Sammy’s had a hard day at school. His little brother, Benji, has had a hard day at preschool. “When Benji’s had a bad day, we tiptoe and speak softly. When I’ve had a bad day, no one tiptoes or speaks softly.” Sometimes it seems everything is about Benji. Sammy can’t take karate lessons because the classes are on the same day Benji has therapy with “Super-Happy-Lady.” But on this day when nothing is going right, Sammy gets comfort from Benji, who comes out from the cardboard fort where he likes to take refuge and burrito-wraps Sammy in his fuzzy blue blanket, just like Mama does for Benji because it comforts him when he’s upset. The author shares that she has one child with autism and one without. It also stresses that no two kids with autism are alike, and that everyone, whether or not they are autistic, has bad days. (Ages 5–8)

Sammy is having the absolute rottenest, worst day ever. His little brother, Benji, knows exactly what that's like.

Nothing seems to be going right for Sammy today. At school, he got in trouble for kicking a fence, then the cafeteria ran out of pizza for lunch. After he walks home in the pouring rain, he finds his autistic little brother Benji is having a bad day too. On days like this, Benji has a special play-box where he goes to feel cozy and safe. Sammy doesn't have a special place, and he's convinced no one cares how he feels or even notices him. But somebody is noticing, and may just have an idea on how to help Sammy feel better.

In this tender story about siblings, author Sally J. Pla shares her experience of raising sons with different personality traits and needs. Benji, the Bad Day, and Me embraces the philosophy that we are all part of a wide spectrum of neurodiversity. And on those really bad, rotten days, you can always count on family to be there for you.