In this Author POV, we highlight Weirdos Welcome, Cynthia Baseman's YA romance exploring neurodiversity, mental health, and the search for belonging. Written with teen readers in mind, the novel examines what it means to embrace differences, find self-acceptance, and choose to stand up rather than stand back.
Inspired in part by Baseman's neurodiverse family members, Weirdos Welcome brings issues including bullying, masking, environmentalism, forgiveness, and identity into a contemporary coming-of-age story. With themes that extend beyond its central romance, the novel offers librarians and educators opportunities to engage young readers in conversations about empathy, acceptance, and the experiences of neurodiverse teens.
Can you introduce your book for librarians who may be discovering it for the first time?
Weirdos Welcome is a YA neurodiverse romance that touches on many current social issues, including mental health, neurodiversity, and environmentalism.
What inspired you to write this book, and what core themes do you hope readers take away from it?
One inspiration for this book was my niece, who received her autism diagnosis later in life, when she was well into her thirties. My sons, who are neurodiverse, were also a huge inspiration to me.
Like many authors, you see something around you that gradually turns into an obsession, and from the moment you awake, you feel compelled to learn everything you can about that subject. The core themes are belonging, embracing differences, forgiveness, and stepping up when it's easier to stand back.
What kind of readers or patrons do you see this book resonating with most?
I believe this is a multigenerational story, but at its heart, readers ages 13–18 would relate most to the issues I explore.
What themes or discussion topics do you hope librarians highlight when recommending the book?
There's the glaring issue of bullying in real life and in this story, and I think that would be number one for librarians recommending the book. Additionally, having neurodiverse representation in stories is something I feel would strongly draw readers to this book.
If your book were part of a library display, what topics, themes, or comparable titles would you pair it with?
I would LOVE to see Weirdos Welcome in any library setting! The topics of neurodiversity, mental health, masking, environmentalism, bullying, romance, self-acceptance, and belonging are sweet spots for this novel.
Comparable titles might include Jennifer Niven's Holding Up the Universe, When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson, and S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders.
Which formats are currently available?
Weirdos Welcome is available in paperback (ISBN 978-1-966629-70-2) and ebook (ISBN 978-1-966629-71-9).
How could this book be used in community events or themed programming throughout the year?
I believe Autism Awareness Day (April 2), Mental Health Month (May), and Environmental Justice Month (February) would all be terrific themed programs where Weirdos Welcome would fit.
Do you offer author engagement options for schools or libraries?
I am always honored to speak to students and educators in person or via Zoom.
Is there anything else you would like librarians, teachers, or educators to know about your work?
Librarians are my heroes. Libraries have been part of my life since I began to read. They are welcoming spaces and fulfill so many roles in society and community.
To learn more about Cynthia Baseman, Weirdos Welcome, and her work for young adult readers, visit Cynthia Baseman's website.
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