Benjamin Giroux

Benjamin Giroux is the author of the Kirkus Reviews Star children’s book “I am odd, I am new” which they listed as one of the best picture books of 2021. Benjamin was only 10, in 5^th grade, when he wrote his iconic viral poem about his life on the spectrum, that has inspired millions around the globe to embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them unique. Benjamin was made Poet Laureate of both the town of Plattsburgh NY, and Beekmantown school district. Ben is also the face of the National Autism Awareness anti-bullying campaign. Through the inspiration of his poem, Ben is now a award winning song writer as the song and music video I AM ODD by BRM won multiple awards in film festivals around the world. Ben will be a high school senior this year, and is currently working on a new children’s book series that talk about acceptance, anxiety, body shaming, and autism that is being shopped by his agent. 

Benjamin , Plattsburgh NY Poet Laureate, is excited to be part of the Adirondack Family Book Festival as a guest speaker. When Ben was 10, he wrote a I AM poem for a school assignment. Fearing it wasn’t any good, and not wanting to read it in front of his classmates, his father posted it to the National Autism Association Facebook page. Within 24 hours, his words were shared around the world. Ben’s poem inspired people to embrace their uniqueness and to celebrate being odd, or different. Ben’s poem has been translated in 20 different languages, has been made into award winning songs, and has been turned into a Kirkus Reviews Star Children’s book, that was named one of the best picture books of 2021, published by Schiffer Publishing. Ben loves to hang out with his 2 pet corn snakes which have inspired him to write a children’s book series that follow his pet snake Monty through adoption, to school adventures and vet visits, all while talking about anxiety, body shaming, depression and acceptance. Ben loves attending elementary schools and reading his book to students and engaging them in conversation about bullying, autism, acceptance and the importance of being kind. you can find Benjamin online at his website benjamingiroux.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.