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The Unlikely Heroes Club
A fun, frolicking adventure about five kids with a mystery to solve!
Eleven-year-old Oli is spending his school holidays at Heroes Club, where kids can build friendships and learn about their emotions, but Oli just wants to be home … where it’s familiar, not-so-boring and he can play his favourite game.
But when Oli and the other kids at the club see a stray dog who keeps disappearing into a soon-to-be-demolished building across the street, Oli and his four fellow heroes hatch a daring rescue plan to save the dog before it’s too late.
It’s going to take bravery, some seriously smart teamwork … and a few broken rules.
Eleven-year-old Oli is spending his school holidays at Heroes Club, where kids can build friendships and learn about their emotions, but Oli just wants to be home … where it’s familiar, not-so-boring and he can play his favourite game.
But when Oli and the other kids at the club see a stray dog who keeps disappearing into a soon-to-be-demolished building across the street, Oli and his four fellow heroes hatch a daring rescue plan to save the dog before it’s too late.
It’s going to take bravery, some seriously smart teamwork … and a few broken rules.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2023
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Kate Foster
5 books501 followersI'm a children's author writing about friends, family and dogs, represented by Lydia Silver at Darley Anderson.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 5, 2023
Another wonderful adventure from Kate Foster.
July 5, 2023
It’s the school holidays and all 11-year-old Autistic Ollie wants to do is design buildings on his app. However, Oli’s mum has different plans, and has signed him up to the Heroes Club. She says the classes will help him learn how to recognise his emotions, make friends, and cope better in different situations. Oli thinks they sound boring. As they are arriving at the first class, a small brown dog darts across the road causing traffic chaos. Each time Oli and the other kids in the class spot the dog, it disappears into a building that is scheduled for demolition. When the adults won’t listen to their concerns, Oli and the kids devise a plan to rescue the dog. But first, they will have to break some rules.
I adored everything about The Unlikely Heroes Club, and enthusiastically declare it to be my favourite Kate Foster book so far! Oli resonated with me on such a deep level that I felt like 11-year-old me was reading the book. Many of his characteristics were similar to my own at the same age — the constant battle with confidence and self-esteem, overwhelming social anxiety that hampers your ability to interact with others, heightened sensory sensitivities, a reluctance to break rules, and being swept up in a state of hyperfocus so intense you struggle to think about anything else or understand why others don’t feel the same way.
The other four children are also Autistic, as is one of the two psychologists who runs the classes. The characters have unique backgrounds and traits, providing a broad range of experiences for Autistic readers to connect with. Sometimes these clash, which aptly illustrates the uniqueness of each person and their differing needs.
As the children attend the lessons, we as readers also learn about the class topics, which are centred around friendship and self-regulation. Rather than teaching the children to mask or appear less Autistic, skills are taught to help make their lives easier to navigate. Just enough detail is provided so the lessons could be practiced by readers, if they choose, but without making the reader feel like they are also attending a boring lesson!
The adults repeatedly dismiss the children’s worries about the dog. In spite of this, and led by Oli’s courage of conviction, the children band together, cultivating their own friendships, learning to work as a team, and navigate the challenges of rule breaking. You cannot help but cheer for the kids of the Heroes Club, as they each use their strengths to help save the dog.
We’re reminded that it’s okay to be different, and encouraged to find that spark of bravery from within; to believe in ourselves, even when it can be scary to do so. The importance of finding our strengths, and valuing our individuality cannot be overstated. I love that Autistic children are finally receiving these messages in a manner that will be engaging and accessible to many.
Kate’s previous books have undeniably established her ability to portray autism and mental health authentically and sensitively, in a way that is appealing to children and adults alike. In this story about friendship, learning to have faith in yourself, and finding the courage to do what is right, The Unlikely Heroes Club builds on this legacy. This book will captivate young minds when read in classrooms, facilitating discussions about autism, relationships, bravery, and morals. It will be cherished in countless homes, becoming a source of inspiration and delight, staying with the reader long after they’ve finished reading.
Thank you to the author for gifting a copy of The Unlikely Heroes Club. All opinions in this review are my own.
I adored everything about The Unlikely Heroes Club, and enthusiastically declare it to be my favourite Kate Foster book so far! Oli resonated with me on such a deep level that I felt like 11-year-old me was reading the book. Many of his characteristics were similar to my own at the same age — the constant battle with confidence and self-esteem, overwhelming social anxiety that hampers your ability to interact with others, heightened sensory sensitivities, a reluctance to break rules, and being swept up in a state of hyperfocus so intense you struggle to think about anything else or understand why others don’t feel the same way.
The other four children are also Autistic, as is one of the two psychologists who runs the classes. The characters have unique backgrounds and traits, providing a broad range of experiences for Autistic readers to connect with. Sometimes these clash, which aptly illustrates the uniqueness of each person and their differing needs.
As the children attend the lessons, we as readers also learn about the class topics, which are centred around friendship and self-regulation. Rather than teaching the children to mask or appear less Autistic, skills are taught to help make their lives easier to navigate. Just enough detail is provided so the lessons could be practiced by readers, if they choose, but without making the reader feel like they are also attending a boring lesson!
The adults repeatedly dismiss the children’s worries about the dog. In spite of this, and led by Oli’s courage of conviction, the children band together, cultivating their own friendships, learning to work as a team, and navigate the challenges of rule breaking. You cannot help but cheer for the kids of the Heroes Club, as they each use their strengths to help save the dog.
We’re reminded that it’s okay to be different, and encouraged to find that spark of bravery from within; to believe in ourselves, even when it can be scary to do so. The importance of finding our strengths, and valuing our individuality cannot be overstated. I love that Autistic children are finally receiving these messages in a manner that will be engaging and accessible to many.
Kate’s previous books have undeniably established her ability to portray autism and mental health authentically and sensitively, in a way that is appealing to children and adults alike. In this story about friendship, learning to have faith in yourself, and finding the courage to do what is right, The Unlikely Heroes Club builds on this legacy. This book will captivate young minds when read in classrooms, facilitating discussions about autism, relationships, bravery, and morals. It will be cherished in countless homes, becoming a source of inspiration and delight, staying with the reader long after they’ve finished reading.
Thank you to the author for gifting a copy of The Unlikely Heroes Club. All opinions in this review are my own.
May 29, 2025
11 year old Oli is anxious about attending Heroes Club, a week-long program for autistic children (and their grownups) to work on recognizing emotions in themselves and others, and learn social skills and self-regulating strategies. He would much rather be spending his spring break in his house, using his tablet to play his favorite architecture design game. On the first day, Oli sees a stray dog nearly get hit by a car before disappearing into the lot of an abandoned building across from the office where Heroes Club meets. As the week goes on, the dog becomes a focal point for not just Oli, but his fellow Heroes Brian, Layla, and Max, all of whom have also seen the dog off and on. They try to convince their teachers, Dan and Marge, as well as their parents, to help them look for it, but none of the adults really believe the dog is there. So the new-found friends decide to take matters into their own hands, and concoct an elaborate scheme for Oli to sneak out of the building and run across the street to find the dog. Each character has unique skills that make the daring attempt possible, including the reticent Tiffany, who mostly keeps to herself while the others are plotting, but she is essential to the effort, as her family runs a dog shelter.
While the story of five friends trying to rescue a scruffy little pup is appealing on its own, it is Oli’s endearing, authentic first person narration that makes The Unlikely Heroes Club a standout. His keen sensory awareness helps readers understand both the story and Oli’s own mindset - vivid, descriptive language helps set every scene with great detail. He is an astute observer of behavior and relationships, and his perceptions of his fellow heroes and their families gives us insight into their characters. This also enables him (and by association, the audience) to develop empathy for the others, especially when he realizes their family circumstances may not be as ideal as his. Each of the Heroes’ neurodivergence manifests differently, thus emphasizing for sophisticated readers why it is called the autism spectrum; the ways in which Oli and his friends connect and collaborate by acknowledging each others’ strengths will inspire, entertain, and educate readers. These are definitely Heroes worth rooting for! Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
While the story of five friends trying to rescue a scruffy little pup is appealing on its own, it is Oli’s endearing, authentic first person narration that makes The Unlikely Heroes Club a standout. His keen sensory awareness helps readers understand both the story and Oli’s own mindset - vivid, descriptive language helps set every scene with great detail. He is an astute observer of behavior and relationships, and his perceptions of his fellow heroes and their families gives us insight into their characters. This also enables him (and by association, the audience) to develop empathy for the others, especially when he realizes their family circumstances may not be as ideal as his. Each of the Heroes’ neurodivergence manifests differently, thus emphasizing for sophisticated readers why it is called the autism spectrum; the ways in which Oli and his friends connect and collaborate by acknowledging each others’ strengths will inspire, entertain, and educate readers. These are definitely Heroes worth rooting for! Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
October 23, 2023
This is a fantastic story about a group of young children who attend a holiday Heroes Club where they build friendships and learn exercises to understand (and recognise) their emotions and the emotions of those around them. It is also a club where the families of these children are taught exercises to help understand (and accept) their child’s unique needs. But this special heroes club does something more. These children do not think themselves heroes but discover they truly are when they work together (despite being dismissed) to save a mysterious stray dog. Through their week at Heroes Club these children form unlikely bonds and showcase their unique strengths and skills.
These is a lovely story that had me surprisingly emotional by the end. This books shows the uniqueness and range of the autistic spectrum. These children can be loud or quiet, active or still, friendly or withdrawn… It is a spectrum and they can appear all along it. This is a brilliant story about acceptance and adjustment, of finding themselves and seeing themselves and accepting themselves for who they really are. This book should be read by families of all types. Not only for autistic children to see themselves in, but for families and young siblings of autistic children working to understand and wanting to help. As well as for classmates and/or teachers who might want a better understanding of how to best communicate with and be better friends with neurodiverse children. A terrific book for any reader who may be anxious or self-conscious or overwhelmed about their place in the world. Read The Unlikely Heroes Club now.
These is a lovely story that had me surprisingly emotional by the end. This books shows the uniqueness and range of the autistic spectrum. These children can be loud or quiet, active or still, friendly or withdrawn… It is a spectrum and they can appear all along it. This is a brilliant story about acceptance and adjustment, of finding themselves and seeing themselves and accepting themselves for who they really are. This book should be read by families of all types. Not only for autistic children to see themselves in, but for families and young siblings of autistic children working to understand and wanting to help. As well as for classmates and/or teachers who might want a better understanding of how to best communicate with and be better friends with neurodiverse children. A terrific book for any reader who may be anxious or self-conscious or overwhelmed about their place in the world. Read The Unlikely Heroes Club now.
April 1, 2024
It is okay to be different
This book will grab you from page one. It does away with autistic stereotypes and demonstrates that autism is a spectrum, that "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." (Don’t know who said that first, and personally I prefer ‘autistic person’ rather than ‘person with autism’, but it gets the message across).
The protagonists in The Unlikely Heroes Club are autistic, and they are all unique. Some are loud, some are quiet; some are all over the place, some are withdrawn. But they band together and use their unique strengths and skills to save a stray dog’s life.
If you are looking for a story about acceptance, about growing together, for yourself or for your child (whether you or they are neurodivergent or not), then The Unlikely Heroes Club is one of the best.
I say ‘one’ of the best, because Kate Foster’s other novels (‘Paws’ and ‘Harriet Hound’) with neurodivergent protagonists are all brilliant. They take a sledgehammer to harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Read one book by this talented author and you’ll be left asking for more.
Please note: Kate Foster is an autistic mother of an autistic child. If you are looking for a combination of authentic ND representation and quality fiction, it doesn’t get better than this.
This book will grab you from page one. It does away with autistic stereotypes and demonstrates that autism is a spectrum, that "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." (Don’t know who said that first, and personally I prefer ‘autistic person’ rather than ‘person with autism’, but it gets the message across).
The protagonists in The Unlikely Heroes Club are autistic, and they are all unique. Some are loud, some are quiet; some are all over the place, some are withdrawn. But they band together and use their unique strengths and skills to save a stray dog’s life.
If you are looking for a story about acceptance, about growing together, for yourself or for your child (whether you or they are neurodivergent or not), then The Unlikely Heroes Club is one of the best.
I say ‘one’ of the best, because Kate Foster’s other novels (‘Paws’ and ‘Harriet Hound’) with neurodivergent protagonists are all brilliant. They take a sledgehammer to harmful stereotypes and misinformation. Read one book by this talented author and you’ll be left asking for more.
Please note: Kate Foster is an autistic mother of an autistic child. If you are looking for a combination of authentic ND representation and quality fiction, it doesn’t get better than this.
October 17, 2023
This is a story about a group of kids with ASD meeting once a week in the holidays to go to learn to socialise. But Oli keeps seeing a stray dog he just knows needs their help and has trouble concentrating every afternoon because he’s fixated on finding it.
I loved the many varied representations of how ASD presents in different individuals that were in this book. While not the full gamut of experiences, it did a great job of highlighting that these were kids first, and just because they might share a similar diagnosis it doesn’t mean they’re all the same. The activities highlighted some areas ASD kids might need extra help or attention to learn, though I did think for the age group of the children some of them were pretty basic. (Layla is thirteen or fourteen, learning facial expressions is something she would have had help learning way before then, especially with how overdone and dramatic the examples were). It’s a bit like a toolkit for things they might struggle with and how to implement a teaching program. It’s all presented in a quite simplistic way to foster understanding and empathy.
I loved the many varied representations of how ASD presents in different individuals that were in this book. While not the full gamut of experiences, it did a great job of highlighting that these were kids first, and just because they might share a similar diagnosis it doesn’t mean they’re all the same. The activities highlighted some areas ASD kids might need extra help or attention to learn, though I did think for the age group of the children some of them were pretty basic. (Layla is thirteen or fourteen, learning facial expressions is something she would have had help learning way before then, especially with how overdone and dramatic the examples were). It’s a bit like a toolkit for things they might struggle with and how to implement a teaching program. It’s all presented in a quite simplistic way to foster understanding and empathy.
May 1, 2023
A very sweet, junior read that grabbed me from page 1. Following a group of autistic kids as they navigate a week at Hero Club, learning ways to socialise and hopefully make some new friends.
I loved how each of the kids has differently presented autistic traits, and how much of an explanation we get from Oli about his stims and what overwhelms him, and just how his thinking works. I also loved how there were little helpful bits for kids in general, like breathing techniques to help calm down. Oli’s growth over the few days is heart-warming, as he learns that he is in a supportive environment with friends who will listen and help him, and who wont judge him for his special interests.
The groups dedication and teamwork to save the dog across the road is very lovely, and how each of them bring something different to the table really highlights how well kids, and especially autistic kids, can work together to get something done.
Overall, it’s a very sweet book, that I think will lead kids well into learning more about neurodivergent people.
Read by Indy
I loved how each of the kids has differently presented autistic traits, and how much of an explanation we get from Oli about his stims and what overwhelms him, and just how his thinking works. I also loved how there were little helpful bits for kids in general, like breathing techniques to help calm down. Oli’s growth over the few days is heart-warming, as he learns that he is in a supportive environment with friends who will listen and help him, and who wont judge him for his special interests.
The groups dedication and teamwork to save the dog across the road is very lovely, and how each of them bring something different to the table really highlights how well kids, and especially autistic kids, can work together to get something done.
Overall, it’s a very sweet book, that I think will lead kids well into learning more about neurodivergent people.
Read by Indy
July 1, 2025
11yo Oli has been enrolled in 1 week course for autistic kids and their family called Hero Club. The kids learn about emotions and being friendly while the parents receive training in another room. Although Oli is initially reluctant to participate, the kids soon bond - over a dog they can see hiding in a derelict building near by. Maybe they can be real heroes and rescue the dog.
I loved seeing Oli and the others grow a bit during the classes - I liked that they had homework and that
Oli's family was so supportive. There was a parent who seemed impatient, almost embarrassed by their child, and it was good to notice that, while we didn't see what the parents were learning, there was some change there as well. I also loved that each child had an obvious strength, one draws beautifully, another sings and dances. Oli's character was smartly developed - I connected with him right away and cared about his choices. A nice book to build empathy or for an autistic child to see themself and others like them. Oli describes himself as brown.
I loved seeing Oli and the others grow a bit during the classes - I liked that they had homework and that
Oli's family was so supportive. There was a parent who seemed impatient, almost embarrassed by their child, and it was good to notice that, while we didn't see what the parents were learning, there was some change there as well. I also loved that each child had an obvious strength, one draws beautifully, another sings and dances. Oli's character was smartly developed - I connected with him right away and cared about his choices. A nice book to build empathy or for an autistic child to see themself and others like them. Oli describes himself as brown.
October 23, 2025
Eleven-year-old Oli is glad that his sister is coming to Hero Club during spring break with him and his mom. At Hero Club, Oli and other autistic kids are learning how to manage feelings and make friends. On the very first day, a stray dog is almost hit as it races across the street and Oli wants to help, but freezes. All week, Oli works to be brave and make a plan to rescue the dog that he and the other kids see hiding under the old candy shop across the street. When the children learn that the shop will be demolished, the other kids get involved in Oli's plan, too. Working together has unexpected results beyond a shared mission. This quiet story provides a window into the thoughts and emotions of one autistic child.
April 7, 2025
I absolutely adored this middle grade fiction book about a support group for parents and autistic children that has five very different kids bonding over a shared desire to help a stray dog.
Heartfelt, relatable and very realistic, this is perfect for young autistic readers and/or their caregivers and I just gobbled it up. The author does a great job showcasing the spectrum of neurodiversity and offering actionable strategies for coping.
It was also good on audio narrated by Adam Fitzgerald and the author does a superb job illustrating the many facets of autism and that being different is something to be celebrated and embraced!
Heartfelt, relatable and very realistic, this is perfect for young autistic readers and/or their caregivers and I just gobbled it up. The author does a great job showcasing the spectrum of neurodiversity and offering actionable strategies for coping.
It was also good on audio narrated by Adam Fitzgerald and the author does a superb job illustrating the many facets of autism and that being different is something to be celebrated and embraced!
September 29, 2025
This was our September book club selection for my group of children's librarians to read and discuss this month. The general consensus was that everyone liked the book for the themes and for its focus on children on the autism spectrum.
Our discussion centered around how the children were all very different and how Oli in the beginning cannot find his exceptional qualities, but by the end he can. The addition of the homeless dog unites the children and the story making it more interesting for young readers.
I would recommend this book for young readers and would make a great class read aloud and discussions.
A recommended purchase for public library collections.
Our discussion centered around how the children were all very different and how Oli in the beginning cannot find his exceptional qualities, but by the end he can. The addition of the homeless dog unites the children and the story making it more interesting for young readers.
I would recommend this book for young readers and would make a great class read aloud and discussions.
A recommended purchase for public library collections.
July 24, 2025
I found this gem while browsing new releases at the library, and I’m so glad I picked it up. The story follows Oli, who’s spending spring break at Heroes Club — a group where autistic kids explore emotions and friendships. During their first meeting, they spot an abandoned dog, but when adults won’t listen, the kids come up with a plan of their own. Author Kate Foster, who is autistic herself, brings an authentic and powerful perspective to this heartfelt, engaging story. Another great middle grade read!
September 29, 2025
Oli's parents make him go to Heroes Club for a week to help him identify emotions and make new friends, but when he and the other kids see a homeless dog nearby, they decide to be heroes of a different kind. Oli is a sweet kid with an amazing sister and parents. His emotions are clear to readers even if he can't always name them, making him vulnerable and lovable. The fairly simple plot is secondary to learning about the characters and the displays of their autism while they try to relate to each other. It is a heartwarming story.
March 16, 2024
I was confused for about 4 chapters what this book was about, until I realized it was a support group for kids with a form of ASD. All in different places on the spectrum. I felt so frustrated for the kids that the parents weren't hearing their worry about the dog, however I feel as a parent I may have brushed this of from any of my kids not just the one with ASD.
Great book for parents, siblings or children with ASD.
Great book for parents, siblings or children with ASD.
June 14, 2024
Well worth the read.
Covers themes of bravery, caring, teamwork and making the most of your unique talents. It’s also about learning to make friends, accepting yourself and others, exploring your emotions, and learning that sometimes doing the right thing might feel like doing the wrong thing.
A heart-warming story that features neurodiverse children as the main characters.
Covers themes of bravery, caring, teamwork and making the most of your unique talents. It’s also about learning to make friends, accepting yourself and others, exploring your emotions, and learning that sometimes doing the right thing might feel like doing the wrong thing.
A heart-warming story that features neurodiverse children as the main characters.
June 27, 2025
4 stars
Oli is going to a week long "heroes camp" for kids who are autistic. On the way, Oli spots a dog wandering into an abandoned building. Throughout the week, Oli and the other kids all see the dog but none of the adults believe them. The kids decide the dog needs rescuing but are they brave enough to conceive a plan and act upon it?
Oli is going to a week long "heroes camp" for kids who are autistic. On the way, Oli spots a dog wandering into an abandoned building. Throughout the week, Oli and the other kids all see the dog but none of the adults believe them. The kids decide the dog needs rescuing but are they brave enough to conceive a plan and act upon it?
July 17, 2025
Sweet story, that is helpful in understanding those w/ an
autistic spectrum disorder. It illustrates how the disorder causes differing sorts of behavior in different individuals. Nice that the small group of diverse children bonded over the course of the week. Sad that they couldn't trust any of their adults, and had to sneak around them to rescue the dog. Nonetheless, a touching, happy ending.
autistic spectrum disorder. It illustrates how the disorder causes differing sorts of behavior in different individuals. Nice that the small group of diverse children bonded over the course of the week. Sad that they couldn't trust any of their adults, and had to sneak around them to rescue the dog. Nonetheless, a touching, happy ending.
January 5, 2026
I gave this book a 3 rating but almost gave it a 4. I stuck with the lower rating because the story wasn’t as engaging as I thought it could have been. The protagonist and other characters are on the autism spectrum. They want to rescue an abandoned dog, but their parents don’t believe that the dog even exists. 2026 Dolly Gray Award - Honorable Mention
March 17, 2024
A beautiful, gentle and kind story of a group of autistic children brought together to participate in a social group, The Hero Club. I particularly loved the portrayal of the beautiful relationship that Oli and his sister have. A happy and just plain lovely book to read.
August 29, 2024
Another gem by Kate Foster featuring the usual array of gorgeous characters, dogs and positive representation of autism.
July 14, 2025
For anyone who feels like they don't fit in this book shows you that it's all about finding the right people.
August 24, 2025
Good writing and diverse representation of ND characters, but the story plods along and was too slow to hold my attention.
October 21, 2025
I LOVE WHEN AUTISTIC MAIN CHARACTERS ARE WRITTEN BY AUSTIC ADULTS!!! Bonus point for the plot not just being "overcoming autism"
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews