Detroit rapper 42 Dugg is showing the world that it’s bigger than just rap. While we’ve come to know him for his music and street anthems, recently he’s shining for something a little different. His young son, D’aire, is officially a co-author, publishing a new children’s book, My Kind of Normal, that’s already tugging at hearts and turning pages, BET reports.

The new book is deeply personal. D’aire, who is on the autism spectrum, was nonverbal until the age of six. Now, he’s using his voice in a new way, helping families like his better understand autism through the lens of a child. Created alongside his mom, My Kind of Normal offers a warm, kid-friendly take on what it’s like growing up on the spectrum. For families navigating the early days of diagnosis, it’s both a mirror and a message of hope.

42 Dugg took to social media to share the news, and his caption had everybody in their feelings: 

“Dealing with autistic children can be such [a] challenge for us parents, especially first time parents, but we have no idea the challenges these children face not being able to fully express themselves…If you support me or not [and] have dealt with or [come] across [an] autistic child just share this book [and] try to learn how to ease up [and] let them develop at [their] own pace. Let’s keep this fight going D’aire we love you,” he wrote. 

The love letter and public show of support is the kind of content we love to see—Black fathers showing up, Black families creating tools for healing, and Black children finding their voices in every way.

According to recent CDC stats, 1 in 31 children aged 8 in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The numbers are rising, especially among young kids and Black and Brown communities that often face late diagnoses or limited access to support. This makes books like My Kind of Normal critical.

D’aire’s story reminds us that “normal” isn’t one-size-fits-all. And in a world that moves fast and demands even faster answers, this book is a gentle nudge to slow down and let our kids grow in their own time. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, teacher, or just someone who wants to do better, My Kind of Normal is the kind of read that stays with you.

So go ahead—add it to your bookshelf, and/or gift it to someone you love. It’s a celebration, because when a child finds their voice, the whole world gets a little louder—and a lot more beautiful.

Purchase your copy of My Kind of Normal HERE. 

Cover photo: 42 Dugg’s Son Publishes a Children’s Book on Autism, and It’s the Sweetest Thing Ever/Photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/My Kind of Normal