No Brain the Same: Neurodivergent Young Activists Shaping Our Future

by Lindsay H. Metcalf (Editor), Keila V. Dawson (Editor), Jeanette Bradley (Illustrator)

Through powerful poems, this book honors neurodivergent youth activists transforming their communities and invites kids to act—continuing the spirit of No Voice Too Small and No World Too Big.

Featuring Billie Eilish, Dara McAnulty, and Lydia X. Z. Brown, these fourteen poems spotlight neurodivergent activists inspiring kids ages 5 to 9 to make change.

These fourteen neurodivergent activists began their work when they were young and continue it now, changing systems, politics, policies, and more. The book features poems written by poets who have something in common with each activist.

Fourteen poems by CooXooEii Black, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Liv Mammone, Lyn Miller-Lachmann, K. A. Reynolds, and others honor activists from all over the world and the United States. Additional text goes into detail about each activist's life and how readers can get involved.

Activists
Connor DeWolfe by e.E. Charlton-Trujilo Helena Donato-Sapp by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Billie Eilish by Devin Murphy Mia Armstrong by Fiona Morris Sadie McCallum by Liv Mammone Adam Wolfond by Hannah Emerson Liam Garner by Jen Malia Lydia X. Z. Brown by A. J. Sass Jazmine Wildcat by CooXooIee Black Andy Smith by Lyn Miller-Lachmann Molly Seidel by Jeanette Bradley Dara McAnulty by Sally J. Pla Mollie Davis by Jordan Scott Cillian O’Conner by K. A. Reynolds

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

Lindsay H. Metcalf is a journalist and award-winning author of nonfiction picture books: BEATRIX POTTER, SCIENTIST, a Mighty Girl Best Book of 2020 and Young People’s Literature Award winner from the Friends of American Writers Chicago; FARMERS UNITE! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices, a Kansas Notable Book, Friends of American Writers honoree, NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book, and Junior Library Guild selection; and NO VOICE TOO SMALL: Fourteen Young Americans Making History, a Kirkus and Chicago Public Library Best Book, Notable Social Studies Trade Book, and NCTE Notable Poetry Book. NO WORLD TOO BIG: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change, a poetry anthology from the team behind No Voice Too Small, is forthcoming in spring 2023. Lindsay lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a variety of pets. Reach her at lindsayhmetcalf.com and @lindsayhmetcalf on Twitter and Instagram.

Reviews

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to be a favorite of mine. Book three, NO BRAIN THE SAME, featuring 14 amazing neurodivergent young activists does not disappoint. Each person highlighted has an accompaying poem; types of poems, such as free-verse, tercet series, sonnet, etc. are identified (a bonus for educators)

Kids will recognize some of the famous people (Billie Eilish) who are included but will also get to know some people they may not have encountered before. It is uplifting to see each person's impact on the world so far. The takeaway after reading the poems and bios is that, no matter who you are, you are amazing and you can do amazing things.

The art is gorgeous. Each featured person stands out against a pleasing, neutral background. Clues as to that person's accomplishments are hinted at in the art. A favorite of mine is the concrete poem that connects to the Minecraft in Andy Smith's bio.

I look forward to sharing the print copy I preordered with my family.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is so powerful! I love the way the book is laid out: each 2-page spread includes a poem written by a well-known author about a neurodivergent activist. A paragraph about each activist is also included. I loved the different styles of poetry, the various authors' writing styles, and, of course, the content. This book introduces readers to 14 different neurodivergent activists, allowing many readers to see themselves reflected on these pages. Supplemental information includes information on how to take action, a glossary, information about the poetic forms, and information about each contributing author. Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the previous two books in the series, NO BRAIN THE SAME highlights young people who have made the world a better place. This particular book focuses on those with diagnosed disabilities who have become activists to enlighten others and make life more equitable for others in the same circumstance or situation. Some are world famous (e.g. Billie Eilish) while others are less well-known, but they all have accomplished remarkable deeds that are noteworthy and laudable. Kids and adults alike will be inspired by people highlighted here via the various poems penned by different kid lit creators. This is a must-have for home, class, and library.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharing how others see the world opens up our thinking to build empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Such an important book! Each spread contains 3 types of text with different purposes: poetry provides a window, a sidebar provides more information and background on the activist featured, and a small bit of practical advice is shared as the reader turns the page. These are powerful, courageous voices making the world a better place for all and bringing the message that we all have something valuable to offer those around us.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

The use of poetry in multiple formats (free verse, couplets, etc) allows this to be accessible to many listeners and readers. From "everyday" people who do big things to Billie Ellish, we learn how the brain is strange, beautiful and capable of almost anything we put our minds to. Everything is positive when it comes to learning about each person, however, mentions of bullying and other issues these people have dealt with. In the end it is a celebration of being you.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Metcalf, Dawson, and Bradley have compiled another excellent book for this series. In a series of poems by various kidlit poets, readers learn of amazing accomplishments by neurodivergent people when they were young and who became activists. Not only was I inspired, but I also loved the various poem forms used. This book will be perfect in classrooms to encourage conversations about neurodivergent brains, activism, and poetry. Love it.

[Marcus McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful continuation of the series. These poems sing out with love, learning, and hope! Great not just for the neurodivergent community but all savvy readers!