Taylor Jane is living in the south of France for the summer, with her mother, her mother’s boyfriend, and his two sons. The youngest son has cerebral palsy and Taylor is employed as his personal care assistant (that sounds better than babysitter.) She hopes that her mother and Alan Phoenix don’t get married this summer, because then they’d be family, and it wouldn’t be a real job she can put on her resume.
Taylor wants a professional resume so she can lead her own lie, without her mother’s constant watching. She yearns for the independence and freedom that most girls her age have, but Taylor doesn’t. Yet.
Taylor is autistic but by this point in her life she has learned many ways to cope with her anger and frustration. She uses a lot of these ways very consciously and walks us through such things as sending her anger through her feet. She also looks back on her early childhood to see if there are connections that can be made between then and now, but it gives the reader great insight into her mindset, but also her growth as a person.
This is the third book in a series and while it completely stands alone and you don’t need to read the other books, I fell so in love with Taylor that I can’t wait to read the other two to see where she was before France.
I love this book because while Taylor has autism and that causes some of the obstacles to her independance, it’s not really the focus of the story. Trying to break away from home while still loving your parents is a fairly universal story and delicate line to walk for every young adult. Taylor’s mom uses the autism both as part justification, part excuse for holding Taylor too close. (But not in an overbearing way-- Taylor’s mom is also trying to find that balance of wanting your children near you forever and letting them go. The autism is an added complication, but, once again, universal story.)
I'm so glad this was a Printz honor. It's such an amazing book and if it hadn't won, I would have never known about it, let alone read it.
Book Provided by... my local library
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By: Jennie,
on 4/24/2013
Blog: Biblio File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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By: Nicola,
on 12/31/2012
Blog: OUPblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: *Featured, Arts & Leisure, Music, Psychology, Science & Medicine, ability, adam ockelford, applied musicology, Autism, autistic, child psychology, children, communication, Developmental Psychology, disability, language, music education, music therapy, musical communication, musicology, piano music, proxy language, psychology research, Romy, theory of mind, theory of music, therapy, using zygonic theory to inform music education, romy’s, ockelford, Add a tag
By Adam Ockelford
I spend around 12 hours a week – every week – sharing thoughts, feelings, new ideas, reminiscences and even jokes with some very special children who have extraordinary musical talents, and many of whom are severely autistic. I’m Professor of Music at the University of Roehampton, and the children come to see me in a large practice room in Southlands College where there are two pianos, so we don’t have to scrap over personal space. My pupils usually indicate what piece they would like us to play together, and they tell me when they’ve had enough. Sometimes, they tease me by seeming to suggest one thing when they mean another. We share many jokes and the occasional sad moment too.
But the children rarely say a word. They communicate everything through their playing. For them, music is a proxy language.
On Sunday mornings, at 10.00 a.m., I steel myself for Romy’s arrival. I know that the next two hours will be an exacting test of my musical mettle. Yet Romy, aged 11, has severe learning difficulties, and she doesn’t speak at all. She is musical to the core, though: she lives and breathes music – it is the very essence of her being. With her passion comes a high degree of particularity: Romy knows precisely which piece she wants me to play, at what tempo and in which key. And woe betide me if I get it wrong.
When we started working together, four years ago, mistakes and misunderstandings occurred all too frequently, since (as it turned out), there were very few pieces that Romy would tolerate: the theme from Für Elise (never the middle section), for example, the Habanera from Carmen, and some snippets from ‘Buckaroo Holiday’ (the first movement of Aaron Copland’s Rodeo). Romy’s acute neophobia meant that even one note of a different piece would evoke shrieks of fear-cum-anger, and the session could easily grow into an emotional conflagration.
So gradually, gradually, over weeks, then months, and then years, I introduced new pieces – sometimes, quite literally, at the rate of one note per session. On occasion, if things were difficult, I would even take a step back before trying to move on again the next time. And, imperceptibly at first, Romy’s fears started to melt away. The theme from Brahms’s Haydn Variations became something of an obsession, followed by the slow movement of Beethoven’s Pathetique sonata. Then it was Joplin’s The Entertainer, and Rocking All Over the World by Status Quo.
Over the four years, Romy’s jigsaw box of musical pieces – fragments ranging from just a few seconds to a minute or so in length – has filled up at an ever-increasing rate. Now it’s overflowing, and it’s difficult to keep up with Romy’s mercurial musical mind: mixing and matching ideas in our improvised sessions, and even changing melodies and harmonies so they mesh together, or to ensure that my contributions don’t!
As we play, new pictures in sound emerge and then retreat as a kaleidoscope of ideas whirls between us. Sometimes a single melody persists for 15 minutes, even half an hour. For Romy, no matter how often it is repeated, a fragment of music seems to stay fresh and vibrant. At other times, it sounds as though she is trying to play several pieces at the same time – she just can’t get them out quickly enough, and a veritable nest of earworms wriggle their way onto the piano keyboard. Vainly I attempt to herd them into a common direction of musical travel.
So here I am, sitting at the piano in Roehampton, on a Sunday morning in mid-November, waiting for Romy to join me (not to be there when she arrives is asking for trouble). I’m limbering up with a rather sedate rendition of the opening of Chopin’s Etude in C major, Op. 10, No. 1, when I hear her coming down the corridor, vocalising with increasing fervour. I feel the tension rising, and as her father pushes open the door, she breaks away from him, rushes over to the piano and, with a shriek and an extraordinarily agile sweep of her arm, elbows my right hand out of the way at the precise moment that I was going to hit the D an octave above middle C. She usurps this note to her own ends, ushering in her favourite Brahms-Haydn theme. Instantly, Romy smiles, relaxes and gives me the choice of moving out of the way or having my lap appropriated as an unwilling cushion on the piano stool. I choose the former, sliding to my left onto a chair that I’d placed earlier in readiness for the move that I knew I would have to make.
I join in the Brahms, and encourage her to use her left hand to add a bass line. She tolerates this up to the end of the first section of the theme, but in her mind she’s already moved on, and without a break in the sound, Romy steps onto the set of A Little Night Music, gently noodling around the introduction to Send in the Clowns. But it’s in the wrong key – G instead of E flat – which I know from experience means that she doesn’t really want us to go into the Sondheim classic, but instead wants me to play the first four bars (and only the first four bars) of Schumann’s Kleine Studie Op. 68, No. 14. Trying to perform the fifth bar would in any case be futile since Romy’s already started to play … now, is it I am Sailing or O Freedom. The opening ascent from D through E to G could signal either of those possibilities. Almost tentatively, Romy presses those three notes down and then looks at me and smiles, waiting, and knowing that whichever option I choose will be the wrong one. I just shake my head at her and plump for O Freedom, but sure enough Rod Stewart shoves the Spiritual out of the way before it has time to draw a second breath.
From there, Romy shifts up a gear to the Canon in D – or is it really Pachelbel’s masterpiece? With a deft flick of her little finger up to a high A, she seems to suggest that she wants Streets of London instead (which uses the same harmonies). I opt for Ralph McTell, but another flick, this time aimed partly at me as well as the keys, shows that Romy actually wants Beethoven’s Pathetique theme – but again, in the wrong key (D). Obediently I start to play, but Romy takes us almost immediately to A flat (the tonality that Beethoven originally intended). As soon as I’m there, though, Romy races back up the keyboard again, returning to Pachelbel’s domain. Before I’ve had time to catch up, though, she’s transformed the music once more; now we’re hearing the famous theme from Dvorak’s New World Symphony.
I pause to recover my thoughts, but Romy is impatiently waiting for me to begin the accompaniment. Two or three minutes into the session, and we’ve already touched on 12 pieces spanning 300 years of Western music and an emotional range to match.
Yet here is a girl who in everyday life is supposed to have no ‘theory of mind’ – the capacity to put yourself in other people’s shoes and think what they are thinking. Here is someone who is supposed to lack the ability to communicate. Here is someone who functions, apparently, at an 18-month level.
But I say here is a joyous musician who amazes all who hear her. Here is a girl in whom extreme ability and disability coexist in the most extraordinary way. Here is someone who can reach out through music and touch one’s emotions in a profound way.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Romy playing piano with musical savant Derek Paravicini and Adam Ockelford
I explore the science of how Romy and her peers are able to do what they do in my new book Applied Musicology, which uses a theory of how music makes sense to all of us to explore intentionality and influence in children who use little or no language. If music is important to us all, it is truly the lifeblood of many children with autism. Essential brain food.
Adam Ockelford is Professor of Music and Director of the Applied Music Research Centre at the University of Roehampton in London. He is the author of Applied Musicology: Using Zygonic Theory to Inform Music Education, Therapy, and Psychology Research (OUP, 2012).
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The post Music: a proxy language for autistic children appeared first on OUPblog.
By: shelf-employed,
on 12/16/2012
Blog: Shelf-employed (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: nonfiction, STEM, disabilities, leaves, announcement, favorites, science, poetry, Non-Fiction Monday, autism, bio, Add a tag
As 2012 is quickly coming to a close, I'll use today's Nonfiction Monday event to feature my two favorite nonfiction books of the year - one for young listeners and one for older readers.
Without a doubt, my favorite nonfiction book for older readers was
- Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery (Houghton Mifflin)
- A Leaf Can Be ... by Laurie Purdie Salas (Millbrook)
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By: Janice Phelps Williams,
on 9/22/2011
Blog: Appalachian Morning (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: ohio outsider art, art galleries, autism, outsider art, Add a tag
 |
| "Fast Food" by Bryce Merlin |
 |
| Self-Portrait by Bryce Merlin |
We are excited as our family plans to meet in NYC at the SoHo Digital Arts Gallery for "The Art of Autism" show on October 27, 2011 (6-9 pm) and a special performance event and film showing on the 28th. My son, Bryce Merlin (age 30), has had four drawings accepted into the show, organized by Debra Hosseini, author of "Artism: The Art of Autism," SoHo Digital Arts Gallery, and Keri Bowers of Normal Films. Other wonderful artists will be there as well, from the U.S. and other countries such as Israel and Morocco.
Like everyone on the face of the earth, Bryce has experienced challenges. He has strengths and weaknesses, dreams, and ideas. He is himself and all that brings, surprising those he meets with his creativity, persistence, and approach. Bryce also faces obvious hurdles as he navigates through life in yellow glasses, yellow hearing aid, yellow shoes and a hand-painted T-shirt featuring Sponge Bob Squarepants. He is friendly, verbal, and colorful. (We are in discussion on what to wear while in New York. Since his only other visit there was on September 9 - 12, 2001, this 10-year anniversary visit is going to be extra special to our family.)
Here is more information on the gallery show/event and Outsider Art:
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| Artism: The Art of Autism By Debra Hosseini |
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 1/23/2012
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: transition to public school, autism, Add a tag
Speaking of B21,whose birthday was on Saturday--this young man has lost 50 pounds since last May! It's the 50 pounds he put on while he was away at a college last year. Since he's been home, we've been helping make sure that he exercises daily, either biking (10 miles) when the weather is nice, or run-walking on the treadmill (5 miles) when it's been cold. He's also eating a minimum quantity of food--eggs and rice cereal for breakfast, an apple or a banana for lunch, and a quesadilla around 4 to hold him till dinner. No seconds, no dessert, and lots of praise from his family as we've seen the pound drop off, slowly but surely. Best of all, he seems to have his secret compulsive snacking under control, which should help him keep it off.
By: shelf-employed,
on 3/19/2012
Blog: Shelf-employed (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: nonfiction, book review, Advance Reader Copy, YA, Temple Grandin, animal rights, adult, Non-Fiction Monday, autism, J, bio, Add a tag
Most biographies for kids of living subjects, have several things in common. They are small in size and page number, they have flashy covers, the information they contain can be easily gleaned by combing the Internet, they feature the latest sports, music, TV, or movie stars, their "shelf-life" is limited. Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World is not most biographies.Montgomery, Sy. 2012. Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
(Advance Reader Copy supplied by publisher)
Dr. Temple Grandin is a scientist, a college professor, a motivational speaker, an engineer, an advocate for animal rights, and so much more - but as a child born in the 1940s with autism, her chances of becoming anything at all were slim. In fact, her father fought to have her sent away to a mental institution, thinking her, not brilliant, but "retarded." With the help of a determined mother, Temple grew up to be a brilliant and respected woman who has changed our world for the better.
With extensive access to Temple Grandin, her family and friends, and schools, author Sy Montgomery has crafted an inspiring, engaging, and informative biography about this singular woman.
Temple Grandin is thirteen chapters that tell the story of Temple's life and the autism that has shaped her destiny. Not strictly chronological, Temple's participation in the writing of the book is an added bonus as her present-day thoughts are often used to punctuate difficult experiences from her past
"If I could snap my fingers and be non-autistic," Temple says today, "I wouldn't do it. It's part of who I am."Chapters relate her unique education, her friends, her scientific experiments and engineering projects, her autism and its attendant challenges. Chapters are supplemented by short informational sections (which appear as pages torn from a spiral bound notebook) on such varied topics as "Thinking differently:Changing Views of Brain Differences" and "Factory Farming by the Numbers." The final chapter, "Temple Today" is followed by Temple's advice, a selected bibliography and resources, and acknowledgements. Photographs, plans and drawings are plentiful throughout the book. Photo credits and an index will be included in the final copy.
It is clear that Ms. Grandin is pleased with Sy Montgomery's rendering of her life. Temple Grandin, herself, is the author of the inspirational forward to Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World.
One thought that I could not shake after reading this book: What would have become of Temple Grandin had she not been born into a wealthy family with a mother who refused to lose hope? How many young geniuses were/are never able to find their potential? It is a credit to Temple Grandin that she is a willing and able spokesperson for those on the autism spectrum, hoping to promote an understanding of our collective neurodiversity.
- librarians
- teachers of children on the autism spectrum
- parents of children on the autism spectrum
- kids and teens on the autism spectrum
- kids and teens who know someone on the autism spectrum
- animal lovers
- readers interested in animal rights
- readers studying factory farming
- would-be engineers and scientist
5 Comments on Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World - a review, last added: 3/20/2012Display Comments Add a Comment
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 4/17/2012
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: autism, Add a tag
By: Caity in Sales,
on 4/17/2012
Blog: Albert Whitman & Company Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Book News, asperger's syndrome, autism, autism spectrum disorder, Add a tag
Since this is Autism Awareness Month we want to remind you of some of our great titles featuring children (both real and fictional) with autism. Many of these titles have won awards and are excellent books to read to kids to help them understand more about autism and autism spectrum disorders. Pick up a copy today.
Autism & Me: Sibling Stories by Ouisie Shapiro, photos by Steven Vote
• A 2010 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
• IRA-CBC Children’s Choices 2010
Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism by Laurie Lears, illustrated by Karen Ritz
• 2002 Children’s Crown Gallery Award Master List
• Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award
• Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities 1999, International Board on Books for Young People
• Pick of the Lists, American Bookseller
Looking after Louis by Lesley Ely, illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Waiting for Benjamin: A Story about Autism by Alexandra Jessup Altman, illustrated by Susan Keeter
• Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities 2009, International Board on Books for Young People
0 Comments on April is also Autism Awareness Month as of 1/1/1900
Posted on 8/8/2012
Blog: An Englishman in New Jersey (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: fun, autism, Add a tag
Just got back from my daughters' talent show (we stopped off for a well-earned McDonalds on the way home)..
Even though I go every year, there's something about watching a group of special needs children singing, dancing, telling jokes and generally having a hoot and a half on stage which makes me want to laugh, cheer and cry my eyes out, all at the same time.
I feel immensely proud, not to mention emotionally drained.
If you need me, I'll be in my office, counting my blessings.
I are a proud dad
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 10/9/2010
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Oldest Bantam at college, teenagers, homeschooling, autism, Add a tag
Pictures, or story? I don't have time for both this morning. I guess we'll go for narrative--it seems like updates are overdue in many areas! Bantam19, 30 minutes away at Trinity International University (TIU), is doing very well. He's so happy, really enjoying college life, independence and new friends. I went to visit him for Family Weekend. I suspect that his friends are not deep friends,
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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By Ellen Viola Thalhamer III MS ED., B.C.S.E., for The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 11, 2010
“I’m a Daddy” and “Let’s Play Doctor” are social story books that were created in order to teach children with autism how to pretend play. For children who are learning to pretend play and socially interact with their peers, these books will be helpful in guiding them through the motions of pretending to be a daddy or a doctor. For those parents who focus on generalization, and receptive and expressive language, real life pictures associated with the stories have been added to the back of the books.
About the Author: Ellen Viola Thalhamer III MS ED., B.C.S.E., is a teacher of Special Education, who specializes in teaching children on the autism spectrum. Over the years, she has learned how important social stories are for children with autism. She is hoping her book, which has been created much like a social story, will be a valuable resource for both parents and teachers.
Book Information:
Website: www.ILovetoPretend.com
Email: ILovetoPretend@hotmail.com
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 11/22/2010
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: teenagers, autism, Add a tag
I'm getting nervous. B19, in his first semester of college, is struggling. (I wasn't sure about going public with this, but he has, on Facebook, so I guess I can comment.) The first semester of college is a big adjustment for most kids, and that's even more true for one who has required a fair amount of assistance throughout high school. But I'm worried that this may be more than just an
By: Mayra Calvani,
on 11/24/2010
Blog: Mayra's Secret Bookcase (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: bilingual children's books, bilingual picture books, margot finke, autism, Add a tag
When Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. “No way! Kids will think I’m dumb.” But go he does, and with amazing results. Now from Guardian Angel Publishing!
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 1/11/2011
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I know some of you have been praying for us and our decision about Bantam19 returning to college next semester.
I know, because we've come to remarkable clarity on this issue: We are sending him back.
In my first conversation with his adviser, she wasn't sure if he could handle college. She's the one who first planted the suggestion that he might do better focusing on one course at a time. But in that first conversation, it was also a revelation to her that B19 has autism, though I thought she had been told that from the beginning, as I requested.
In our second conversation, after meeting with B19 several times to discuss his writing, she had a completely different take on him. This time she strongly encouraged me to give him another chance. She was frustrated, as we have been, that the support that he needed wasn't set up for him from the very beginning. She assured me that if he came back, he would have a very different experience.
That conversation alone seemed to strongly point toward allowing him to return. Oh, and regarding his weight gain from eating in the dining hall, she assured me that next semester, a Fitness major would be assigned to work out with him and in her words, "keep him on the straight and narrow." What else could we ask for?
Well, passing grades, we thought.
So when his grades were posted and he had pulled in two C+'s and a C, we were very pleased. If he can do that well without any support, in his first semester of college, we figure he can probably pass enough classes to graduate.
His Algebra grade is still not showing up, and we are all hoping for a D-. B19 doesn't speak Math. But his algebra teacher gave him hours of extra time on his final, and when he still wasn't done, she offered to come back in after the Christmas break had begun so that he could finish it. I couldn't believe it! Turns out she has an autistic son too. Her willingness to go the extra mile with him spoke to us. Another confirmation to give the kid another chance.
Finally, we received a couple of financial windfalls that just seemed like God saying, "What further objections could you have?"
So Papa Rooster is taking him back to school tonight. He has a MWF 8:00 class in the morning. (Something I managed to avoid ever taking when I was in college! But he's a better morning person than I am.)
It's been nice having him around for vacation. He's been helpful with dishes, and playing Legos with younger brothers, and even helped sort Barbies from Playmobil from Hot Wheels from K'nex. He also managed to lose 12 pounds in the last month, by avoiding dessert and carefully not eating till he was full, but only eating to put something in his stomach--his own discovery. He also used our treadmill almost daily, at least to walk for awhile, and he told me today that he's looking forward to an exercise routine and getting fit.
So we are really encouraged, in many ways, and I am eager to see how this second semester of college goes for him.
Thank you, those who have been praying for him, and for us.
Thank you, Lord, for such clear direction for his immediate future. Thank you for him, and for who he is, with all his eccentricities and delightful quirks. Thank you for such good relationships with his younger siblings, who will miss him. Bless him, Lord, with support and friendships and knowledge opening up before him. Give him diligence and perseverance, and teach him to communicate his needs and limit his distractions. Thank you, Lord, for loving and caring for him continually. Amen.
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 1/21/2011
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: teenagers, autism, Add a tag
Well, I managed to get in that post on parenting teenagers while I could still say that I had three of them.
But no more!
Today, my oldest turns 20.
He's been a relatively easy teenager. Give him a computer or a book, and he's perfectly content for hours. Even days.
His birthday wishlist contained nothing but books, an assortment of graphic novels and encyclopedic reference books.
Oh. No. I mean these kinds of reference books:
Librarians love him.
For Christmas, he asked for (and received):
Who created all these?
He who brings o
By: Beckyb,
on 1/21/2011
Blog: In the Pages.... (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: special needs, Children's, autism, Add a tag
I have to wholeheartedly agree with PBS when it says that this book is highly recommended!! Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism and His Shelter Dog by Sandra Gerencher is a touching picture book that stays with you long after you are done reading! I love this great way of teaching what adoption is and also what autism may look like. I think kids and adults will resonate with this story - and hey, maybe even dogs!! If you've been touched by adoption or autism - this book will resound with you as well - you will "get it". This one WILL be on our bookshelf! If you'd like your own copy - purchase a hard copy or ebook HERE.
A little info on the author, Sandra Gerencher -
By: Chris Singer,
on 1/25/2011
Blog: Book Dads (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Book Review, Children's Book (Age 8-12), Contributor: Chris Singer, adoption, autism, book dads, sandra gerencher, second chances, shelter dogs, tribute books, Add a tag
Second Chance: How Adoption Saved A Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog by Sandra Gerencher
Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).
About the book:
Over the past 10 years, author Sandra Gerencher has been on a mission to save dogs from high-kill animal shelters. Her first rescue was P.J., the black and white Pomeranian in the story. She also adopted the orange Pomeranians Shelby and Lil Rascal, and of course, Chance, the big black Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix.
Her most significant adoption was her son, Terry. He was considered a special needs child because he was born with a genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder can cause many cognitive disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation and depression.
All characters in the story are based on Sandra’s real life family.
Watch the book trailer:
My take on the book:
Second Chance is a beautifully written testimony to the power of love we can give to someone by offering them a second chance. Told from the unique perspective of the rescued dog Chance, young readers are the given the opportunity to learn about adoption and autism in a very simple yet beautiful way. The impressionistic photographs were fascinating for me and I thought were incredibly poignant as a metaphor for empathy and learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Sandra Gerencher’s lifelong commitment to rescuing dogs and her love of both animals and people is incredibly inspiring. It’s easy for me to say this is a must-read for adopted children but I want to go a step further and say it&rsq
By: Hazel Mitchell,
on 3/21/2011
Blog: Hazel Mitchell (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Hazel Mitchell, horses, Daniel Stefanski, fart, downeaster train, Mary Poppins, Boston Fine Art Museum, Spring, Maine, How to Talk to an Autistic Kid, Autism, Add a tag
At last - birds, grass, decent temperatures. Things are looking UP in Maine. Put the fence up over on the big field (in winter the snowmobile path goes across it) and turned out our horses. There was galloping and bucking and BIG farts. (They do that when they are happy). Me, I just do the galloping and bucking bit.
Last weekend I trotted off to Boston with some girl friends. We had a blast, the sun shone and it was 50 or so degrees. Even the daffs were flowering! Stayed at a lovely little hotel (John Jeffries House on Beacon Hill.) It was good to get away from the studio, see some sights and people, eat (too much) at nice restaurants and browse in galleries. One of the fun things is getting on the DownEaster Train in Portland and cruising to Boston North Station. Nice not to drive, kick back and relax, have a drink ;-).
Saturday night we went to the Opera House and saw Mary Poppins, the Broadway cast. Just stunning! Great set, singing and an escape from reality. I particularly enjoyed the sets, which were very illustrative and made to work like a doll's house. Of course Disney always but on a great show, love' em or hate 'em. Well I loved it and took some inspiration from it.
More inspiration on Sunday - Boston Museum of Fine Arts. One afternoon is far too little time to do it properly - and viewing fatigue sets in after a while. It was good to sit and contemplate amongst old masters, the paintings old friends from books and posters, from essays written at college and lectures received. So I mused among the Impressionists and spent a while with John Singer Sargent and his beautiful brushwork. Roamed in the Egyptian room and pootled in the new Art of the Americas wing. Totally missed the musical instruments and costume though. Rats.
And in breathing the atmosphere it reminds you that this is still just paint on canvas, one brush stroke, one observation at a time. Take that home and recall that what you do is not so much different.
Meanwhile back in my real life ... still trying to throw off the kidney stone episode with has left me pretty exhausted. I am deep in to the compositions for 'Hidden New Jersey' for Charlesbridge. There is a lot of detail and research for each spread ... they are packed cock-a-hoop full of history. Hopefully I can share them here soon. There's a lot of work to do before then though!
Good news also this week - 'How to Talk to an Autistic Kid' goes on sale from Free Spirit Publishing. I received my copy and it looks fab! You can buy it now on Amazon If you have a child who is in contact with an Autistic child, perhaps at school, or just to educate them that an Autistic child acts a little differently but is highly intelligent, this is a great book. Also if your feeling generous, purchase a copy for your school or library. If you would like a signed copy, please let me know and I will try to arrange it.
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Posted on 4/27/2011
Blog: An Englishman in New Jersey (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: autism, Add a tag
By: At A Hen's Pace,
on 6/14/2011
Blog: At A Hen's Pace (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: autism, Add a tag
Now that the school year has ended, I have the time to put in on a couple of big projects--helping Blondechick plan her wedding, and helping B20 find a job. There's not much to tell yet on Job A, except we're going to look at wedding and reception venues this week!
On Job B.... We attended the mandatory informational meeting at the Kenosha DVR (Department of Vocational Rehabilitation), and it sounds like the whole process is going to be slow, and we ought to do our best to find him employment without their help. He's filled out applications at several places, and then I thought to take him to Manpower, the temporary agency.
That visit was most encouraging. A woman there spent a lot of time with us, and it sounds likely that he'll be a good fit for a client that will have openings in just another week or so. It would begin as a temporary position, but should lead to employment if he does a good job. So we are praying that this will all come about!
In the meantime, I was looking at bus routes to get him to work, and not finding anything promising. But the car route wasn't too bad of a drive, I noticed. I talked with Papa Rooster about it, and we each had the same sudden inner conviction. Though he makes us nervous, B20 would be just fine driving himself to and from work.
He passed his driver's test, after all--a year ago. In fact, almost exactly a year ago, I began to realize, fighting back panic as I looked through a file drawer for his road test results. As they continued to elude me, I thought, "What if I find them and they just expired yesterday?" My next thought was, "Well, Lord, if that's the case, then we'll know it's because he shouldn't be driving. It's in your hands, Lord."
This was last Friday afternoon. The DMV would be closed on the weekend, probably.
And the test results were dated--June 14! The following Tuesday--today, in fact.
So yesterday, we "cashed in" his road test results for a Wisconsin driver's license. He didn't want to drive home. It's been a year since he's driven, and we had the 15-passenger van because we were dropping off a bike at the bike repair place afterwards.
But once he has a job and we figure out a vehicle for him, we'll get him up to speed again. When he had his learner's permit, we had him driving everywhere, but he'll be a lot more comfortable driving the same roads every day.
It's funny how sometimes God nudges you along. That very night, after Papa R and I had decided he ought to get his license, I was meeting with some women from our church, and they ended up sharing stories of elderly relatives or clients who were driving long past the time that someone should have taken away their car keys. So I told them that we were thinking of letting B20 get his license, and they agreed that he'd probably be just fine. (His vision, hearing and reflexes are fine, after all!) Then one friend commented that being a good driver has a lot to do with noticing things that are unusual or out of the ordinary, and that is one facet of B20's autism--he's very observant about things that are out of place. Her comment seemed like a confirmation from the Lord that if the route is familiar, he'll do fine.
And I am feeling dizzy with relief at no longer being The One Driving Him Back and Forth to Work Every Day. I woke up one morning a couple weeks ago filled with anxiety about that role. I didn't even think, then, of him getting his license after all, but God heard my prayers and I believe this is truly His answer, not mine.
The less-exciting news is that now we have to start paying for auto insurance for him. (At least he turns 21 in 6 months!) But if gets a job, he's happy to pay his own insurance, and pay us back for a car too.
So we're drivin' forward in faith...that he'll get the job...that we'll find cheap wheels for him when the time comes...that he'
By: web,
on 6/25/2011
Blog: Blog from the Windowsill (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: my wonderful boy, autism, Add a tag
Belinda has just left the first nastygram for Gem and my son asked, "Shouldn't she have left a nicer note?"
I was so pleased to have him recognize that, and how fascinating to see him trying to navigate the world of interactions... I didn't think of that at all when I chose this book, but it's really quite emotionally complex. What better place to learn about people than children's books? It's where I learned.
By: Kirsty,
on 6/22/2010
Blog: OUPblog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: A-Featured, Current Events, Early Bird, Leisure, Literature, UK, hay festival, hay-on-wye, jerry coyne, literary festivals, priya gopal, simon baron-cohen, steve jones, gopal, coyne, cohen, asperger, autism, festival, baron, Add a tag
A couple of weeks ago I brought you a post on the Hay Festival by OUP UK’s Head of Publicity Kate Farquhar-Thomson. Today, for those of you who couldn’t make it to the Festival (like me), here are some of Kate’s photos from the few days she spent there.
The festival site from on high
Priya Gopal, author of The Indian English Novel, speaks to a festival-goer
Scientists Steve Jones and Jerry Coyne. Coyne’s book Why Evolution is True was published by OUP in the UK.
Festival-goers on site. Doesn’t it look glorious?
Simon Baron-Cohen, author of Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts, signs books.
By: web,
on 7/6/2010
Blog: Blog from the Windowsill (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: reviews, picture books, autism, Add a tag
Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. HarperCollins, 2010 (978-0-06-190622-0) $16.99
Pete the cat loves his new white shoes so much, he even sings about them: "I love my white shoes, I love my white shoes..." Then Pete steps into a large pile of strawberries, turning his white shoes--red! But the insouciant Pete just thinks, "everything is cool" and changes his song: "I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes..." The story ends after several colorful adventures, with the comment: "The moral of Pete's story is: no matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song... because it's all good."
A repetitive question/answer format is almost sure to grab little kids, but there's variety and humor here for older readers too. The pictures of mellow Pete have an offbeat zaniness; sometimes he's got sneakers on all four feet, sometimes he's playing guitar, sometimes he's just hanging out with a cup of coffee. Size and perspective constantly change, which adds to the visual impact--there's something very funny somehow about enormous sneakers, or sneakers on varied numbers of feet.
Although this is a book with a strong general appeal, it could also have been designed to steal its way into the hearts of parents of kids with autism. That cheerful flexibility... ah, it's like finding a golden ticket, for us.
The book includes a link to an mp3 of performer Litwin and kids reading and singing the story. This could be a boon to anyone feeling a little uncertain of their storytelling skills, since it demonstrates where to put emphasis and provides a tune for Pete's song. But it's not quite the same without Pete's little off-the cuff thoughts after each adventure: "everything is cool," "awesome," "groovy," and "rock and roll!" * (3 & up)
© 2010 Wendy E. Betts
FTC disclosure: Review copy provided by the publisher. This blog is completely independent, but I receive a small percentage if you order books from Powell's via this site.
Other blog reviews:
The Reading Tub
Brimful Curiosities -- includes a video and craft idea.
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Giveaways, Autism, Ellen Viola Thalhamer III, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 22, 2010
Thanks to author Ellen Viola Thalhamer III, we have five signed copies of I’m a Daddy to give away.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 36 pages
Book overview: “I’m a Daddy” was created in order to help children with autism and other social disabilities learn how to pretend play. This book is set up like a social story. It contains pictures for generalization, and receptive and expressive language learning as well.
About the author: Ellen Viola Thalhamer III is a teacher of Special Education, who specializes in teaching children on the autism spectrum. Over the years, she has learned how important social stories are for children with autism. She is hoping her book, which has been created much like a social story, will be a valuable resource for both parents and teachers.
How to enter:
- Leave a comment in the comments field below.
- An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. You will need to paste the link in a separate comment to make this entry valid. Click here to follow us on Twitter.
- Maximum entries: Three (3)
Giveaway Rules:
- Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States address.
- Giveaway begins September 22, 2010, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends October 20, 2010, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details.
Sponsored by Ellen Viola Thalhamer III.
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By: web,
on 10/6/2010
Blog: Blog from the Windowsill (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade nonfiction, picture books, autism, Add a tag
What it is to be Me!: an Asperger Kid Book by Angela Wine. Illustrated by David Crary. Fairdale Books, 2005 (1-59352-199-5) $9.95 pb
I have the same problem with this book that I have with most children's books about understanding Aspergers: it's too specific. To quote a favorite phrase, if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism--just a few added words to make it clear that some Aspies are very good with computers and some Aspies take things literally would have been great.
Other than that, this is probably the best book of its kind I've seen. The illustrations are simple but engaging, with the kind of exaggerated style my Aspie son finds very funny: Enormous ears to illustrate having "very strong senses", smiling faces on gears and computer terminals. The information is straightforward, focusing on strengths as well as challenges: "I am a friendly boy... but sometimes I stand too close." It's great to see the narrator portrayed as likable and happy, getting away from one of my least favorite stereotypes. With personal addendums to the text, this can be a good beginning for any child wanting to understand what Asperger's Syndrome is like. (3-12)
You can see the book's website here.
© 2010 Wendy E. Betts
FTC disclosure: Review copy from my son's collection, originally purchased from Amazon.com. This blog is completely independent, but I receive a small percentage if you order books from Powell's via this site.
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Both great books!
I heard Temple Grandin speak at a fundraiser and it was inspirational! I'm glad that there is a book for children.
Thanks so much! Honored that you enjoyed LEAF CAN BE... so much. And I have that Temple Grandin book waiting at the library for me right now. I have worked as a personal care asst. for young adults with autism, so I know some of her background--interested to learn more.
There were so many great informational books this year that it was hard to choose, but A Leaf Can Be ... works so well on many levels that it came out on the top of my list. All the best to you!