Childrens’ and Young Adults’ Books

Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions to Build Success is an illustrated children’s book about an exuberant little boy who had difficulty paying attention in class and doing his school work until he was equipped with the tools to accommodate his sensory needs. Written from Arnie’s point of view, the book uses simple language to describe some of the sensory tools and strategies he uses at school and home to help him achieve a more optimal level of alertness and performance. Arnie and His School Tools creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. Occupational therapists, teachers and parents will find this book an engaging way to introduce elementary students to basic sensory tools used to help children focus in classroom settings, such as fidgets, chewy pencil toppers, and weighted vests. Additional resources are provided at the end of the book, including definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites. – Amazon.com description

Another book by Jennifer Elder which is beautifully illustrated with illuminating understanding achieved by the mother of a youngster on the autism spectrum who has immersed herself in the world of autism. Autistic Planet is a magical world where all trains run exactly to time, where people working in offices have rocking chairs, and where all kids dream of winning the chess World Cup. Join us on a journey to this alternative reality, where being different is ordinary, and being “typical” is unheard of!

From School Library Journal – Blue Bottle Mystery is a simple and straightforward story with appealing characters. It’s a gentle introduction to the challenges and unique qualities of people living with Asperger’s and a welcome read for families who have experienced it and similar conditions.

Different
Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes (Hardcover)


Jennifer Elder (author), Marc Thomas (illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Amazon.com Price:$11.53

Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger’s
Syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements
and characteristics of his autism heroes, from
Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky
to Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Banneker and Julia
Bowman Robinson, among others. All excel in
different fields, like science, art, math, literature,
philosophy and comedy, but are united by the
fact that they often found it difficult to fit
in – just like Quinn.

Feelings (Reading Rainbow Book)
Aliki
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Amazon.com Price: $ 6.99

A parent’s comment: “Small children sometimes have trouble sorting out how they are feeling, or why something they did provokes such a reaction in someone else. This book gives vivid and thoughtful examples”.

A parent comment: “This book is a wonderful read. My 4-year-old loved it. I like the use of simplistic, yet powerful drawings of different ethnic and cultural groups throughout the book. Shows that saying hello and good-bye is a part of everyone’s life”.

How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up (Paperback)
Trevor Romain (Illustrator), Elizabeth Verdick (Editor)
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Amazon.com Price: $8.95

Midwest Book Review
This book is insightful reading for teachers and parents, but it is specifically directed to students who will laugh along with Trevor Romain’s jokes and cartoons and witticisms as he teaches important homework truths such as: Though it might feel good at the time, throwing a fit will not make your homework easier to do. Dogs do not eat homework, especially science projects. Students of all ages and grade placements will learn valuable homework skills like how to make a homework schedule, how to get help with homework assignments, and how to avoid TV-Homework-Neck.

This much-needed book demystifies the unique and sometimes puzzling behaviors of individuals with Asperger Syndrome by letting the reader experience the world from the perspective of a young child with Asperger Syndrome. The brief, easy-to-understand text is accompanied by whimsical cartoon-like characters. Through brief vignettes illustrated with cartoon-like characters, This Is Asperger Syndrome introduces siblings, peers and other children to the everyday challenges faced by children with Asperger Syndrome at home or at school. Written for children ages 6-12, the book may be read independently by older children and also serves as a springboard for further discussion led by parents and teachers.

Trevor Trevor (Paperback)
Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Deidre Sassano
Amazon.com Price: $11.70

From the Amazon.com book description: Trevor Trevor is a metaphor for children. A form of symbolic communication, the metaphor uses indirect teaching and implication to stimulate new ways of thinking. The main character, Trevor, is a child with impressive, though isolated skills. Unfortunately, it is not Trevor’s strengths that his classmates notice, but rather his differences. Trevor Trevor is a heartwarming story designed to be read to children by adults.

Why
Is Everybody Picking On Me: Guide To Handling
Bullies

by Terrence Webster-Doyle
Amazon.com Price: $14.78

Recommended at our Fall Conference by Dr. Barry McNamara