The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder by Sarah J. Harris

Jasper lives in a world of color. He does not recognize faces and he does not have the social filters we have so every thought tumbles out of his mouth in a description of harsh or soft color. Jasper is autistic. He paints his feelings and memories of what he sees, especially the colorful parakeets that live in the trees outside his home and his neighbors. When a new woman returns to her childhood home and takes an interest in the birds, Jasper is thrilled and considers her a friend. Not everyone in the neighborhood is excited about Bee's behavior. Then something happens and life changes drastically for Jasper and his Dad. The police are involved and everyone in the neighborhood could be suspect. This is a well-paced mystery that treats a very sensitive subject with a soft touch. We see first hand how difficult and overwhelming life must be for this thirteen-year-old.