Description
Like many others on the autism spectrum, 20-something stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told by more than a few well-meaning folks that he doesn’t “look” autistic. But, as he’s quick to point out in this memoir, autism “looks” different for just about everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Diagnosed with ASD at age five, McCreary got hit with the performance bug not much later. During a difficult time in junior high, he started journaling, eventually turning his pain e into something empowering—and funny. He scored his first stand-up gig at age 14, and hasn't looked back.
This unique and hilarious #OwnVoices memoir breaks down what it’s like to live with autism for readers on and off the spectrum. Candid scenes from McCreary's life are broken up with funny visuals and factual asides. Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic is an invaluable and compelling read for young readers with ASD looking for voices to relate to, as well as for readers hoping to broaden their understanding of ASD.
Author Bio
MICHAEL MCCREARY is a stand-up comedian who has performed across North America. He uses stand-up to dispel misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder. He lives in Toronto.
Prizes
- Willow Award, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice AwardsShort-listed 2020
- IBBY 2021 Outstanding Books for Young People with DisabilitiesJoint winner 2021
- Best Bets List, Top Ten, Ontario Library AssociationJoint winner 2020
- Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book CentreJoint winner 2019
- Next Generation Indie Book AwardShort-listed 2020
- Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading ListJoint winner 2020
Table of contents
Part 1: Portrait of the Aspie as a Young Man
1 Obligatory Origin Story
2 Senses Consensus Can Sense Us
3 The Elementary School Doorstop
4 Breaking My Legs
5 The Funisher: Vol. 1
Part 2: Everyone Has an Anime Phase
6 Michael Begins: The Search for Approval
7 I Fought the Law, and the Law Called My Parents
8 Socially Awkward Man
9 Cinema du Autism
10 Say (Literally) Anything
11 The Quest for Immortality
Part 3: Stim City
12 Good Cop, Transit Cop
13 Here Today, Improv Tomorrow
14 The Temple Grandin Saga
15 The Brothers Stim
16 Generator 2: Judgment Day
Epilogue
Autism Resources
Review Quotes
“Original and captivatingly funny . . . The writing is catchy and sophisticated.”
— CM Reviews, *starred review, 02/08/19“Inspiring and insightful, it’s a solid choice for a wide range of YA readers.”
— Resource Links, 10/19“Funny and powerful.”
— Youth Services Book Review, 11/30/18“Reflective yet quippy memoir . . . insightful and helpful.”
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 04/19“Delightfully engaging and informative, this is a noteworthy addition to a school or public library.”
— School Library Journal, 02/19“A breezy, upbeat memoir.”
— Kirkus Reviews, 12/09/18“Fun to read and filled with insights.”
— Guelph Mercury, 05/29/19“Unique and hilarious.”
— Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Center, 01/20“Fresh, zippy, and funny while at the same time engrossing and enlightening.”
— Booklist, 02/19