Square Me, Round World

By Chelsea Luker

'Square Me, Round World' is an illuminating collection of short stories that delve into the distinctive experiences of those who navigate life feeling like square pegs in a world of round holes. From social challenges to sensory differences, this book aims to foster greater empathy, understanding, and a drive for a more inclusive world.

 

Ever felt like a square peg in a round hole? Dive into tales of growing up in a world where you just don't seem to fit in. From the challenges of making friends and masking your authentic self, to the overwhelm of sensory overload and restless nights, these stories will resonate with those who know what it's like to feel different.

 

Written by Chelsea Luker, an Autistic/ADHDer psychologist from NSW, Australia (and founder of Connect Us Psychology) with over 50 illustrations by Eliza Fricker [(c) Eliza Fricker, 2024], renowned author/illustrator of "Thumbsucker" and "Can't Not Won't", this book is more than just a collection of experiences. It's a beacon of understanding, shining light on common experiences of Autistic and ADHDer individuals. Plus, with a discussion guide, it's the perfect option for parents, teachers, and therapists seeking to support and connect.

 

Discover, understand, and embrace the square pegs in our round world. Suitable for children and adults alike, this book is a reminder that different isn't less. It's just different-and that's perfectly okay. In fact, sometimes, it's brilliant.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Connect Us Psychology
• Release date: Mar 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9780648605508

Book preview

First published in 2024

by Chelsea Luker

Connect Us Psychology

www.connectuspsychology.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Text copyright © Chelsea Luker 2024

Illustrations copyright © Eliza Fricker 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the owner, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Chelsea Luker and Eliza Fricker assert their right to be known as the author or illustrator, respectively, of this work.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Australia.

ISBN: 978-0-6486055-0-8

Written by Chelsea Luker

Illustrated by Eliza Fricker

Designed by Jo Hunt

Edited by Belinda Bolliger

To all the sparkly stars who felt like they had to squash themselves to fit in.

To my flock who let me be a star again.

This book is for you.

Contents

Chapter 1.    Feeling Different

Chapter 2.    Finding your Flock

Chapter 3.    The Mask

Chapter 4.    Take Me Apart, Put Me Back Together

Chapter 5.    Burned Out

Chapter 6.    It’s a Loud, Loud World

Chapter 7.    Hard to say Goodnight

Chapter 8.    Discussion Guide

For More Information

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Feeling Different

Monday was Bring your pet to school day.

Oliver couldn’t wait.

He’d been patiently waiting for this day forever!

Well, maybe not so patiently!

The morning arrived.

Oliver jumped out of bed.

He put on his favourite outfit.

He packed his bag.

And he got Sophia ready.

Oliver put on Sophia’s lead.

He collected the things she’d need for their big day at school.

And off they went, walking side by