Two New Book Reviews: Books About Autism for Kids and Parents
Wednesday September 5, 2007
Two brand new books about autism arrived recently. The first, Autistic Planet by Jennifer Elder, is a picture book about an imaginary perfect world for children with autism. The second, The Autism Answer Book by William Stillman, is a compilation of answers to parent questions written by an adult on the autism spectrum. Looking for even more books and autism resources? Check out the links below!
Want to add your own suggestions to the list? Please do - and thanks!
Comments
Here are a few of my favorite kids books that talk about Autism. I’ve really enjoyed reading them, and using some of them with my students!
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Title: My Friend with Autism: A Coloring Book for Peers and Siblings
Author: Beverly Bishop
Publisher (Date): Future Horizons (2003)
Recommended for: children ages 5 and over.
Summary: An introduction and description of autism told through the perspective of a peer of a child with autism.
Review: “My Friend with Autism” provides younger readers with an introduction to some of the basic characteristics of autism in a positive way. In addition to describing some challenges faced by a student with autism, the book also focuses on strengths and abilities. “I have a friend with autism. He is good at many things,” says one of the characters. This book is designed to give peers a sense of understanding of autism, and does so in an upbeat way!
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Title: Trevor Trevor
Author: Diane Twachtman-Cullen
Publisher (Date): Starfish Specialty Press (1998)
Recommended for: children ages 8 and over.
Summary: A young boy with autism becomes the hero of his class during a puzzle competition.
Review: “Trevor Trevor” gives an honest look at the challenges and triumphs of a second grade student with autism in his inclusion classroom. Though his classmates have difficulties understanding him at times, his teacher devises a plan to allow Trevor to be successful with his classmates by incorporating his strengths and abilities into an annual school competition. This story is a great example of how a caring and creative teacher can make a difference in a child’s life.
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Title: Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes
Author: Jennifer Elder
Publisher (Date): Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2005)
Recommended for: children ages 8 and over.
Summary: A (fictional) young boy with autism who is “eight and three-quarters years old” introduces the book and gives a very brief history of autism. The remainder of the book consists of short biographies of notable people who display various characteristics of autism. Examples include Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey, Issac Newton, and Hans Christian Anderson. Twenty biographies are included in total.
Review: “Different Like Me” is a wonderful book that shows not only the diversity of the autism spectrum, but highlights many positive characteristics as well. The persons portrayed in the book are recognized for their accomplishments due to their different ways of thinking: “the same things that made Glenn [Gould] different also made him great.” This book is highly recommended for any child or young adult struggling with feeling “different.”
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Title: I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
Author: Elaine Marie Larson
Publisher (Date): Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2006)
Recommended for: children ages 6 and over.
Summary: An alphabet book with a positive characteristic of Asperger’s Syndrome/HFA for each letter.
Review: “I Am Utterly Unique” allows the reader to discover the positive traits, abilities, and talents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome and high-functioning autism. Examples include having a “Vivid Vocabulary” and being a “Detail Detective.” Written by a former teacher and grandmother of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, this book is a delightful reminder of what makes these children so wonderful!
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