THE UNLIKELY HEROES CLUB

In this Australian import, a neurodivergent elementary schooler discovers what makes him special.

Oli’s reluctantly spending spring break attending socialization classes at the HERO Club, along with other autistic kids and their parents. He’d much rather be at home designing buildings using his favorite app, and he’s sure the other children will be way cooler than him; everyone except Oli seems to have a noteworthy talent or ability. On top of that, he’s preoccupied with a stray dog who’s been taking shelter in a nearby building slated for demolition. Though the grown-ups brush off Oli’s concerns, the other kids listen to him, and together they decide to save the dog. Well-paced chapters balance Oli’s thoughtful inner monologue with his social interactions as his confidence gradually grows. While Oli’s been enrolled in the HERO Club to help him become more socially adept, he’s clearly already a perceptive and empathetic protagonist who notices what others don’t, and he charts a believable and compelling trajectory as he discovers his strengths. Many neurodivergent readers will find elements of this tale familiar, from Foster’s vivid descriptions of Oli’s sensory experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant, to the impatience and frustration that some of the parents display toward their autistic children. Oli is brown-skinned and biracial; some diversity is cued among the supporting cast.

An immensely satisfying hero’s journey.