Book Description

My Friend with Autism is a coloring book to help peers and siblings understand autism and Asperger's Syndrome. It is the exceptional result of a parent's determination to help her special needs son fit in with his peers, and to foster tolerance and understanding among her son's friends and schoolmates. Author Beverly Bishop teaches high school computer classes and is the technology coordinator for a private K-12 school. She wrote My Friend with Autism for the teachers and students in her son's elementary school class. By helping others understand autism, she is able to encourage tolerance and a positive approach to classroom integration for special needs children. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Perfect for Children and Adults
This is a wonderful book for explaining what a child with Autism is like and how it might effect their behavior.

The children's coloring book section is really good and perfect even for the pre-school level.

The parent section is awesome. It is a wondeful section explaining to the parent how to discuss each page with their child and gives a wonderful understanding for the parent at their level as well.

We orginally bought to give to a couple of parents in our son's play group whose children were starting to ask questions about their friend and why his behavior was different.

We are now buying for all our friends and family (even the grandparents) to have for their own.

A must have book.

Great first resource for children and adults
My five-year-old daughter was recently diagnosed with high functioning autism. It was no surprise to my wife and I as we had been dealing with the effects of autism for several years and had done much research on our own. The formal diagnosis made us realize it was time to try and explain to friends and relatives what autism is and why our daughter acts the way she does. This book has been extremely helpful. It was the first book we read with our eight year old who has been struggling with the fact her little sister is different. The adult section is also very well written and was also the first resource we used for grand parents and other adults in our daughters life. We plan to purchase many more copies. Thank You Beverly Bishop!

HATS OFF TO THIS BOOK!
This book does a wonderful service in describing autism and its related spectrum condition, Asperger's. The gently written text; the clear explanations and the child friendly form of coloring in the pictures provides a safe ground in exploring spectrum behaviors from a child's point of view. How I wish I had owned this book when I was a child!

This is a must-have for educators, parents and persons in related fields who work with people who are on the spectrum. This book is really for everybody because it opens new doors and provides a fresh approach in discussing spectrum behaviors.

A "Must Have" For Every Educational Library
"My Friend with Autism" is a wonderful educational tool for teachers, peers of autistic children, and other family members. This book is highly informative, yet simple to understand, and short enough to keep the younger readers' attention. I have bought 4 of these books for my autistic son's teachers, and plan to buy more for my extended family. I will also be using this book next fall to educate my son's first grade class at the beginning of the school year.

Thank you, Ms. Bishop, for creating a brilliant tool!

Buy one for every student in your child's class!
This is the best book ever for the peers of students with autism. The author recommends buying one for every student in the class, and I agree!! The teacher can easily use this book as a lesson plan for helping kids understand an autistic peer. Then, the students take it home for their parents to read, and many new doors are opened for the autistic student! This is a must read for adults and children!! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

User friendly and nicely organized, adults or kids.
This book is organized in a manner which allows for easy use. Signs are grouped into related categories, and the illustrations are clear and simple. I've used many books on signing, and this one is tops for adults as well as kids.

Not right for kids
I purchased this book after taking a course in signing for my twins. I was looking for a short book with basic signs that we could use everyday. The publisher seems to have missed the mark on what signs kid would want or need in a simple signing book. For example the section titled "Snacks and Food" has 42 signs, but doesn't have the word vegetable, or any sign for any vegetable. Instead, what they do have is a section of 30 signs on religion, including such everyday usage words for children as "resurrection", "missionary", and "devil". A number of words in this category are helpful including "God", "church", and "prayer", but for the most part the book has a lot of words that adults think children should learn and not nearly enough words that children would use everyday. My suggestion would be to buy a real dictionary from a different publisher that has all the words you will be looking up.

Great for Beginners and Parents Teaching Children
I ordered this book to help teach my two year old sign language, as a way to communicate better. The pictures are easy to understand and the discription is very helpful. You are also able to find the signs quickly. I love it and haven't been able to put it down. I hope that the whole family will be signing soon.

Helpful for Toddler Signing
We started our son at 8 months learning sign lanquage with Baby Signs. A friend had this book and I liked the illustrations and the number of different signs that were available. At 18 months our hearing son has over 50 signs and is learning new ones everyday. I do not have anyother books besides Baby Signs to compare with, but the illustrations are large and clear which is helpful.

Cool Book! By Em
Not 5 stars because I have nothing to compare the book to.
Signing for kids- neat book, and good pictures. I've learned all of the food words-I skipped animals. The animal section doesn't really need to have so much detail, maybe instead just cat, dog, pet, zoo, etc. Obviously tons of words aren't in it, but overall it's worth it! When you understand a group of signs, you feel great. Fun for kids who have no relation to the deaf- I don't!
You'll be satisfied if you get the hang of it! (If you don't TRY, you won't have fun...you can't just think you'll understand it all once you use it once-or twice-or...) ... Read more

Book Description

One of the few books written for teens with ADD, it is billed as "the book you'll want to read, even if your mom bought it for you!" Help4ADD@HighSchool is written in an ADD-friendly format, with short, targeted topics that teens with ADD can relate to.Designed like a web-site that teens can "surf", illustrated by a 16 year old high school student, formatted to be visually stimulating on every page, Help4ADD@HighSchool deals with tips for succeeding in high school, practical strategies for coping with problem patterns, high school hassles, sex, drugs, dating, social life, family conflicts, and getting ready for college. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Teachers! Take note!
For its format alone, this is a must-buy for teachers and the administrators who work with them! As a middle school AP, I've visited far too many classrooms where teachers try to keep students' attention nailed to dreary handwritten overheads in black marker no less. Yawn. Every page of this book demonstrates what good overheads should look like (minus the color I'd like to see)while the text explains WHY this is imperative for ADHD students. GET IT! I love it. I ordered two more for my school.

I liked how the number was in the title
When I saw this book, I liked that there was a number in the title and the @ thing too. But when I was reading it, most of the words weren't numbers. Some of the pages were pictures and I liked those ones the best. I think that if you wanted this book, you should get it. As someone who had a hard time in high school, making friends etc., I found this was a good way to think back on it all. I'm not sad anymore because of them.

very helpful for me as a high schooler with ADD
I recently read Help for ADD at High School by Kathleen Nadeau. There were many pieces of advice that were new to me and other things that my parents and tutors had taught me before. The advice that I had heard before, I have used during my years in high school. These simple tips are how I survived and passed every single one of my classes. I could tell that when Dr. Nadeau wrote this book, she understood the people who would be reading it. Usually when I read information books, I get bored and distracted easily. This probably has alot to do with my ADD. Dr. Nadeau remembered that the reader of this book, like myself, probably has ADD. In writing the book, she made a special effort to make sure I didn't loose interest. The content of the book helps students to understand their obstacles and teaches them how to overcome them. I would recomend this book to any high schooler who has ADD, it will truly help you through your difficulties.

Very informative and insightful for teens with ADD
This book was very helpful to both me and my teen. The information is presented in a very clear, teen-friendly and organized manner that's easy to read. It made me aware of what issues I should be discussing with my teen with ADD and gave me suggestions I can make that are helpful. This book also gave my teen insight into typical struggles and solutions that he's dealing with as a result of living with ADD. From basic information about how to know if you have ADD to social and school issues, this book covers all areas of concern in a user-friendly, straightforward and practical manner.

This is of limited use to practitioners in schools.
The author is a psychologist in private clinical practice with no experience in schools. While it is interesting for those who provide therapy for individuals and groups, there are other books that provide a more useful blend of theory and practice. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Great for kids older than 1 1/2
I enjoy reading this book to my daughter. I thought I would try to see if I could catch her interest. She is almost a 1 1/2 years old, but she enjoys the pictures. Its a little too much for her right now, because she can't do the hand signs, but it's never to early to flame a child's learning ability.

Cute and Fun For Kids!
This is an adorable, small, paperback book. It has within it many very cute, colorful, and attention-getting illustrations that incorporate signs throughout. If you are interested in teaching your young child some basic sign vocabulary, this is a fun way to start. You'll get their attention, they'll think they're having fun (and not working), and you'll by far get your money's worth. This Deaf ASL teacher recommends this as a delightful start on the road to sign language. :o)

Great book for pre-schoolers
My 3-year-old son really enjoys this book. The illustrations are bright, colourful and easy to understand, very well targeted to the audience. My son likes to 'try out' phrases and words in sign language, and does use them with me and his little brother. This is not a book to teach true sign language, but it is an excellent introduction for young children to the concept and basics of sign language. GREAT BOOK!

Very easy to understand
This book is great for me because I am a beginner- it shows the letter of the alphabet and 3 words for each letter that are useful to know. It's real easy to understand and recreate the hand signs. The illustrations are great. I feel like I can use this to teach my son a few signs.

My baby loves this book
We are signing with our 1 year old, hearing, baby. We have enjoyed "reading" this book together and learning the signs. The pictures are so clear and present situations that she understands (a baby in her crib, a dog drinking from a bowl, a girl kissing her mommy) so we can talk about them and learn the signs together. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent Book
This was truly an excellent book for any teen who is gifted. I've been gifted since I was very young and I've never fit in with any of the other kids. I've always been much more mature and on a much higher level than the rest of the kids my age. This book showed me that I should be proud about being gifted, and shouldn't worry about fitting in. This is a must read for any gifted teen.

Robert's Mom
My son was thrilled to receive this book. He immediately began to see himself described in every chapter. He has always felt different and out of sync with his peers. This book helped him to understand himself and feel good about his "gift".

Enlightening
This book makes you feel good about being "gifted" - you know you aren't the only one around in that situation. A lot of nice examples, and it's very uplifting. Too bad it couldn't cover overseas examples though. ... Read more

Book Description

- An APA Bestseller-over 25,000 copies sold!

This book is designed as the perfect learning tool to help parents guide their child as he or she confronts the challenges of ADHD.Learning to Slow Down is unique because it is kid-centered, written from the child's point of view.

This updated edition includes easy-to-read text, fun cartoons, and activities, as well as loads of self-help tips for coping with friends, family, and schoolwork, getting organized, getting disciplined, and getting things done.Appropriate for ages 6-11.Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Indispensible Resource For Those Dealing with AD(H)D Student
This book is an invaluable aide for parents, educators, and professionals dealing with the challenges faced by AD(H)D students in school. It is a book that can be given directly to students as well. Written in a clear, visually appealing format, it presents worksheets and quick exercises that guide the late grade school, middle school or high school student to an understanding of how this disorder affects their ability to learn. It provides information such as how to choose and adopt various study techniques that will help children with AD(H)D become successful students. It coaches students in using active study techniques to remember what they read, or to develop written reports. Students are not resistant to using the concepts because of how they are presented and is a book that has application to non ADHD students as well. I highly recommend this workbook and have found it much more much more useful that the "Putting on the Brakes" book by the same authors. Of all the self help books I have lent out to people, this is one that people use so much they forget to return it! I just keep buying more copies because I don't want to be without the book.

It makes sense to my students!
"Putting on the Break" has helped several of my students/clients understand what is really happening when they can not stop. One student's mom said, "This is the first time I see Laura interested in a book, any book. She explained why she has trouble paying attention like a pro. Thanks." The book gives the children a perspective they can relate to. Adults can be too wordy, the books helps them "see" and "feel" about ADHD. Thanks for making the book available in Spanish. We need more for the Spanish- speaking population. ... Read more

Book Description

** The only OCD book for children and adolescents that has a companion book for parents**

Up and Down the Worry Hill helps parents and professionals explain Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to children clearly and simply through the eyes of a child. Children will identify with Casey's initial struggle with OCD, his sense of hope when he learns about treatment, his relief that neither he nor his parents are to blame, and eventually, his victory over OCD.

In the US alone, there are over 1 million children with OCD. The author's unique story and metaphor of the Worry Hill makes OCD and its treatment easy for children to understand. Now is a time for optimism and hope because OCD can be treated successfully. This book, along with its companion guide for parents What to do when your Child has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Strategies and Solutions brings hope and help to countless children and families who suffer from this baffling illness. The metaphor of the Worry Hill is a common thread that weaves through both books. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book changed our life!
This book has been written for children, by a Child Psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders. It uses images and metaphors and makes Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorders really clear and easily understandable for everybody. Not only children!

I grew up under the obsessive care of a mother suffering O.C.D. Nobody in the family, including her, knew what was the matter with her. When she finally was diagnosed with O.C.D. we were no longer children anymore, but this book still helped us understand her struggle and help her with her treatment.

This book is full of hope, optimism and love. It truly changed our lives for the better!

A view of life from an OCD child's perspective
"Up and Down the Worry Hill" is a children's book about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In the book we see the world through the eyes of Casey, a child with OCD. It effectively illustrates the internal dialogue and struggles of Casey and the difficulties such children face. For a child with OCD it teaches them that they are not alone and someone understands them. The end of the story helps the child to understand what will happen if they seek treatment via a child therapist and the use of behavior therapy. The book effectively illustrates that the problem is not something wrong with the child, but is something that just happens sometimes to some people. It is a highly recommended text for anyone with a child with OCD or to help children with a friend with OCD to understand their self better. ... Read more

Book Description

When young people learn they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they often have many questions, doubts, and fears. Written from both a pediatric and an educational perspective, this highly successful book—now available in a new edition—attempts to address these questions and needs. Inducted into the CHADD Hall of Fame in 2000, ADD and ADHD specialists Patricia O. Quinn and Judith Stern have revised and expanded Putting on the Brakes, including a thoroughly updated chapter on the latest advances in medications and recommended treatment programs that help children manage their disorder. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This book moved me to tears
I came across this book in a local children's hospital resource library. The first page describes a speeding race car with no brakes, and how it might go off the road or even crash. Page two goes on to draw a parellel between this race car, and and explains that having ADHD is a lot like being a race car with no brakes, 'You have a great engine with lots of thinking power, and a good, strong body, but no brakes'. I broke down crying right there in the middle of the library - it was like finally getting inside my child's head and knowing how he feels and why he just doesn't seem to know when to quit.

As my son and I read it together, he was also drawn in by these parallels, and fascinated by the sections that explain how the brain works, and the theories behind what causes neurobiological ADHD (as opposed to other possible causes of ADHD, like head trauma, lead exposure, etc). He is seven, and there were several words he was not familiar with, but the book explains 'synapses' and 'neurotransmitters' well, and a brief explanation from me on other vocab words was all it took for him to grasp the concepts.

A Powerful Resource for the Parents of ADHD Kids!
One of the most difficult things about parenting an ADHD child is explaining attention deficit disorder to that child. Patricia Quinn and associates have given a powerful resource to these parents - a true gift to empower them. In simple language, illustrated with eye-catching graphics, PUTTING ON THE BRAKES explains not only the nature of this disorder, but also how children and their families can learn to manage it. As an ADD Coach, I find this to be the most important resource that I can put into the hands of parents.

Putting on the Brakes
A very good book for children with ADHD. It's easy to read and gets to the point, something all ADHD children need. It explains what ADHD is, that others have the same problems, and how it effects their home and school lives. It gives some wonder information about how they can help theirselves. I have read it to both my children with ADHD as well as ADHD children I work with and they all enjoy it, and can relate to it.

ADHD - From a different point of view
From a parents point of view, I really enjoyed reading your books. I felt it put me closer with my son, since I could better understand what the ADHD was about from a different point of view. It was like being inside the mind of a child with ADHD. When I react now, I think a lot more before making a rash outburst, because I know my son will be thinking "Gosh - whats the big problem?". Thank-you for letting me get closer to understanding what a child with ADHD goes through. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great for ALL kids
Use this book (alone or in conjunction with a book like "Baby Signs") to communicate with your baby long before they can speak. We started signing when my son was 8 mos old. He learned the signs very quickly and being able to make us understood what he wanted eliminated temper tantrums almost immediately - until he was 2 that is! When he started to talk, he continued signing for a while but then stopped using them on his own. I HIGHLY recommend signing with ALL babies - regardless of whether or not they have developmental issues.

Very good
Cheerful picture with illustrations. Highly recommended. My daughter love this book.

Excellent
I am trying to teach my developmentally challenged son sign language - as well as teach his grandparents and father. This book really helped all of them and kept his attention while we read it. It is simple and easy to understand. Just what we needed!

This one is a favorite at our house!
My two year old learned to sign these words quickly and enjoys reading this book over and over again. It has clear illustrations of signs and attractive pictures of common nouns and verbs in a young child's world.

Beautiful and simplistic, a great starter book
I have a toddler with speech disorder and use signs to agument communication. the easy to understand diagrams and simple description of how to make the sign was extremely useful to me. My son enjoyed the wonderful illustrations. I am using this book and its companion "More Simple Signs" to aid his teacher and classmates. Cindy Wheeler should be commended on her beautiful books. Only a parent of a "special" child understands how issues should be presented. These books are extremely useful ... Read more

Book Description

An art therapy and activity book for children coping with the death of someone they love.Sensitive exercises address all the questions children may have during this emotional and troubling crisis.Children are encouraged to express in pictures what they are often incapable of expressing in words. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

5 Stars
Art therapy is a wonderful way to let children release their emotions. Good ideas, great presentation.
I highly recommend this book.
We also used a video, After the Tears, A Gentle Guide to Help Children Understand Death.

Has some good ideas...
I bought this book to help my children with the approaching death of their Grandma. I liked it for the most part, but there could have been more activities to help with the trasition from a "sick" loved one to one that has already passed away.

My 6 and 8 year old thrived on the art therapy approach--Dee
What a beautiful book. My 2 girls are watching their father slowly die of ALS--Lou Gehrig's disease. It is a painfully slow and tortious death in that he has slowly lost the use of his legs, arms and can no longer speak or eat by mouth. I used this book to help get them through this process. The art therapy approach honestly helped my 6 year old explain things she could not verbalize and the 8 year old enjoyed it for a type of relaxation. Thank you

Exceptional
This is an exceptional book to use with children to help them to process their grief of a loved one. The books encourages children to write and or draw pictures about the one who is dying or has died.In addition the book provides useful suggestions for children when grieving the loss of a loved one. I believe every elementary school counselor should have several copies for their work with students who are processing loss. It's also a very good gift idea for kids who you know are grieving.

A wonderful keepsake
My 5 yr old son was having a hard time coping with losing his mother to cancer. A friend recommended this book, and I thought it was abosultely wonderful. My son, who couldn't or wouldn't open up about his feelings, took to this book like he would a favorite coloring book, letting all his feeling and perceptions just flow out right there on paper. I bought it to help HIM, but it helped ME just as much--I wept when I looked at what he had drawn. After he finished it, he forgot about the book for a while. So I took it and put it in our hope chest for him to look back on years from now, as a keepsake and memory of the wonderful woman who brought him into this world, and who brought us both so much happiness. ... Read more

Amazon.com

My Friend Isabelle is a wonderful little book that teaches about difference and acceptance with simplicity and grace. Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They are the same age, but like most friends, they are different: Charlie is tall and knows "a lot of words," and Isabelle is short and sometimes her words are, "hard to understand." The sweet simplicity of their relationship is a reminder to everyone that "differences are what make the world so great." Young readers will love the bold illustrations and simple text, and parents will appreciate the message and the sensitivity with which it is delivered.At the end of the story readers meet the real Isabelle, and author Eliza Woloson briefly notes how Down syndrome makes her daughter and other children special. --Daphne Durham ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"My Friend Isabelle"
"My Friend Isabelle" is a book that ALL parents should have on their bookshelf. It celebrates the relationship between two children who are different from one another. It is an important book because today's classrooms are becoming more and more diverse. This book is a great tool to introduce these differences. I have been waiting for a book like "My Friend Isabelle". Thank you Ms. Woloson for being so insightful.

The World Has Needed This Book for Some Time.
I can't praise this book enough. The illustrations and straightforward story line appeal to children while the message is one all aldults need to see. As the mother of a Down Syndrome child, I was overjoyed at how clearly the message came through that Down Syndrome kids are kids first. They enjoy all the usual childhood activities and enjoy friendships with thier non-Downs peers as well. I plan on purchasing this book for our local public library and our elementary school library as well.

WONDERFUL CHILDREN'S BOOK
This is a wonderful book about diversity in the world, which is truly what makes this planet great. This childrens' book has beautiful illustrations and has a story line kids can learn about the differneces in other kids they encounter in day to day life. To celebrate diversity, not ignore or make it a negative issue. This book brings tears to your eyes.

WONDERFUL BOOK
THIS BOOK OPENS WONDERFUL CONVERSATION WITH CHILDREN. IT HELPS SEE DIFFERENCES FROM A CHILD'S POINT OF VIEW. PERFECT FOR THE KINDERGARTEN AGE CHILD. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

A GREAT BOOK FOR CLASSROOM SHARING!
I teach children with learning disabilities and behavior problems at the elementary level. A parent shared, "This Is Asperger Syndrome" with me and I now have a greater understanding of this disability. I shared it with the children I teach and it led to a wonderful discussion. I encourage other educators to read this book with their students.

True to life
I am the mother of three children with Asperger's Syndrome. I'm offended by the review that suggests we should just "celebrate" the special gifts of people with Asperger's and that this is a negative book. My entire life is consumed with Asperger's and I manage to maintain my sense of humor most of the time. But I'm sick of constantly being expected to put on a happy face and pretend that all is rosy for me or my children. The reality of AS is not always pretty! If I had a nickel for every public place my kids have meltdowns I'd be rich. We try to avoid having public meltdowns and I am compassionate toward them because they usually just can't help it (sensory overload), but it isn't necessarily a bad thing for people to see. People need to know that disabilities are hard to live with, they need to learn to be compassionate too. People need to understand that things they find easy are very very hard for children like mine. I applaud these authors for not putting a sunny fake mask on Aspeger's Syndrome!

A Good Explanation
This is a book I wish had existed a generation ago. It is written in a clear and direct fashion. For many people with Asperger's, having instructions and/or information broken down into manageable portions is a very effective approach.

I like the way this book explains behaviors that are common among many people with Asperger's. Since this is a neurological spectrum condition that is on the autism spectrum, many of the challenges people with Asperger's face are sensory ones. People with Asperger's often have heightened sensory modes and have extreme reactions to stimuli, e.g. strong adverse responses to loud noises. Meltdowns are gently explained; sometimes they are the result of sensory overload. Sensory overload makes me think of the 1967 George Harrison classic "It's All Too Much" which explains sensory overload so well, "it's all too much for me to see...it's all too much for me to take." I also like the way coping mechanisms are described in this book.

Another challenge many people on the spectrum face is difficulty in the subtle nuances of communciation, e.g. facial expressions and use of certain idiomatic expressions. Many people on the spectrum see issues as "black or white" with no gradations in between. Sadly, comments perceived as "blunt, rude or hostile" by others are often faux pas on the part of the person with Asperger's and if the objection to the comments in question are explained, persons on the spectrum become cognitively aware of what constitutes social savvy. The 1966 George Harrison classic "I Want to Tell You" is a good description of the communication challenges many people on the spectrum face: "but if I seem to act unkind, it's only me, it's not my mind. That is confusing things." So often misinterpretations are the result of verbal meanings being misconstrued.

Since Asperger's IS a spectrum condition, it varies from individual to individual. It can range from severe and closer to the Autism end of the spectrum to mild and barely discernible to most people.

Must have book for families, teachers, and friends.
My 7 year old son is in class with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. I needed something to explain what Asperger's is and how it impacts the actions and responses of this child. THIS WAS THE PERFECT BOOK. It is short, easy to read (my son could actually read it himself) and it explains several of the difficulties that many Asperger's children experience. Best of all, it is from the perspective of the child that has Asperger's. Not only did my son (and I) learn a great deal about Asperger's, we also learned how about how a child with Asperger's might feel about being different from other children. This really helped my son to understand and react appropriately to the child in his class. I am donating the book to his classroom in hopes that others can also use this great resource.

The unique persepctive of a boy with Aspergers Syndrome
I liked this book.

Each page contains a picture accompanied by a vignette describing a particular problem or perception experienced by the protagonist. The examples are clear and concrete. The drawings are clear, but perhaps a little too cartoonish. This story could help students in a classroom understand the behavior of a classmate with these characteristics. Instead of labeling behaviors as "obnixious" the other students might be stimulated to see the world from the perspective of the child with Aspergers.

This book is not meant to be a comprehensive text, but it describes the reactions and feelings of a particular individual. Because people with Aspergers are each so unique, it might not fit the exact behaviors of each person. Still, it is a good book because it gets you thinking from a another perspective--and that is what Aspergers is about. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

The poignant story of the man who developed the Braille system of printing for the blind. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Best Homework I've Ever Read
I thought it was a good book. I like the way Maragret Davidson listed a bunch of things that Louis couldn't see when he was five. She included lots of detail. It made me think a lot differently about blind people. It was interesting because I've never read a book about blind people before. Louis was very brave. He really wanted a way for blind people to be able to read and never gave-up.

A Great Introduction to Louis Braille For Children
First off, I would like to warn customers that this is definitely a children's book and geared for a very young audience (readers between maybe 1st and 4th grade). I didn't realize it at the time when I bought it so I thought I would mention it to other customers so they are aware of it. However, I read the book anyways and I must say as an adult reader I still enjoyed reading this book very much! It took me a little over an hour to read the whole thing, but in the end I still enjoyed learning about Louis Braille and his amazing, inspirational life. This book has definitely inspired me to go on and try to find more books about his incredible life.

A Review by 3 Fifth Graders (BA, ZZ, YCG)
We 3 Fifth Graders, read a book about Louis Braille, by Margaret Davidson. This book is about a boy named Louis Braille. He was the boy who invented books for the blind. Louis lived in Coupvray,in France. He is blind. He became blind by playing with his father's awl. The awl slid right into Louis' eye and it got injured and it got infected. One day, a new priest came to a church on the hillside. The priest was named Father Jacques Palluy. Father Palluy knew that Louis was blind so, he sent Louis to a new school for blind children in Paris. He liked every school subjects there.One day, a Captain called Charles Barbier came to Louis' school. Captain Barbier taught Louis about nightwriting. Nightwriting are raised dots that stands for sounds. Louis invented his own alphabet dots and he spread the news by making books. When Louis died, everyone started to call his dots Braille. Will Louis' popularty ever be extraordinary? Why did some people dislike his invention at first? Will the Braille be used forever?

Our opinion about this book is that this is an outstanding book because Louis made up a way for blind people to read. Why would Louis want to make books for blind people? We gave this book 5 star because we think it is a fantastic book. This book can teach blind people how to read and write. People that are not blind can also learn Braille.The back of the book also has braille dots so, we can practice. We even learned how to spell our names in Braille. We think that Louis' idea was excellent.

We should recommend this book to 4,5,and 6 graders because it teaches a lesson about not playing with sharp tools, and it also teaches you how to read the Braille alphabet. Another lesson we learned is that if you want to get something done you have to do it yourself. If you want to learn more about Louis Braille, try reading: Louis Braille: the Boy who Invented Books for the Blind.

Ah, a great book
I really enjoyed this book. I actually was reading the braille version for my braille class. I would recommend this book to practically anyone.

Excellent!
Of all the biography's I've read in my life, I think this is the best one! I thought it was so neat how Louis suddenly thought of how we could use dots like that. Everyday when I got to scool I couldn't wait to start reading. So I think you should buy this book and start reading! ... Read more

Book Description

"I can't imagine having a plain old sister," writes Ryan Clearwater, age ten, in one of the 45 essays in Views from Our Shoes.Ryan and the other boys and girls whose essays are featured in this collection range in age from four to eighteen.They share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability-the good and bad aspects, as well as many thoughtful observations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

All in the Family
This excellent book is a forum for children ranging in ages 4 through 18 to explore their feelings and describe their experiences living with a sibling who has physical and/or mental difficulties.

One young girl describes her 24-year-old brother who is barely verbal and, in her words "is like a 4-year-old child." This young man loves clocks and can watch them indefintely and his sister describes her trips to clock shops so he can watch clocks.

Another child describes providing skilled care for her older brother who is 12 and has a severe case of cerebral palsy.

A brother and sister, in individual installments introduce readers to their sister who has Down Syndrome.

A young boy tells of life with a sibling who has autism.

These are but a few of the heartwarming, gut-wrenching real accounts involved in day-to-day contact with a sibling who has special needs. Each child brings a special brand of input to the table and readers will come away with a sense of empowerment and enrichment. This is an excellent book for families to bond over and explore issues with. It is also an extraordinary teaching tool. If nothing else, it will certainly raise the flag of acceptance. Please read this and share it with somebody.

Sibling essays
Each essay begins with the full name and age of the author at the top of the page. At the bottom of each essay, in an italic font, is the name and age of the sibling who has a special need as well as the city and state. Also included are the hobbies and interest of each author. I was a bit surprised to see this much detail being included. There are a number of penciled drawings accompanying some of the essays by Cary Pillo.

I imagine some of the essays could cause embarrassment for some families since the kids were quite honest with their feelings and interpretations. One girl said she did not like when her mother yelled at her disabled brother. Many of the siblings assist in the daily living for their special needs brother or sister. Some of the essays offer advice on how to treat your sibling, while others have attended Sibshops and kept in contact with other siblings.

Each sibling cares for their brother or sister, worries about them when they are at school and has a basic understanding of the therapies involved with their siblings. The older siblings were able to express themselves with details on school placement and going out in the community with their special needs sibling.

A common statement from the siblings is how it is hard for them to do things they like because there is no one to watch their sibling with a disability and too hard to bring them along on outings in the community.

This has helped me as a parent to two autistic children because my older son is verbal and can comprehend that his brother is not like other kids.

I only wish books like Views from our Shoes: Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs and Laughing & Loving with Autism: A Collection of "Real Life" Warm & Humorous Stories were around thirty years ago to assist me as a sibling. This is a real eye-opener to parents that have other children besides the one with special needs and offers a peak into the feelings of the siblings.

This book would be perfect for a school library and special education classrooms as well as a gift for a sibling to read through and find other siblings in the same situations.

should be required reading for parents and sibs
Children with special needs affect the whole family. The siblings of these special children are special, too. They have needs that are put aside for another time, by their families and by themselves. They usually grow up to be more mature and compassionate, but with some supressed emotions. They are mommy's helpers for life. They need to learn that they are not alone, and this book starts that journey for them.

It is demonstative of how siblings feel.
This book shows exactly how I, as a sibling, feel. I loved that it was written by kids about their own personal experiences. What a great book. ... Read more

Book Description

The bestselling biography of Helen Keller and how, with the commitment and lifelong friendship of Anne Sullivan, she learned to talk, read, and eventually graduate from college with honors. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This touching story teaches young, open minds to value life.
How does one condense the triumphant account of an American heroine into an easy-to-read biography? Chronologically spanning Helen Keller's lifetime, Davidson focuses on Keller's crucial early years, when Annie Sullivan first unlocked Helen's world of darkness. Colorful dialogue will excite third and fourth grade readers; Helen advises such young readers to "taste every bit of food as if tomorrow you would never smell or taste again." The presence of such actual quotations is confounded by Davidson's other paraphrased dialogue between Mrs. Keller and Ms. Sullivan; The lack of a bibliography, or even mention of Keller's infamous The Story Of My Life hampers children's further explorations. Davidson's use of "blind children," and "deaf boys and girls," appropriate to Helen's era violates the principle of people-first language appropriate for today's reader, and should be noted by adults. Still, intermediate readers gain insight from the accurate classic photographs at the back of the book while younger listeners enjoy the decorative black and white sketches complementing the story line. Both reader and listener may open their minds through Helen's viewpoint that "the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched," but "must be felt with the heart." This touching, real-life story teaches young, open minds to value life and seize every opportunity.

This is the best book ever!
The story of Helen Keller and her life of silence and darkness is told wonderfully in this book. I first read this books when I was about 7 (I am now 16) and it is still my absolute favorite book! I have read countless times and my book has fallen apart. This is a great book for anyone!

First Chapter Book
This is the first chapter book I ever read. I am now 13 year olds and when I was in 1st grade I learned to read. In first grade I read this book and was hooked on reading forever after that. So thank you to the author!
This book has 95 pages in it, I remember it seemed so long then!

Two generations loved this book
My 8 year old just finished this book and was fascinated. I realized as I looked through it that I read it as a child and loved it too (as an 11 year old). My daughter is now eager to learn more about Braille and the consequences of being blind--though I had to ask her not to walk through the kitchen with her eyes closed. She loved the photos and can't wait to read about Annie Sullivan. A great book to show the triumph of the human spirit over adversity--and without pity!

Helen Keller
I didn't really like Helen Keller. My favorite part is when Helen got her diploma because she was the first blind and deaf to graduate. I don't know how you can chan it was her life.I read it because it was a asiment. ... Read more

Book Description

"When every kid on the block wanted to become a policeman or fireman, I wanted to be an artist. It was the first thing that I was good at, the first thing that really made me special. I had skills the other kids didn't have. Art saved my life." These are the words of Chuck Close, one of America's most celebrated artists and the subject of this inspiring and thought-provoking book. Through interviews conducted with Close as well as an analysis of his technique, acclaimed authors Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan explore the ways in which an artist's life and work intertwine. Close's remarkable larger-than-life portraits are the result of a carefully constructed system that finds its roots in both his struggle to overcome severe learning difficulties as a child and immense physical challenges later in life.With full-color reproductions of Close's work as well as additional material on portraits and portraiture, plus a glossary and bibliography, this is an engaging and accessible study of an extraordinary artist, the subject of over one hundred one-man shows, including a retrospective exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

it's a pretty good intro
Greenberg and Jordan's book is a pretty good introduction to the work of one of our modern masters, Chuck Close. Chuck Close is a phenomenal painter, both before the onset of his disease and even more so after. You won't find many books on him, or many that contain his work. Until something a bit more 'adult' or comprehensive comes out, this is a good selection. It discusses his life and work. There is also a brief chapter on what is a portrait. They finish it off with a list of museums that have some of Chuck Close's work. It's a nice intro to a great artist.

Buy this BEFORE some adult version!
Both elementary and high school readers get something from this book. The straightforward prose coveys this artist's powerful talent, humanity and relevance without being sappy. My students like to be read to when they work - its great to see them process and internalize this information as they struggle with these skills and concepts. Clean design and beautiful photos lay it all out simply. If more art history grad students would get to the point this well and this fast, I could coach art history as a sport.

Great Book for Intro to Gridded Portraiture in HS Art
I'm an artist and art teacher, and I recently read this book tomy high school art students as an introduction to gridded portraiture.Don't let the age 9-12 reading level put you off--my high schoolstudents really enjoyed learning about Chuck Close, and were impressedby his work and his life story. In addition to having some greatpictures of Close's work, the book has a lot to say about the artist'sability to develop strategies to deal with his learning disabilities,and his perseverance to continue to work despite an injury that lefthim paralyzed from the neck down. Many of the students could relateto Close's learning differences, and viewed his story as veryinspirational. I like this book so much, in fact, that I'mrecommending it on my website where I have a detailed lesson planbased on teaching kids portraiture via a similar gridded method! END

this is
This is a clear and inspiring story of the life and art of a great american artist. (and not as expensive and art speaky as a catalogue raisonne) Good for children and adults. I highly recommend it!!!!!! ... Read more