Helping Kids Understand Autism: A Book Worth Sharing
I love reading kids' books. There's something about a great children's book that feeds curiosity, offers hope, or sparks new learning in a reader of any age—including me.
Over the years, I've discovered that children's books fall into three categories for me, just as adult books do:
Books that aren't worth turning to page two.
Books that are fine for a single read.
Books that absolutely MUST be shared with another reader.
Lately, I've decided I'd like to share more of those third-category books. I want more people to discover these remarkable stories.
Of course, I'll be sharing my opinions as a reader, educator, and school librarian with more than five decades of experience in education.
I believe even a picture book can become a fifth-grader's—or an adult's—favorite. Take Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. Kids may giggle at the antics in the story, while adults may find themselves in tears.
Likewise, books written for middle-grade and young adult readers can speak just as powerfully to adults.
And that brings me to my latest hidden gem: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
a great read for ages 8-12.
Meet Caitlin: A Fifth-Grader Trying to Fit In
In Mockingbird, Caitlin tries so hard to be "normal." But as a fifth-grader with Asperger's, she doesn't always understand just what IS normal.
Her older brother, Devon, used to help her figure things out—like why recess should be her favorite subject or why hiding under a table when something unexpected happens isn't always the best action.
But now Devon is gone, and both Caitlin and Dad must navigate a confusing world without Devon's help.
Even the most ordinary situations can be difficult for Caitlin. At mealtime, she doesn't like different foods mixing on her plate. In art class, colors shouldn't run into each other. Her need for order and routine may seem trivial to others, but it is crucial to Caitlin.
This story gave me a clearer understanding of how someone like Caitlin might experience the everyday world differently—and how hard she works to understand the people and events around her.
A Story Worth Sharing
Through Caitlyn's voice, readers can begin to see how Caitlin struggles as a fifth-grader who wants to fit in. It gives readers a chance to see Caitlin as a whole person: smart, grieving, frustrated, but determined and deeply lovable.
That's what makes this book one of my MUST-share discoveries.
If your child is curious about why other kids think, feel, or behave differently, consider reading Mockingbird together. It's a great opportunity to talk about understanding everyone and accepting people's differences.
You might begin with a couple simple questions:
"How would YOU feel if a pea got mixed up in your potatoes?
"What do you do when kids around you get too noisy?"
Why do you think something that seems unimportant to us might be essential to Caitlin?"
Don't be surprised if you discover that this book has something to teach you, too.
That's the magic of a good children's book. It can help all of us see the world a little differently.
Comments