Special Needs Children Books

This is one of my favorite books,my dad bought it for me. Though my mom can't figure out why I like so much to her even thought she never read the book it sounds terribly depresing. But it's not at all it's very uplifiting and funny. Well diveloped charictores, the ending of the storie is happy, well about as happy as it can get without sounding like a fairy tale. It's funny that my dad picked the book up for me and that I liked it but when I pick books I end up hating them.

I would highly suggest this book to anyone. It is one of those that you can't put down. you are drawn into Grace's life and problems from the first sentence.

Grace, sixteen-years-old, lives within the tyranny of her emotions, mind, and environment. She develops a severe depression after the death of her father, which later blooms into Schizoaffective Disorder from outer sources. She also carries a deep fear of the 'Surely People', a group of hoodlums who cluster in her neighborhood that are cruel, degrading and evil. Finally, it also defines the bond between her and Luke, an antisocial patient labled as psychopathic. Together, they struggle through trying to release themselves from their internal hell, while also realizing that although they are hospitalized, they are as normal as the outside world.

High-strung, remarkable, engrossing and tender, "I Can Hear the Mourning Dove" reflects the true self barricaded within every person. It is a bipolar item, for many of its subjects are abstract and powerful. It clearly pulls you into the suffering of the main character from the first sentence, and never lets go, even after it has been read through. It is my favorite novel, and will always be remembered.

I Can Hear The Mourning Doves is one of the books that you start reading and you just can't put down until you have finished reading it. It is the story of a young girl who struggles to survive after her recent suicide attempt. Grace is put in the mental hospital, where she meets a boy named Luke. Luke is the type of person Grace fears. Luke is dangerous, rough, and he has no respect for anyone or anything. However, he is the only one who is able to connect with Grace, and he is the only one who can help her. I highly recommend this book.

I read this book in 8th grade and I've been trying to find it again ever since...and i'm in my twenties. This is one of those books that you'll never forget. Even though its description sounds depressing, its actually a really great and funny book.

I just can't recommend this book highly enough for both parents and professionals working in the field of foster care and adoption. Michael Trout's intelligent, thoughtful and sensitive responses to this foster/adoptive mother's experiences are such an inspiration to read. I have repeatedly had both parents and professionals tell me that they could not put this book down! It is destined to become a classic among those who are making the courageous commitment to parent a deeply wounded child.

I have this book on tape. This family reminds me so much of our own. We are out the other end of the tunnel now as well with a very positive outcome.

Our son is 14 years old and came home at 4 from Romania. Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder when he was 6, effective therapy started at 7, I sure wish I had had Lori's story then to read as we struggled to help our son.

A must read for all parents of children diagnosed with this serious childhood mental illness.

Nancy G.

With over 17 years of experience working with severely traumatized children in a residential treatment setting, this is one of the most helpful and enlightening books I have come across. It challenged me to look at the children and adolescents I work with in a different light and gave me new and innovative ideas to be able to work much more effectively with our children. The suggestions that Michael gave Lorie were strategies that I have used repeatedly and found effective.

I work with families who are struggling to find hope and healing for their children who have attachment issues. The Jonathon Letters provides a rich and meaningful story of the hopes, fears, struggles and triumphs of one family in their journey. I have already begun strongly recommending this book to the families with whom I work and have added it to my list of required reading for both the staff members and parents with whom I work. This book provides a wonderfully honest and realistic insight into the hopes and fears so many families face.

As someone who has read a lot about RAD (reactive attachment disorder), I found inspiration and hope in this account of one family's struggles and their connection to the therapist who encouraged them through the darkest days, helped them see hope in the midst of absolute chaos and put them in touch with the loving spirit hidden deep within one very scared, angry little boy.

I loved this book but I want to be clear about its limitations as well as its strengths. Each chapter is very straightforward and written for "regular" people, not professionals or therapists (one chapter is titled "How We Got into This Situation"). It is an honest account from both the perspective of the parents and the therapist. One chapter is devoted only to the therapist's viewpoint. It is not full of tips, ideas or all-purpose guidelines for dealing with RAD but is the very individualized experience of one family.

For those who find reading somewhat of a chore, they may find this book MUCH easier and more accessable than others, since it is written in a series of short letters. It does not necessarily have to be read straight through, although I tend to think it is most beneficial if read from start to finish because that shows most clearly the transition from meeting Jonathon to dealing with him, being baffled by him, etc.

A key chapter is the one in which the family decides to adopt Jonathon, noting that "there is a side of him that has a lot of love and sweetness and that side of him needs a chance to survive." It was far from an easy decision to make as Jonathon was a typical RAD child, with no definite signs of EVER being able to engage fully with this family- or any other. He had a history of past abuse and rejection and serious problems trusting anyone (understandably). My heart went out to him even as I wondered if he'd be able to find the resiliance to bond with his new family.

Those in the midst of their own struggles with an RAD child may find some solace and hope here. I want to reiterate that it is NOT a guidebook or "how to" manual for dealing with RAD. Rather, it is one family's story but within that story are the seeds of inspiration, allowing readers to feel that they are not alone in their own struggles. Along the way, there are some suggestions that might be useful to other parents, especially when it comes to handing out consequences but these are interspersed with anecdotes and daily accounts. The tips are NOT the heart of this book.

It was extremely fascinating to see how the therapeutic process helped smooth the transition from foster parenting to full adoption of Jonathon. Without the skilled intervention of this particular therapist, I'm not sure if the adoption would have worked.

Es un libro que explica como su título indica los diferentes diagnósticos que entran dentro del espectro de autismo. Cada capítulo viene encabezado a su vez con el tópico que será tratado con meridiana claridad y está muy bien organizado. Los padres castellano parlantes (o dicho de otra manera, hispano hablantes) que residan en Estados Unidos encontrarán este libro de gran ayuda para averiguar los tratamientos disponibles en este país y cómo tener acceso a ellos. Hay capítulos que explican cómo tienen que comunicarse los profesores y los padres para todos unidos y en colaboración poder trabajar juntos en el bien común de la educación del niño con ASD (por sus siglas en inglés: Trastornos del Espectro de Autismo). El libro da todo lujo de detalles sobre páginas web dedicadas también al ASD.
Incluso padres y profesores de niños con ASD de cualquier pais de lengua hispana se verán beneficiados por la extensa y concisa infomación detallada en este libro escrito primero en inglés para una audiencia estadounidense y luego traducido al castellano (o español) por una de las autoras, Emily Iland, cuyo cariño y dedicación al mundo del autismo es reconocido por todos, habiendo recibido varios premios precisamente por este libro del que estamos hablando. Ella tiene un hijo con ASD, Tom. La otra autora es su hermana, Barbara Doyle, tía de Tom. Nadie mejor que ellas dos podría haber escrito un libro como éste. Muchas gracias.

We are delighted to announce that ASD A to Z and Autismo A-Z have been awarded the Symbol of Excellence. The following review will appear in the April 2007 edition of Exceptional Parent magazine.

Autism Spectrum Disorders from A to Z: is one of our primary resources for understanding ASD. We like several things about this book. First, its authors have personal knowledge of autism. Emily's son, Tom, has ASD. Barbara is Tom's aunt. Emily and Barbara share Tom and what he has taught them with us. Second, we like the book organization. Every chapter begins with a statement of what the chapter contents will teach the reader. Each chapter closes with a summary of chapter themes and lessons. Third, the book is written in an informal and friendly style that is accessible to parents, families, teachers and other professionals and to persons who have ASD. Fourth, the format is engaging and easy to follow. The pages and print are large and the authors make liberal use of, bullets, life examples and sample letters and checklists. Fifth, this book is available in Spanish.

ASD from A to Z is a wonderful resource for families and professionals who have limited time for reading and research due to the demands of living life. The book does not try to be a complete resource. Instead it focuses on the process of identifying, testing for and diagnosing ASD. It helps the individuals with ASD and their family members understand the context of diagnosis, the diagnostic assessment tools used and the process of receiving and understanding the diagnosis itself. The authors provide resources and research suggestions for understanding the potential causes of autism and share how to form or participate in information sharing groups and ideas. [...]. This book has earned the EP Symbol of Excellence.

Felicidades a las hnas. Doyle por esta gran produccion. Me inspira profundamente la dedicacion de Emily, sobre todo, por aportar esta obra a la comunidad hispana, especialmente a los que residen en los E.U.

Muchos padres de familia (de habla hispana) con hijos que padecen de autismo, encuentran poca o ninguna informacion en espanol relacionada con el autismo en los estantes de las librerias. Este es un libro basico de cabecera o de consulta que resulta imprescindible.

La informacion contenida es de gran relevancia para todos aquellos que buscan respuestas a un sinnumero de interrogantes que se presentan al descubrir que un miembro de su familia padece de autismo. Dicha informacion es clara y sencilla de comprender. Me encanta la idea que se plasma de compartir la informacion acerca del hijo que padece autismo con familiares, amigos y miembros de la comunidad y hacerlos participes de sus esperanzas y ambiciones.

El libro da esperanza a muchos padres de familia que consideran que su hijo(a) no tiene cura o habilidades. Las palabras de aliento son muy fuertes y hacen sentir las ganas de crear un futuro brillante para cada nino en el espectro.

En verdad, como ellas dicen: "la esperanza conduce a la accion, y la accion a la realizacion de metas que ayudaran al individuo con TEA. Nadie tiene derecho a tratar a un padre como si fuese tonto o poco realista"; por lo tanto se debe luchar por demostrar lo contrario, educandose y aprendiendo cada dia sobre el padecimiento y las maneras que existen para tratarlo. Hay que recordar que el conocimiento es poder, y se requiere de ese poder para ayudar al hijo en el trastorno.

Infinitas gracias a Emily, por su generosidad hacia la comunidad hispana. Su esfuerzo ayudara a muchas familias a educarse, comprender y a tomar accion para el beneficio de sus hijos.

Sinceramente:
Dra. Lorena Smalley, de California del norte.

grupo de apoyo:
el_autismo_en_los_estados_unidos@yahoogroups.com

Este libro a sido de muy gran ayuda, para comprender mas el autismo,y te saca muchas dudas.

En este excelente libro las autoras han volcado muchos años de experiencia personal y profesional sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del Autismo (en todo el espectro) El libro tiene toneladas de informacion que resulta muy útil. Pero cuando tuve el honor de conocer personalmente a Emily D.Iland pude comprobar la profunda calidad humana de una de sus autoras. Toda esa sabiduría y toda esa experiencia no le impiden ser una mujer muy acogedora, sensata y humana. Tanto el libro como sus autoras presentan de manera muy equilibrada una importante herramienta para las familias de habla hispana en el tratamiento de sus hijos.

...I was curious and did read it. And I am very glad that I did. You are a very strong person and have been both a great mother and great friend for Ansel. I was touched and moved by how honestly you expressed your ongoing thoughts and feelings towards the disease and the struggle to deal with it as a mother, a wife and a friend. Indeed it is sad that Ansel or anyone for that matter has to suffer such an illness in life, but not everyone is as lucky to have a mother as strong, defiant and loyal as you, who has such a powerful means of expressing herself through writing. Your whole family must be very proud of you, especially Ansel. I am also impressed by your observations and descriptions of Ansel and how brave and strong he has been all of his life....Ansel is an optimistic skeptic, and brave at that (his will not to give up, I noticed, was something he inherited from you). Many of us, including myself, can learn from someone like him. And in the words of Ansel, "everything happens for a reason."

This book should appeal to readers who value the hard, loving truth-telling ability of the author, the mother of Ansel, a child with muscular dystrophy. I first read her essay of the same name in Best American Essays, and the book delivered a more edgy, tough potrait of the family. Admirable, credible, and hopeful, the mother is one tough customer, and so is her son. That is the key to surviving and thriving despite the woes of this debilitating, chronic illness. Ansel and his mom (and dad, and siblings) are a real family, in the best sense of the word.

Moonrise is a powerful book, beautifully written, full of forceful oppositions-health and disability, despair and joy, science and poetry. Were it a writer's imagined construct, it might be considered too calculated, too balanced between the life forces we control and those that control us. However, Moonrise is not a novel, rather a book that recalls the truism that life can be stranger than fiction. Penny Wolfson has written from the depths of her own experience a perfect parable, an inspiring story of the life of her son Ansel, rich in humor, strikingly full of unnerving Dantean imagery, and imbued with tremendous pathos. Though ostensibly concerned with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, Moonrise is actually a story about the condition of life and its inherent struggles, speaks to anyone who ponders the eternal mysteries of why we live and how we live. In addition to describing the sobering details of genetic determinism and the wrenching realities of watching a child's body degenerate, Wolfson analyses and celebrates family and all its myriad complexities.

let me let you know, take me seriously with the stars, I really love the book. Penny sounds like someone very kind to everyone and everything, she treats everyone the right way. I still think you won't take me seriously, but you're probably right ignoring me.

This book starts out more like a mystery or spy novel than the memoir it is. We are first introduced to the author, her husband and baby in a poetic first chapter. Next we are introduced to the "villain" (which turns out to be the genetic disease muscular dystrophy) only later to find out that it is not only slowly killing her beautiful child Ansel, but is also hiding inside her newly pregnant sister! We are then led through various vignettes where she describes her son's diagnosis, various treatments, and his transformation from an unusually attractive baby into a disabled child. Wolfson also describes her quest to understand the genetics of this disease where she not only gains insight into its biochemistry but also into the complicated history and dynamics of her own family. As the book concludes we find yet another transformation of Ansel from a troublesome disabled child to a quirky, intellectually gifted teenager. When I got to the end of the book I wanted another chapter to tell me what happens next to this remarkable mother and son. I was left feeling very moved, not with pity but with admiration. Talk about turning a bunch of lemons into lemonade! Anyone with chronic disease lurking in their family (and who doesn't) has got to read this book.

I met Hillary this weekend at her High School Reunion, which I attended with my Fiancee. I am VERY sorry that I did not have more time to speak with her, our weekend was too short! You would never know Hillary was sick with CFS, her demeanor, quiet manner, and her easy humor put me, a profoundly shy woman at ease immediately!

The morning we left, she stopped by our room, and gave me a copy of her book, 'My Mother Dying.' The gesture touched me deeply, as I am an author, and one of the hardest things for me to do is give one of my books away, it is like giving away a small piece of my soul. Selling them in different, but to give one away is never easy.

I am deeply thankful that she did so, as I started reading it Monday morning, and finished it at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday morning, I could not put it down, finishing dinner with it in my hand, forgoing unpacking, and a myriad of other tasks, to continue reading.

It is amazing how much our Mothers of that period went through, what their own Mothers went through, and how much that shaped how they raised us, not wanting to teach us to reach for too much, thinking their warnings of failure were an honest attempt to cushion the blows and rejections sure to come to us in life, but almost forced to embrace a feminist movement few of them could join, as they were already Mothers of young children.

That almost forcible delay of their dreams so that they could raise us, led to a shattering of our lives and connections from the time we were young women, until we are often in our 40s or 50s or later. Often only their own mortality forces us both back to the table to try and resolve the loveless years in between.

Thank you, Hilary for putting into words so honestly the very same issues many females (and males) who were both born, and grew up during the 50s to 70s transitional years, have faced with our Mothers.

T. Lindsey aka Ronin Schtihl Daire
fellow author and chronic illness survivor

I have just finished reading MY MOTHER DYING by Hillary Johnson, art by Ruth Jones, the mother Johnson nursed during her final illness. This is a beautiful memoir to the complex relationship of mothers and daughters, a memoir addressing those who have cared for and wathced a loved one die, a memoir about the coming of age of a woman who became a wife and mother at a very young age in the fifties. Ms. Johnson has captured the magnificence and complexity of the mother-daughter relationship, an artist's struggle to express herself, a family member dealing with the myriad of problems that are present in watching a loved one pass on. The author's prose is glorious, and she uses many notes her mother wrote to her after she was rendered mute fom throat cancer surgery. Johnson has preserved the many legal pads filled by her Mother after her surgery, and uses them in her book to give a voice to Ruth for all, and a voice from Ruth to her daughter. The bonus for readers is the reproduction of Ruth Jones' art, whimsical and telling of her life, and the insight it gave her daughter into her mother's own self expression.

This "shared memoir" is a gem in every way: from the author's eloquent writing style to her mother's whimsical yet provocative drawings and even the smooth surfaces of the pages. Like the physical feel of the pages and the colors in her mother's artwork, the authors' words are finely wrought and rich. I didn't want to put the book down.

This book is a entrancing autobiography and biography of a woman and her mother and in particular the story of a rekindeling of their connection as adults when the mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Unlike the suggestion of the title this is not a depressing story, it is strongly life affirming, funny and an interesting look at two remarkable women. It has helped me greatly in dealing with my own mother's death from cancer. I recomend it highly!

I feel I cannot do justice writing a review on such a high caliber memoir. Emotions run so deep and the characters are made so lifelike that I felt such a kinship with this family. Hillary Johnson is a fantastic writer and a fabulous daughter and caretaker. She deserves five gold stars for the wonderful job she did taking care of her mother through such dramatic medical horrors. I am honored and enriched for having read her book. Her mother was the bravest of women who faced life and illness with the best attitude possible. Her book will be the biggest help to me as my mother's health continues to decline. Thank you to both of you, Hillary and Ruth. Your mother was absolutely right to encourage the writing of this painful, truthful account of her living and dying. I am ordering it now for my sisters.

This was a great tool for my classroom. I had some students in my classroom with a "traveling eye". It allowed my other students to relate to them and gain a better understanding of what they are going through. This book is cute and delightful.

This book is an excellent story about excepting and valuing everyone's individual differences. We are all unique and this story not only recognizes that but celebrates that idea.

This is a wonderful story about a little girl growing up with a Travelin' eye and how she and her family overcome her disability. For anyone who has ever had or known someone who has had a lazy eye this is a MUST READ. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and you can tell it was written and illustrated from the heart. It is a winner!

I love everything about this book- both the illustrations and story are wonderful. My granddaughter who is only 9 months old, loves to look at the pictures. It's a great book to add to your library.

Hands down a must have for ANY child. My five year old daughter may not be dealing with a "travelin' eye", but this book has proven to be a creative, colorful, compassionate way to teach her about the differences that we all have. She has also come to appreciate how Jenny, and other kiddos she might know, might be feeling about their differences. Jenny did a phenomenal job of capturing childrens' attention with her illustrations and bright colors, but what makes this book truly stand out from the rest is her the way she approaches what could have been an awkward subject with pure honesty and humor. Thanks for sharing your gifts!

As a mother of four-year old twins, both of whom have severe food allergies, I commend and admire Ms. Rogers on her book. It is wonderful! To date, I think it is the best book in print re: food allergies and the host of issues that go along with them. Recommended reading for ANY family with ANY type of food allergy. Also excellent reading for any person who comes in contact with your child. It's straight-forward, easy to understand content provides a clear picture for those folks who are not familiar with the host of emotional, psychological and physical aspects that people close to food allergies experience on a daily basis. Congratulations to Ms. Rogers on a job very well done!

This book is a must have for families with an allergenic child. While the book focuses mainly on seafood allergies, and how to help your child cope with them, the tale is suitable for children with any allergies. Both innovative and original, No Lobster, Please! is a jewel among childrens' literature.

There aren't many books out there for children about allergies. The author definitley has a way with kids, and this is a great book!

This book is skillfully written for those children who may not fully understand the complexities of seafood allergy, and for those of their young friends who don't understand what the allergic pal has to cope with. Written with insight and illustrated by youngsters, this book makes a difficult issue very accessible to those kids who need it. Not often is a non-fiction book entertaining while at the same time instructional.
"No Lobster, Please!" fulfills both roles handsomely. A copy should be in every pediatrician's and every allergist's waiting room.

No Lobster, Please! is the nonfiction story of James Rogers who is in first grade at the H. Olive Day School in Norfolk, Massachusetts. James's Mother, Ms. Robyn Rogers, wrote the story for him, and the book is illustrated by James (see the self-portrait on page five) and his classmates in Ms. Fazio's class. Ms. Fazio also designed the cover. This is a book that is clearly written, illustrated and bound in love for James.

As the book opens, James is the narrator. He's sad because his family and friends are going to a lobster party. He cannot go because he's so allergic to lobster that even the air from the cooking of lobsters can cause a reaction.

James then tells us how he found out about the allergy. One day he helped his Mother crack open her lobster. From touching the lobster, he got the red bumps of hives, his lips swelled, his mouth felt tingly, his tummy hurt, and he felt like he was going to be sick. Breathing started to be hard. A call to 911 brought an ambulance and a shot of epinephrine from the paramedics. At the hospital, the doctors gave Ms. Rogers another shot to carry around for James. He didn't like the shot, but he knew it made him feel better.

As a follow-up James was tested for allergies and found out that he's allergic to all shellfish and many other types of seafood. His allergic reaction could get worse with repeated exposure, so he has to be careful.

He cannot eat at seafood restaurants, places that have seafood in their buffets, and sits as a "tuna-free" table at school. When the cafeteria has fish sticks for lunch, he eats with the school nurse.

Returning to the present, James's Dad leaves with his brother and sisters for the lobster party. James's Mom stays home, even though lobster used to be her favorite food.

He's in for a surprise, though, because she has a fun day planned just for him! He had so much fun he forgets where everyone else had gone. While ordering a dessert, he tells a little joke, "Wait, one more thing, no lobster, please!"

When I was six, beautiful banana splits beckoned. But I'd never had one. I begged my Mother for one. She finally relented (for they were very expensive). The waitress asked me what I wanted on it. I didn't know what came with a banana split. So she asked me if I wanted vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream. That sounded fine. Then she asked if I would like chocolate syrup, strawberry sauce and pineapple. I didn't know what pineapple was . . . but, well, why not? The enormous delight arrived and I dug in. It was great! Except . . . I started to itch. Then I started to swell. Then I had trouble breathing. Yup, pretty soon I was at the doctor's office. I remember it like it was yesterday . . . and don't recommend the experience. Reading this book brought all of that back. I never did quite understand what had happened until years later when I read up on allergies. I had had a temporary allergy to pineapple which I have since outgrown. But I didn't try pineapple again for many years.

Two of my children are very lactose intolerant. They can become violently ill on two slices of pizza (without taking the necessary tablets to help reduce the problem). And they crave eating dairy foods, all of which cause their insides to expand rapidly with gas. Naturally, their friends' parents always serve pizza, milk and ice cream whenever the kids get together. It's tough. Their experiences are a little like James's, but not so serious or frightening . . . just physically and emotionally painful.

For neither my children nor myself have I ever seen a children's book to help put food allergies and food digestion issues into context. I wish this book had come along a lot earlier!

Although this book focuses on lobster, I think you could use it for children with other allergies and food and environmental intolerances. In fact, having most such problems would seem like a relief compared to what James has to go through.

The best part to me is that the book shows how to take a child's "special" problem and turn it into an opportunity to make a child feel special. When our children were little, we ordered many versions of the computer-generated books that customize the book about the child. It never occurred to me (even though I'm a writer) to create my own children's book for each child. My hat's off to Ms. Rogers for going to the nth degree to create a special good feeling for her son. Nice going!

After you finish this book, I suggest that you make a book with and about a child in your life (whether a daughter or son, a nephew or niece, or grandchild . . . or just a child down the block). You'll feel special, too.

Barbara Quinn and Anthony Malone really wrote a book for the average parent to understand. The book is not bogged down with medical terms that are difficult to comprehend but rather uses terms an average parent can understand. Thank you so much for helping parents help their special needs child.

Full disclosure: my nephew's "story" is in this book, as told by my brother-in-law. When my sister gave me this book I was moved to tears as I read it, because she wants all of us who know and love her son "Robby" to understand his Asperger's Syndrome, and its treatments.

AS is a perplexing syndrome, and the spectrum of PDDs is confusing and multi-focal. For parents, families and friends, this book is a wonderful starting point. The book lays it out in easy-to-digest chunks, most useful for anyone seeking to understand the PDD continuum and its manifestations in children and young adults.

It is clear, concise and (except for the parents' stories) unemotional. It will help anyone affected by a PDD to understand the background, the symptoms, the diagnosis and possible intervention techniques. I am delighted that Ms. Malone and Dr. Quinn are part of my nephew's diagnostic team, and that they have produced this excellent book. And I'm glad my sister & brother-in-law have shared it with our family. Without communication, there can be no understanding.

Excellent book!!! I read this book in one night! It was so easy to read and understand pervasive developmental disorder. I would recommend this book to those who have a loved one recently diagnosed. The autism spectrum is wide. It gave great detail on both ends of the spectrum. Lots of information. Had a hard time putting this book down. If you need a book about PDD, this is the one to get first.

As the parent of a child recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS, this book is fantastic and explains a lot in terms for the everyday person. It's also great for educators and people that are do not have very much experience working with chilren within this spectrum. Our son is also very lucky to be a patient of one of the Doctor's that is in Dr. Malone's practice and he will meet Barbara Quinn this fall.

This book explains PDD-NOS and the other autism spectrum disorders in clear, concise language. I recommend it to anyone going down this road, particularly PDD-NOS parents or those whose toddlers aren't hitting their dev. milestones.

This book is about a girl named Megan, who's about 13 years old, having to bounce back from a motorcycle accident she has a lot of problems along the way. One involves her having to learn every thing over again because she is in a wheelchair, and paralyzed from the waste down. Another is that she hasn't heard from the boy who was driving the motorcycle when they crashed.

This book brought a realization to me. It touched my Heart to see how megan coped with her disability. It teaches a great life's lesson, about accepting who you are. It shows you just how hard a diability is. Unlike movies, where everything is perfect in a disabled person's life. That's just not how it is. Harris shows that it doesn't matter that a person is disabled they're still people. All the people in this heart warming story will teach you things you never thought of before, or have and have forgotten. This book will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

This book brought a realization to me. It touched my Heart to see how megan coped with her disability. It teaches a great life's lesson, about accepting who you are. It shows you just how hard a diability is. Unlike movies, where everything is perfect in a disabled person's life. That's just not how it is. Harris shows that it doesn't matter that a person is disabled they're still people. All the people in this heart warming story will teach you things you never thought of before, or have and have forgotten. This book will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.

Megan was a normal girl. Happy, and carefree. Until the terrible accident that left her in the wheelchair, and shaped the rest of her life with a spinal cord injury. Determined to help her get on with her life. Megans family plans a trip to the lake cottage where they have vacationed every summer. Megan is reluctant to go, believing that nothing will ever be the same again. The trip starts out just as Megan had planned, bringing back painful memories of what had been. That's is until she meets Harris. Him and his Aunt Julia, a bitter actress, and her husband have rented the cottege next door. Megan is determined not to like Harris, but unknowingly, she begins to fall for him. Together they get throughout their problems, and figure out that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. This, by far is the best book I've read as far as tragedy goes. The Book, "Out of the blue." by Sarah Ellis, was similar yet different to this story. In this book, a young girl, also named Megan, finds out that her mother has another daughter. This is also about a life changing experience, and both characters are very stubborn to accept the change. I think that Megan is a powerful character, and strong role model for young girls everywhere. She is lost in deep depression but with the help of Harris, they pull each other out. I think the budding romance going on between the two is adorable. This book is for people who like to sit down by the fire and cozy up to a good book. There isn't much action, and it is definitely a female book. Even so I think that any audience of young readers would appreciate it.

Realistic, it gives you an insight to the thoughts and feelings of a physically handicapped person. It does not glorify paralysis unlike some movies. Brings up the problems that a physically handicapped person faces.

My brother's book has 6 stories about me. I drew illustrations. This stories is true. I stole a french fry are McDonald's and cut my own haircut. Other stories about Cheez Puffs, our dog Duke, my bicycle and flying beetle. The people where I work like my book. There is a poem about Mrs. Post, my aide at my old school. I drew illustration of her. I drew a dogs, my family, animals and my own cartoon characters. I like how the book is turn out. It's nice when the people read about me and see my illustrations.

Hats off to Richard and Kevin Carlson! This book is a must read for families who have loved ones on the autism/Asperger's spectrum, educators, all professionals. In short, this book is for everybody. This book serves as a bridge linking people and knocks down walls that were once said to enclose people on the spectrum. Like Joshua with the ram's horn, the walls are knocked down by the brothers Carlson.

This collaborative effort features several anecdotes involving Richard and Kevin. Kevin's illustrations bring the world as he knows it and the sensory issues he confronts on a daily basis into sharper focus. Richard provides an equally clear and strong voice. The bond between this pair is very heartwarming.

Please read this book. You will be so glad that you did.

Richard Carlson is to be commended, along with his brother Kevin. The drawings throughout this book are delightful, as are the stories told with such direct simplicity. This book, along with others in the Richard Carlson collection, should be required reading in schools. Children will love it. Every one of the stories will grab their interest. It will make a terrific present.

Carol Kluz is a coauthor of Carol Randy suspense and solo author of fantasy.

Suggested for young readers age 6 to 10, yet involving and highly recommended reading for all ages, Poems And Short Stories About My Brother Kevin Who Has Autism by Richard W. Carlson Jr. is a unique and compelling collection of six true stories and six poems about the author's autistic younger brother, Kevin. Fifty simple black-and-white line drawing illustrations by Kevin illustrate and enhance this straightforward, heartwarming account which offers young readers a unique perspective into what it's like growing up with an autistic sibling, and the special challenges and responses therein. "Most boys would like bugs a lot./Because he has autism he does not." Also strongly recommended for school and community library collections is Richard Carlson's previous book: My Brother Kevin Has Autism.

This book was great! It has some poems and short stories from MY
BROTHER KEVIN HAS AUTISM and there are new ones. I
felt lots of emotions reading this book like when Kevin fell in the icy
cold water and he couldn't swim. I felt really bad for him.
There were funny stories too. There was a lot of information about what
Autism is and now I understand it a little better. I would
like to meet Kevin to tell him what a great job he did with the
illustrations. I think this is a wonderful book for kids of all ages. I really enjoyed it, you will too!