Autism and Me

Sibling Stories

“If you see a kid with autism on the street, don’t yell at her if she’s doing something wrong.  She can’t help it.  Autism is really challenging,” explains Christian, who tells about life with his sister, Mary Gwen, a beautiful girl who loves to swim. In these moving essays, Christian and many other kids tell what it’s like to live with siblings who have autism.  Sometimes they can’t talk much.  Sometimes they have tantrums.  It can be tough for a family, but there are happy surprises, too. “Autism has helped us to become a better family,” adds Christian.  “It teaches us patience and understanding.” Ouisie Shapiro’s inspiring book shows how children—and all of us—can grow in wisdom, acceptance, and love.  Steven Vote’s warm photos capture the rich emotional life of these amazing families.

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  • 32 Pages
  • 9780807592311
  • March 2009

Reviews

  • This is a perfect book for explaining/understanding autism as well as an excellent medium for character- or social skills-building around the subject of bullying or respecting others. A must have for the classroom library.

    - Multicultural Review

  • They…recognize that having an autistic sibling stretches their sense of empathy. Thoughtful fare for a wide age range.

    - Booklist

  • Some of them sound a bit preachy…However, the children’s emotions ring true, telling what they love about their sibling; the preaching comes from their hearts. This book would be useful in families and in classrooms to help explain both the struggles and the triumphs of living with someone who has this disorder.

    - School Library Journal

  • Autism and Me could be a useful book for any family with special needs. It can help those with challenges to know they are not alone, as well as help others better understand autism and be more sensitive to those around them.

    - Children's Book and Play Review

  • Many of the accounts, though varied in their details, reflect similar difficulties, including behavior problems (especially in public) and communication delays; pride and love are also expressed. The text, based on Shapiro’s interviews, doesn’t always sound childlike. Well-composed photographs highlight the brothers and sisters in everyday activities and play.

    - The Horn Book Guide

Awards & Accolades

  • A 2010 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
  • IRA-CBC Children's Choices 2010

Photographer

Common Core

RI.6.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 SL.6.1c,1d

 

  • Accelerated Reader Points: 1.00
  • ATOS Level: 3.90