Book Reviews....

Here they are, enjoy :)

Introduction

I drew inspiration for compiling this collection from my desire to become an elementary special education teacher with a concentration in autism. I wanted to take some time and explore the literature that is currently being made available to teachers, families and friends of those with autism as well as children who have autism. I felt that a survey of what is out there was important as autism’s prevalence has exploded in recent years. To my dismay, I came across very few quality pieces of literature from this genre. Most were appalling, laughable, or mediocre at best. The three books that I have chosen to include and review represent the best selections from a very limited array of options. Having read each of the books a few times over I noticed a couple overarching themes: collaboration among doctors, teachers, families (with a particular emphasis on sibling relationships), and friends and the implications of such collaboration on the success of the child with autism as well as the unique characteristics and mannerisms of children with autism. In keeping with something I read from Eve Tal’s article earlier in the semester about classifying books pertaining to persons with disabilities, I tried to make sure that I was choosing books for this collection that had characters “whose disabilities may be integral or peripheral to the plot, but which are not stories about disabilities” (216). The stories I have included here transcend disability and highlight the importance of other issues that may stem from it- patience, communication, building relationships based on understanding and collaboration, and strengthening sibling connections.


Book Critiques

Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism
Written By: Laurie Lears
Illustrated By: Karen Ritz

Ian’s Walk by Laurie Lears gives readers a glimpse into some of the unique and puzzling characteristics of autism while telling the story of a sister who desperately wants to understand her brother’s autism- all in a days walk. It’s a beautiful summer afternoon and Julie wants to make a trip to the park with her older sister Tara, but not before being guilted into taking her younger brother Ian along too. Julie is given strict instructions by her mother to keep an eye out for Ian while they’re gone, but her mounting frustration with Ian as they journey to the park causes her to pay a little less attention to him than she should. The book is set up in a manner such that Ian’s differences are expressed by going through each of the five senses. Ian would rather watch the ceiling fan spin round and round as opposed to paying attention to the waitresses and food in the restaurant because he “sees things differently.” He would rather eat cereal than hot dogs, pizza or pretzels, because he “tastes things differently,” and so the refrain continues until each of the senses have been covered. As Julie waits, frustrated and fed-up with her brother’s peculiar behaviors, for her sister to return with pizza she neglects to watch Ian closely and he wanders off. While her stomach does a “flip-flop” she and her sister begin frantically asking strangers if they’ve seen Ian, searching every place they can think of. It is Julie who finally realizes where Ian has gone off to- the park bell, and she races to get him. On their walk back Julie lets Ian lead the way home and even lets him engage in behaviors that would otherwise annoy her- like laying on the sidewalk, smelling brick obuildings, and stopping to listen for something no one else hears. The book’s vibrant, water-color illustrations truly capture Ian’s innocence, Julie’s frustration, and ultimately the thing that bonds them together, regardless of differences- the love they share as siblings.

Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome
Written By: Clarabelle van Niekerk and Liezl Venter
Illustrated By: Clarabelle van Niekerk

With its brightly colored, eye popping illustrations and informative yet enjoyable storyline Niekerk and Venter have teamed up to create a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart. In their book, Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome, a young boy begins to exhibit perplexing and atypical behaviors. After noticing Sam’s difficulty in social situations such as school, resistance to change, impressive musical capabilities, and disappearance one night from home his parents decide he needs to see a doctor. After running several tests doctors come to the conclusion that Sam does in fact have Asperger Syndrome and that the only way to help him will be by working together to understand him. With the collaboration of teachers, doctors, family, and peers Sam begins to show signs of improvement in the previously mentioned areas. Sam’s extraordinary talent with the cello is showcased when he is asked to perform a solo at his school concert- where he receives a standing ovation and a crowd full of applause and smiles. The text goes beyond a superficial description of the characteristics of autism, but rather, highlights the importance of early intervention and collaboration in the face of it. The heart of the book lies in the success and progress made by Sam and provides hope to parents of children with autism that their journey may also have a happy ending.

Tacos Anyone?
Written By: Marvie Ellis
Illustrated By: Jenny Loehr

Tacos Anyone? or Alguien quiere tacos? as it is also known is the story of an older brother who is learning to work with his younger brother’s autism with the help of an occupational therapist. Older brother Thomas observes his brother Michael partaking in some strange behaviors that he cannot understand. Thomas wonders why Michael will not play with him, preferring instead to jump on his bed alone for hours on end. He sees his little brother screaming and hitting himself unable to articulate why, wishing that his brother would just communicate with him. With the help of Ms. Karla, the occupational therapist, Thomas learns how to step back and pay attention to what Michael is saying to the people around him through his facial expressions and body movements. Thomas learns that Michael does not like to touch certain things, like wet paint, but he does like to play with puzzles and bubbles. Thomas also learns a trick that’s sure to get his brother smiling and playing with him- turning him into a taco by rolling him up in pillows! The brothers share their first act of play together in a long time because Thomas has patiently worked with Ms. Karla and watched his brother to find out what makes him happy. This idea of improving sibling relations through collaboration and consideration is essential to any family trying to navigate their way through the unknown trials and tribulations often attached with autism. Aside from its important message and lively colored pencil illustrations the book is also written in both English and Spanish-a bonus for readers attempting to learn a new language and those whose first language may not be English.

Scholarly Review

Not surprisingly, I had a really difficult time finding an article about the presence of autism in children’s literature. I decided to broaden my search and look for an article about autism in general, but again I had a difficult time. I ended up coming across an excerpt from the book, Diagnosis and Assessment in Autism, by Eric Schopler, and Gary Mesibov that highlighted some of the defining characteristics of people with ASD- or Autism Spectrum Disorder. It was suggested to me to use the excerpt as a lens through which I viewed the validity and accuracy of the depiction of autism in the books I selected. Having read the portion of the book online called “The Continuum of Autistic Characteristics” I received further confirmation that the books I selected portrayed autism in a truthful manner. Some of the characteristics mentioned were “impairment in social interaction” which included things like impairments in social recognition, communication, and understanding, “repeated patterns of activity,” unique responses to “sensory stimuli,” and impairments in language. Looking back through the books that I chose I can find elements from each of these categories that the characters with autism exhibited in the stories. In fact, I think that the books I chose addressed several of these characteristics in a systematic manner (i.e.- one of the books goes through each of the five senses to express how autism influences them.) Based on the information I got from the book excerpt I stand by my selections as quality pieces of literature.

A little fired up.

I don't really know where to begin with this post and I don't really know where I want it to end either. I just have some thoughts about a lot of things that were said and it may not come out in as organized a fashion as I intend, but here it goes...

-I thought a bit more about the Miss USA discussion we had tonight. I decided that Miss California did the right thing. Although I do not happen to be in alignment with her views on gay marriage I believe that she stayed true to herself and spoke honestly. I would much rather have someone tell the truth about something, no matter how controversial, as opposed to fabricating some sugary sweet, tailor made answer that the public at large may favor. She wasn't the most articulate of speakers, but she had a limited amount of time to respond to a question she hadn't heard in advance- I give her a little credit for stating her opinion, regardless of how unpopular it may have been.

-I really enjoyed the video clips we watched in class. I am actually thinking about checking the video out from the library.

-The picture books that Natalie and I flipped through from Deb's library were appalling. I feel like every week I become increasingly more disappointed by the state of children's literature and what is being made available for their consumption. I'm hoping that I can write down the titles of some quality books when we share our projects in a couple weeks.

-I stand by my feelings about Boy Meets Boy. It was, by far, my favorite book of the semester. I was disappointed to hear that some people saw it as "in-authentic" and "unrealistic" because I just didn't see it that way. Levithan said that the book represented where he wished society was (i.e.- more accepting and progressive.) He wasn't attempting to fool people into thinking that the world he created in the book was the same world we live in right now. So what if he is being idealistic by writing this book? What would we do without the dreamers and idealists? Stagnate in the poor conditions of our world today, that's what. I don't know, I'm just not willing to settle for what we've got going on in the world today. We can do better and I plan to assist in the betterment.

Step 1: Believe things can change.

Just some quick thoughts today....

1) I just finished writing my last questioning the text paper and actually enjoyed it....

2) I am having a hard time finding the motivation to write my book reviews for the final project (maybe because graduation is in three weeks!!!!)

3) The weather is beautiful and I am inside doing homework, definite downgrade.

4) I started Confessions of a Closet Catholic yesterday and so far it seems pretty cute :)

Boy Meets Boy

So I know I read it a little early, but I had some time so I read Boy Meets Boy. Probably one of my favorite books. I don't know what it was, but I just couldn't put it down. Although I couldn't relate to Paul in terms of his sexuality I felt very connected to his and many of the other character's reactions to different things. I wanted to highlight a few of the more poignant passages in my mind:

"But I want to feel like life matters. I had something real with you, but then the realness scared me. I decided to go for other things instead." (103)

"Sometimes the space between knowing what to do and actually doing it is a very short walk. Other times it is an impossible expanse." (114)

"How could I possibly explain that he's the one my heart is made for? That's how it feels- he's the one my heart was made for." (136)

I don't care who you are, gay, straight, black, white, those feelings are raw. Relatable. I love reading books that transcend their characters. I was so caught up in the depth and romance of the novel that I never thought twice about the question of homo/hetero sexuality. Love is love, and I felt it while reading this book.

So I got to thinking....

I was reflecting on the conversation, rather, debate we had in class last night about Naomi's mother's behavior in the novel and whether or not she actually loved her daughter. Initially I felt like it was such an obvious answer: No, of course she doesn't love her, look at the way she treats her, let alone the way she treats Owen. After taking some more time to think about things I have changed my opinion. When someone brought up the notion that materialistic affection may have been the only way that Skla knew how to show love my mindset began to shift. I truly believe that that may have been a possibility. I actually have very close friends whose parents don't seem to know how to show love in a stereotypical fashion. Rather than passing out hugs, kisses, compliments, and praise, they dole out money and presents. I really thought the point about Skyla's own parents not being in her life was pertinent. How could she develop a sense for the manner in which to love her own children when she hadn't felt it herself? I believe that Clyde dictated a lot of what she did and without him she would be left feeling powerless and out of control. Although it was heartbreaking and infuriating to read, I'm just not sure that Skyla was capable of behaving differently.

The other point I wanted to bring up was about alcohol and whether or not Skyla's addiction to it should be a factor in her behavior. All I can say is that my dad was an alcoholic when I was a child, but I never knew it. There was never a moment I doubted his love for my sister and I and he never let his addiction affect his children's lives. I feel like it's a piss poor excuse to lean on, but again, because I'm not living her life I'm not sure I should be so quick to judge.

Just to clarify: I am in no way, shape, or form condoning Skyla's physical abuse of Naomi, shunning of Owen, and overall hainous acts throughout the book, but I am open to the possibility that with some help and guidance people can change.

Naomi the lion

I read Becoming Naomi Leon over spring break and I enjoyed it, but I had a very emotional response to it. Being the child of an amicable divorce I found myself becoming very angry with the way that Naomi's mother behaved. This is not to say that someone whose parents are still together would not have the same response, but I have seen divorce rear its ugly head in my own life and despite all the heartache that ensued as a result of it I know that I am lucky to have had parents who kept the needs of their children as a top priority. I was infuriated with the selfishness that Naomi's mother displayed time and time again throughout the duration of the book and wanted to jump through the pages of the book and scream at her. Growing up I was the only one in my group of friends whose parents weren't together, but I always felt really blessed considering the circumstances. I knew that I was lucky to see BOTH of my parents on a regular basis and I never doubted their love for me, unlike many children out there.

Aside from my personal connection to the book I wondered about what age level this novel was targeted for. It's one of those books that deals with uncomfortable topics like divorce, abandonment, alcohol abuse and verbal and physical abuse, but these issues make it a very important book to share with students- many of whom may be dealing with one or more of these issues in their own life.

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover- Judge it because its Terrible!

I just had to comment on how awful some of the books were that we looked through during class. I am doing my final project on books about disabilities, specifically those about autism and I walked away feeling very discouraged about what I might come across when attempting to create my collection. I was just so appalled by some of the plot-lines (or lack there of)in some of the books. Shelley the Hyperactive Turtle? Really? Wheelchair driving school? Is this serious? Although I think it is of utmost importance that we as future teachers learn to discern quality literature from, well, the crap that's out there, I can't help but wonder who is actually letting these "bad books" get published in the first place. I mean, the unfortunate truth is that the books are in demand and therefore whatever gets written (regardless of quality) gets published...so it seems.

BUT it doesn't have to be this way. Rich, informative, quality pieces of literature with multidimensional characters and a fully developed plot can be created, but it is up to people like us, who take classes like this one, to contribute to the literature that's out there. If we aren't going to write the books, we can, at the very least, possess the critical eye to determine which books accurately portray particular subject matter.