The Ostrich and Other Lost Things

This novel follows eleven-year-old Olivia, who often feels overshadowed by her autistic brother, Jacob's needs. When she auditions for a children’s production of Peter Pan, she hopes to discover who she is beyond being Jacob’s sister. Through a chaotic summer of theatre, family challenges and self-discovery, Olivia learns that she can love her brother while also needing space, identity and confidence of her own.

Why it helps: In this beautifully written novel, the bonds and challenges of caring for a sibling with autism are bravely explored, along with the pain and power of self-discovery.