have you heard of a STEM-aligned real-life princess who is an engineer and product developer? Or a princess who is a computer expert? An…

Book cover of Niko Draws a Feeling

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Author Of Daisy the Daydreamer

From my list on relatable neurodiverse characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

A couple of years ago, in my late 50s, I learned I had ADHD. It was a huge discovery to finally understand why I daydreamed while being lectured and had so many thoughts racing through my mind. When I was younger, I assumed that there was a level playing field between my classmates and me when it came to basic brain function. So, I always felt extra frustrated and sad when I didn’t learn the same way as others. Only recently have I come to the new understanding about what was going on then—that my brain has always worked a little differently.


Jennifer's book list on relatable neurodiverse characters

Jennifer P. Goldfinger Why Jennifer loves this book

This book gave me goosebumps. Which then inspired me to draw that feeling.

Niko reminded me of myself observing the world and trying to capture it on paper, but Niko takes it a step further as he draws the “ring-a-ling” of the ice cream truck and the warmth of the sun on his face. 

This is another book that all children will relate to, but a special select few will feel inspired, as I did.

By Robert Raczka , Simone Shin (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Niko Draws a Feeling as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Niko loves to draw his world: the ring-a-ling of the ice cream truck, the warmth of sun on his face.

But no one appreciates his art. Until one day, Niko meets Iris . . .

This imaginative and tender story explores the creative process, abstract art, friendship, and the universal desire to feel understood.

A Junior Library Guild selection, Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book, Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice, Midwest Connections Pick, NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts,…


Book cover of Now I'm a Bird

Benson Shum Author Of First Night of Howlergarten

From my list on inclusion and being true to yourself.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up, I was always the outcast. I wasn't the smartest in class. I wasn't the strongest in sports. I was always the shy kid in the back, trying not to make a noise. But when I made a connection with someone or they made the effort to say hi. I treasured our friendship. I love writing and sharing stories where we are talking about inclusion and building empathy toward each other. I hope you will enjoy these books on the list.

Benson's book list on inclusion and being true to yourself

Benson Shum Why Benson loves this book

A heartfelt story about a little girl who had feathers. And how her feathers eventually filled in and her arms became wings.

She was made fun of by some classmates, but as she started to stand up for herself, she found a flock of friends who were just as different. If you ever feel like you are an outcast, this is a book for you. I love this story about how it's ok to be different. You never know who else feels the same way. 

By Sue Ganz-Schmitt , Renia Metallinou (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Now I'm a Bird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mom's Choice Award 2021 - Gold Level
Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year Award 2022
Firebird Book Awards - Juvenile Fiction First Place 2021
Firebird Book Awards - Picture Book for All Ages 2021

It isn't easy to be the only kid in school who's a bird. Then again, you can fly!

Julianna didn't mean to be a bird. It just happened, feather by feather. "It's a rare and beautiful condition," explains the note her mom sends to school, though it doesn’t help with the teasing. But Julianna’s wings take her to places she hadn’t imagined, with a birds-eye…


Book cover of Waylon! One Awesome Thing

Laurie Calkhoven Author Of Roosevelt Banks and the Attic of Doom

From my list on laugh-out-loud chapters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a former book publishing professional turned full-time children’s book author. I’ve never swallowed a frog, battled imaginary bears, or had a slime war with ghosts like my character, Roosevelt Banks, but I have written more than fifty books for children. These range from beginning readers (You Should Meet Misty Copeland) and chapter books (Roosevelt Banks, Good-Kid-in-Training) to middle grade historical novels (Daniel at the Siege of Boston, 1775).

Laurie's book list on laugh-out-loud chapters

Laurie Calkhoven Why Laurie loves this book

Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome through science, like attracting cupcakes by controlling gravity. But it's impossible for him to concentrate on his inventions when Arlo Brody is dividing the fourth grade boys into two groups. His attempts to navigate fourth grade and be friends with everyone (except for one very scary new kid) are hilarious.

By Sara Pennypacker , Marla Frazee (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Waylon! One Awesome Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

From the creators of the New York Times bestselling series Clementine comes another chapter book collection that will keep readers engaged and laughing until the very last page.

Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome through science, like teleportation, human gills, and attracting cupcakes by controlling gravity. But it's impossible for him to concentrate on his inventions when he's experiencing his own personal Big Bang.

Arlo Brody is dividing the fourth grade boys into two groups. Waylon would rather be friends with everyone. Well, everyone except the scary new kid, Baxter Boylen.

Waylon's older sister, Neon, is…


If you love Same Way Ben...

Ad

Book cover of The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife

The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife by Erica Silverman,

A unique and artful blend of poetry, science, and activism, this picture book shows how city dwellers can intervene so that nature can work her magic.

In Oslo, Norway: citizens create a honeybee highway that stretches from one side of the city to the other, offering flowerpots, resting spots, bee…

Book cover of You Are the Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter

Sandi Holst Author Of Breathe! You Got This!: Fortunes Favor The Inspired

From my list on getting what you want in life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the first in my family to go into business for myself. Now, it took me years of thinking about it before I made the jump. I was scared to take that step, but I did it. My expertise came from 25 years of managing hundreds of clients in numerous industries. I loved how successful people can be with the craziest of ideas. How can you find your passion so you are happy and loving what you are doing in life? How do you overcome the fear of failure, move forward with your desires, and become abundant in doing it? 

Sandi's book list on getting what you want in life

Sandi Holst Why Sandi loves this book

When we are not feeling well or diagnosed with an illness, the first line of defense is the pharmacy. But it doesn’t have to be. Dr. Joe tells us in detail that we can heal ourselves no matter what we are diagnosed with. In my life, I have had times of working long hours and personal stress. It made me unwell.

In 2018 I started to dive into the holistic world where I could take some control in healing myself. Out of all the books I have read over the years, Dr. Joe helped me the most. He helped me with de-stressing my business and personal life. This put me in the driver's seat of healing my medical issues.

By Joe Dispenza ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked You Are the Placebo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Throughout history up until the present, many cultures have traditionally experienced the effects of verifiable healings, along with hexes, curses, witchcraft, voodoo and other mysterious phenomena. These effects - many of which were elicited by unscientific means - were brought about by the beliefs and lore of the society. Even today, pharmaceutical companies use double- and triple-blind randomised studies in an attempt to exclude of the power of the mind over the body. In You Are the Placebo, Dr. Joe Dispenza explores the history, the science and the practical applications of the so-called placebo effect. Citing many amazing individual cases…


Book cover of Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits--to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life

Marcey Rader Author Of Work Well. Play More!: Productive, Clutter-Free, Healthy Living - One Step at a Time

From my list on boost productivity declutter and reclaim your day.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about productivity that enhances life, not erodes it. After years of chasing more—more certifications, more races, more promotions—I faced a health crisis that forced me to redefine success. Now, I’m on a mission to help people and companies find real productivity without sacrificing relationships or health. My background as a speaker, trainer, and coach drives me to show others how sustainable habits can declutter not just our workspaces but also our minds and bodies. True productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. 

Marcey's book list on boost productivity declutter and reclaim your day

Marcey Rader Why Marcey loves this book

I felt like I was meeting a kindred spirit. Rubin’s insights into habits and how we’re wired to form (or break) them resonated with me personally—it was like we were sisters from another mister! Her humor, honesty, and practical strategies hit home, offering me a fresh lens on self-improvement.

I walked away with actionable ideas and a better understanding of what actually works for me. Rubin’s approach makes habit-building feel possible and even fun (even when the habit seems like a grind).

By Gretchen Rubin ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Better Than Before as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Happiness Project and “a force for real change” (Brené Brown) examines how changing our habits can change our lives.
 
“If anyone can help us stop procrastinating, start exercising, or get organized, it’s Gretchen Rubin. The happiness guru takes a sledgehammer to old-fashioned notions about change.”—Parade
 
Most of us have a habit we’d like to change, and there’s no shortage of expert advice. But as we all know from tough experience, no magic, one-size-fits-all solution exists. It takes work to make a habit, but once that habit is set, we can harness…


Book cover of Change: What Really Leads to Lasting Personal Transformation

Christian Jarrett Author Of Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change

From my list on achieving lasting personal change.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a psychologist and neuroscientist and I've been writing for the public about all things mind and behaviour for more than two decades. Something I've noticed in that time is that the question people want to know the answer to, perhaps more than any other, is how much we can ever truly change, deep down. After all, self-help advice is seemingly endless, but does any of it really work, or are we ultimately destined to always revert to type? That's what motivated me to begin delving into the latest science of personality – defined by psychology as the habits of emotion, behaviour, and thought that make us who we are.

Christian's book list on achieving lasting personal change

Christian Jarrett Why Christian loves this book

Week in, week out, therapists meet people who are trying to change. Kottler is a highly experienced psychotherapist and in this book you will discover all that he has learned about the process of personal transformation through his career – including the obstacles to change (such as procrastination and lack of self-monitoring) and also the factors that make it easier, such as through fostering hope. I particularly enjoyed the passages on what's known as post-traumatic growth - that is, our ability to turn frightening or stressful experiences into catalysts for positive personal development.

By Jeffrey A Kottler ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Change as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Think of a time in your life when you overcame a significant, chronic, intractable problem that had challenged you for years, until somehow you managed to completely turn things around in such a way that the change has persisted to this day. How did this happen, and what was it that made the greatest difference?

Jeffrey Kottler has often explored this question-interviewing hundreds of people about their change experiences and synthesizing all the research around the globe-and he poses it in the opening pages of Change: What Really Leads to Lasting Personal Transformation. This fundamental query-how do we (or don't…


If you love Maryann Cocca-Leffler...

Ad

Book cover of What Does It Mean to Be American?

What Does It Mean to Be American? by Rana DiOrio,

An engaging picture book for children that celebrates what it means to be American!

What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie or fireworks? Not exactly. This patriotic picture book is perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Election Day, or any day you want…

Book cover of Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You

Sage Rountree Author Of The Athlete's Guide to Recovery: Rest, Relax, and Restore for Peak Performance

From my list on books for athletes who want to up their game.

Why am I passionate about this?

Though I’ve coached endurance athletes to world championships, I’m an expert on not working out. It’s what you do when you’re not training that matters most! All the books on this list teach habits that help you relax about things that don’t matter while guiding you to define what does matter and explaining ways to most efficiently focus your energies there. This jibes with my work as a yoga teacher: we seek to find the right application of effort, and to layer in ease wherever possible. I don’t think it’s stretching too much to call each book on the list both a work of philosophy and also a deeply practical life manual.

Sage's book list on books for athletes who want to up their game

Sage Rountree Why Sage loves this book

Like the prior book, this book takes principles from both science and mindfulness and applies them to life in interesting ways that help me feel strong and capable.

I love how it gives me perspective on aging and the various changes that we all undergo, both chosen and inevitable. The book’s concept of “rugged flexibility” applies super well for athletes, but it also reminds me to be resilient at work, in family life, and in all my relationships.

By Brad Stulberg ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Master of Change as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From expert on sustainable excellence, coach, and bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness comes a revelatory book on rethinking change and creating a rugged and flexible mindset amidst life's intensifying flux.

We undergo change and transformation-both good and bad-regularly. From social disruptions like economic recessions, pandemics, and new technologies to individual disruptions like getting married, career transitions, and becoming a parent, change is not the exception, it's the rule. Yet we endlessly fight it, often viewing it as a threat to our stability and sense of self.

Master of Change flips this script on its head and offers a…


Book cover of A Friend for Henry
Book cover of It's So Difficult
Book cover of If You Give a Moose a Muffin

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in change, school, and neurodiversity?

Change 45 books
School 290 books
Neurodiversity 105 books