The Reason I Jump

The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism.

Unable to speak aloud, Naoki used an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct his thoughts, letter by letter. The result is a book that answers the questions so many have wanted to ask but never knew how: Why do people with autism speak in unusual ways? Why is eye contact so difficult? And, of course, Why do you jump? Naoki’s response: “When I’m jumping, it’s as if my feelings are going upward to the sky.”

With candor, curiosity, and a remarkable depth of insight, Naoki not only explains his behaviors but shares profound reflections on memory, communication, joy, and the human spirit. His voice—clear, honest, and full of wonder—challenges assumptions and reveals the rich inner life that lies beyond the surface.

In their introduction, novelist David Mitchell and his wife, KA Yoshida—who translated the book together—describe how Naoki’s words helped them better understand their own autistic child.

A New York Times Bestseller.