Representation matters. That’s why I wrote a book where disabled children feel seen

Hello Sense supporters, I’m Lisette Auton – a disabled writer, activist, poet, novelist, spoken-word artist, actor, film and theatre-maker, and creative practitioner.

As a Sense Ambassador, I’m on a mission to ensure that disabled and neurodivergent children grow up knowing they belong to a community where they are valued, seen, and celebrated.

I’m excited to share my new book: The Starlight Rebel

My latest novel is a bold, futuristic adventure story about 11-year-old Astrifer Nova – a freckled, neurodivergent girl who feels like she doesn’t fit in, until she uncovers hidden truths about her world and realises her differences might be exactly what the planet needs.

I’m passionate about telling the stories I couldn’t find when I was growing up – stories that reflect my Northern, working-class, disabled, and neurodivergent experience.

Sense’s research shows that almost half of disabled people (44%) want to see more disability representation in the media, and that doesn’t surprise me one bit.

My new novel, The Starlight Rebel, puts disabled and neurodivergent characters at the heart of the story. They’re not sidekicks or plot devices – they are the heroes. The vivid, hectic world in the book draws directly from my neurodivergent experience, creating a future where difference is not just accepted, but powerful.

Why I’m providing free books for Sense

Becoming a Sense Ambassador last year was a really exciting opportunity for me. Sense has supported so many remarkable disabled children and adults with complex needs over its 70-year history, and it’s a privilege to be part of that legacy.

To celebrate the release of The Starlight Rebel, my thoughtful publishers, Puffin Books, sent out free copies of the book to young readers supported by Sense. I hope they love reading it and feel seen in its story.

Another perspective on growing up without representation

One person who wishes a book like The Starlight Rebel had existed when he was growing up is Steven Morris, campaigns officer at Sense.

Steven, who is deafblind, loved reading when he was growing up (and still does!). But he rarely saw disabled characters in the books he read. Not only did this make him feel invisible, but it also meant his non-disabled friends didn’t have any portrayals of disability, and certainly not positive ones, to help them understand him.

Our research shows disabled people are craving more disability representation. I don’t blame them. Growing up, the lack of disabled characters made me feel excluded.

Steven Morris, Sense campaigns officer

Steven reflects, “Loneliness is so prevalent in the disabled person’s community, and feeling shut out from cultural staples like TV, film, and books can really feed into feelings of isolation and exclusion.

I’ll never forget when, during my university Freshers’ Week, someone said to me: ‘I’ve never met a disabled person before, I’ve no idea how to relate to you.’ Perhaps if that person had seen us accurately portrayed in the books they read growing up, they may not have been so frightened of the unknown.”

That’s why I’ll keep telling these stories

Because they have power.

They shape how we see ourselves – and how others see us.

The characters in my books are the characters I needed when I was growing up. And I’ll keep writing them – to make sure every disabled child knows they belong.

Lisette Auton’s latest novel, The Starlight Rebel is out now and available to buy here