I Am Odd, I Am New

The viral sensation written by a ten-year-old boy with autism—the poem he wrote for a school assignment. Foreword by the National Autism Association.

Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

“I am odd, I am new. I wonder if you are too. I hear voices in the air. I see you don’t, and that's not fair.”

Step into the world of Benjamin Giroux, a ten-year-old boy with autism, as he invites readers to see life from his perspective. In this picture book, Benjamin's poem, which he composed during a school assignment, takes center stage.

When Benjamin’s parents shared his poem with friends and family, they could not have anticipated that the poem would go viral. Now, for the first time, I Am Odd, I Am New is brought to life in an illustrated picture book that captures Benjamin’s world view.

“Benjamin Giroux’s goal when writing his poem was to have society understand that being odd is different, and different is a good thing.” —Today

“A 10-year-old New York boy who was given a school assignment ended up touching the hearts of thousands after writing a moving poem that gives an inside look into his life with autism.” —The Daily Mail

“Giroux expresses core truths through his insightful and heartfelt poem.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Written from the perspective of one who feels like an outsider, the poem un-self-consciously grapples with challenging emotions.” —Publishers Weekly

“This illustrated book and its powerful message will be an invaluable resource for creative writing teachers. With unique clarity, it provides a child’s perspective of the world that will inspire genuine empathy.” —School Reading List

© 2024 Schiffer Kids (Ebook): 9781507302316

Release date

Ebook: 2 July 2024