Henry, Like Always - (The Henry) by Jenn Bailey

About the Book

"Henry, a first grader on the autism spectrum, attempts to navigate friendships, and sudden changes in classroom routines--like a parade on Friday instead of share time."--

Book Synopsis

A Schneider Family Book Award Winner
A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
A NPR 2023 Books We Love Pick
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023
A 2023 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book

A beginning chapter book series based on the award-winning picture book, A Friend for Henry!

Henry likes Classroom Ten. He likes how it is always the same. But this week, Henry's class will have a parade, and a parade means having Share Time on the wrong day. A parade means playing instruments that are too loud. A parade means this week is not like always.

Join Henry as he navigates the ups and downs of marker missiles, stomach volcanoes, and days that feel a little too orange. From the creators of the Schneider Family Honor-winning picture book A Friend for Henry, this warmly funny book starring a child on the autism spectrum is a reassuring read for school-bound kids of all stripes.

GREAT FOR BEGINNING READERS: With short chapters and simple text, this book is perfect for newly independent readers who are just moving into longer books.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Familiar school scenarios--from new schedules to making new friends--are portrayed with humor and understanding in this series that will appeal to and reassure any child starting or continuing in school.

DIVERSE STORIES: Representing neurodivergent kids is a vital aspect of expanding diverse representation across books for all ages. Henry, Like Always provides a mirror and a window for kids on the autism spectrum and their friends to see themselves in the stories they read.

AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM: Jenn Bailey and Mika Song were awarded a Schneider Family Honor Award for their picture book A Friend for Henry. See how the story continues in this classic-feeling early reader series based on the same character!

Perfect for:

• Newly independent readers
• An excellent resource for parents of kids on the spectrum
• Librarians, teachers, and booksellers looking for a children's book that offers a window into the experience of autism
• A reassuring read for kids with varying levels of social anxiety
• Gift-givers looking for a sweet and relatable book about friendship

Review Quotes

A 2024 Geisel Honor Award Book

The 2024 Schneider Family Book Award Winner

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023

A 2023 Good Housekeeping Kids Book Award Winner

"Will inspire and empower all children... a great addition." -- School Library Journal

"Bailey and Song have crafted an early reader that effectively immerses the reader in its protagonist's world... Song's minimalist pen and ink illustrations perfectly suit Henry's methodical approach to life. The lilting rhythm of Bailey's text is calm and predictable; its concise and forthright diction reflects Henry's view of how the world should be." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The ending of this short chapter book, heavily illustrated and with a format and content to appeal to new readers, is as satisfying as Bailey's understanding prose and Song's gentle, friendly illustrations. Henry is an extremely sympathetic hero--relatable and authentic." - The Horn Book, starred review

"This balanced, well-crafted chapter book...includes moments of wry humor. In gentle ink lines and muted-blue washes, the illustrations simultaneously convey the upset feelings...and the directness of Henry's desires, all handled with respect and empathy for the protagonist. Deeply relatable reassurance for readers unnerved by change." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About the Author

Jenn Bailey is an author, editor, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She received her MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she now calls Leawood, Kansas, home. She lives there with her husband, three sons, and numerous cats and dogs.

Mika Song grew up in Manila, Philippines, and Honolulu, Hawaii. She moved to New York to attend the Pratt Institute and worked in animation before making children's books. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.