Book Review of Our Amazing Minds: Celebrating Differences and Sharing the Adventure of Autism
The Children’s Book Review
Our Amazing Minds: Celebrating Differences and Sharing the Adventure of Autism
Written by Jeffery and Laura May
Illustrated by Anastasiya Halionka
Ages 5+ | 38 Pages
Publisher: Our Amazing Minds Publishing (2025) | ISBN-13: 979-8998821110
What to Expect: Children’s picture book, autism awareness, neurodiversity, empathy, social-emotional learning, and field trip adventure.
Our Amazing Minds takes readers on an exciting and educational journey through the eyes of Jackson and his friends as they visit a children’s museum. Readers will learn about different ways autistic people communicate, manage overwhelming situations, and find comfort in routines, helping them to see what makes each person “really cool” and understand that “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
In this celebration of neurodiversity that promotes empathy, self-acceptance, and appreciation for the unique diversity within us all, Jackson, Lily, Martin, and Sofia guide readers through their experiences, highlighting both the amazing aspects and the tricky challenges of living with autism. Readers will come away with a solid understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and its unique impact on each child’s brain, as well as how it influences their thoughts, learning, and perception of the world. The book’s message is clear: the world needs all kinds of people, and everyone has awesome strengths and special talents.
The narrative masterfully intertwines the fun field trip adventure with valuable insights into neurodiversity. As Jackson and his friends navigate the museum, they share personal experiences, including stimming, sensory sensitivities (such as loud noises or strong smells), diverse communication methods (including tablets and sign language), and food preferences. Each character’s unique strengths and coping mechanisms are presented, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy. The book beautifully illustrates, through both its words and inviting illustrations, that “everyone is different in their own way, and autism is just one of the many ways people can be different.”
Our Amazing Minds is an engaging and heartfelt introduction to autism for both autistic and neurotypical children.
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About the Authors
Jeffery and Laura May are proud parents living in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida, with their two children, JoJo and Jackson.
When their son Jackson was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism. From that moment on, the Mays began a deeply personal journey—seeking ways to help him understand not just what autism is, but how it beautifully shapes who he is. Despite exploring countless books and resources, they struggled to find materials that spoke to him in a way that was both meaningful and relatable.
That journey led them to create something of their own: a series of children’s books designed to help kids like Jackson—and those around them—embrace and understand autism through engaging, uplifting stories. Alongside this, they founded their own publishing company, dedicated to amplifying the voices of the neurodiverse community.
Jeffery and Laura believe every challenge these children face is met with divine intention. To them, autism is not a limitation—it’s a reflection of being fearfully and wonderfully made. Their mission is to inspire pride and confidence in every neurodiverse child, so they can boldly say: “We are proud of our amazing minds!”
To learn more, visit ouramazingminds.org.
