Book Description

This book is different! It is specially designed to give answers to the many questions of brothers and sisters of young people on the autistic spectrum. As well as explaining the characteristics of autism, it is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone concerned. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

MARCHING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER
This is an excellent teaching tool that paves the way towards acceptance of persons who display autistic behavior. Autism and its related neurobiological condition, Asperger's are spectrum conditions. Common spectrum behaviors include a myriad of sensory issues such as strong aversions for loud noises; strong reactions to certain smells and tastes and distinctive speaking styles. Many spectrum behaviors overlap and Asperger's, while considered at the higher end of the autism spectrum does indeed share common neuro-sensory ground with autism.

This book does a heroic job in explaining and addressing these issues to young children. It is a good way of empowering children on and off the spectrum with knowledge that will in turn pave the way to greater acceptance. ... 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

A biography of the 19th century Frenchman who developed Braille.The book spans Braille's life from childhood through his days at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth and into his final years, when the alphabet he invented was finally gaining acceptance. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"Out of Darkness"
Out of Darkness is a story about Louis Braille. Louis Braille was blind in the year 1812. It happened when he was a little boy. Louis was playing with a knife from his father's tools. He was trying to make holes in a piece a strong leather. The knife slipped and it stabbed his left eye. Louis had to stay in a dark room to help his eye heal. An infection spread from his left eye to his right eye. In 1812 there was no way to control his serious infection. 15 years later Louis Braille invented braille lettering for all blind people. I think that this is a good book for young readers to read because it shows good friendship between people.

Louis Braille
This is a great book! This book tells you about a real person name Louis Braille! Louis Braille is the person who invented books for the blind people.Louis invented braille when he was just a little boy.He was blind because he was playing with his father's tools while his father was talking to someone.When Louis was playing with the tool it poked one of his eye and it started bleeding badly.The eye that was poked by a tool had a hole in it.The eye started infecting the other eye.Later on Louis was totally blind.

Inspiring!
This fact based biography is one of the best I have encountered for children starting at about grade three. Adults will also enjoy. The book documents the life of Louis Braille. Born and raised in a small town near Paris, Louis suffered a tragic injury at the age of 3, which rendered him blind for life. The story captures the true essence of courage and the triumph of the human spirit; to meet even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles with dignity, tenacity and unshaken faith. Louis did not give up. Despite many frustrations and setbacks, his attempts at creating and perfecting the Braille system were successful and accepted and distributed world wide. Unfortunately, Louis died in his early forties and was not here to witness the magnitude that his system bestowed on the world of the blind, their families, loved ones and associates. But he did pass away in peace and in the knowledge that his mission had been fufilled. Louis opened a door to the visually impaired, and in this way significantly transformed and enhanced many, many lives by providing this invaluable means of reading, writing, and communicating. Louis Braille was a true hero and will remain so for all time.

GREAT BOOK!!!!
THIS BOOK TELLS HOW LOUIS GOT BLINDED AND WHAT HE DOES TO OVER COME THE OBSTACLE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO READ. HE REVISES AN ALREADY MADE PLAN OF RAISED DOTS AND DASHES MADE BY A SEA CAPTAIN-NOW KNOWN AS BRAILLE-AND BECOMES AN ASSISTANT TEACHER, PROGRESSES AND THEN EVENTUALLY RE-FOUNDS THE SCHOOL!!

It is a wonderful book
Out of the Darkness is a sad but wonderful story about Louis Braille I would hily recamend this book to people of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description

At age two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. She lived in a world of silence and darkness and she spent the rest of her life struggling to break through it. But with the help of teacher Annie Sullivan, Helen learned to read, write, and do many amazing things. This inspiring illustrated biography is perfect for young middle-grade readers. Black-and-white line drawings throughout, sidebars on related topics such as Louis Braille, a timeline, and a bibliography enhance readers' understanding of the subject.

Illustrated by John O'Brien. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

girl in the dark
I like the picture book. It's Helen Keller. Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia Alabama. A girl would like this book if they bought it. 6 years old, 6 1/2. I thought I was back in Helen Keller's year. -- Written by Meg, age 5 1/2

Perfect for small children
No, it isn't the full biography of her life that one might expect to find in an adult level book. But, I think it is pretty obvious that it is a picture book. As such, it is perfect for small children.

Basic Information?
I must take issue with the last reviewer. This book provides no basic information about Helen Keller. In fact, in this version, Keller doesn't even graduate from college. How would you like your own productive life of 88 years reduced to your pre-college days?

And we have wonderful photos of Keller's final 66 years, that would have made for fantastic illustrations. Marching for peace; learning to speak so she could denounce the murder of coal miners; helping to found the American Civil Liberties Union; casting her first vote, having been an ardent suffragist.

The story of Helen Keller is one of a person who used her fame to promote social justice, peace, and human rights. You'd never know it from this piece of claptrap.

A Picture Book of Helen Keller
I think this book is TERRIFIC! It told the story very, very well. I loved reading it to my 7-year-old daughter. When we were through, she exclaimed, "Read it again!" I highly recommend it!

smedley
I purchased this book for my 9 year old to help with a biography book report. It is a bit too easy for a third grader as she read it in just a few minutes but it provides the basics for a report. ... Read more

Book Description

This delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Titles in this series for younger children explore emotional issues that boys and girls encounter as part of the growing-up process. Books are focused to appeal to kids of preschool through early school age. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, A First Look At books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems. Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent
I read one of the books about Helen Keller when I was nine years old, and I was hooked, at that age I could not put the book down, I actually memorized, taught myself the hand sign chart in the back of the book. I highly recommend this book. I am purchasing this book for my niece for Christmas, she loves to read. When you think you been short-cutted in life, read this. Then ask your self do you have it that bad?

The dealf, blind, and mute girl.
Helen Keller had a bad illness when she was only nineteen mouths old. She lived,but the illness left her blind, deaf, and mute. At the age of five her mom and dad wrote a school that has blind and deak kids there. A teacher came and didn't get along with Helen at first, but later thay become the best of friends. This is a good book for anyone who would like to know what it is like to be blind, or deaf or even both at the same time. This is a relly good book and I think that anyone who will read it will like it.

Helen Keller
...It's about a girl that is blind, deaf, and dumb. (As in can't talk) But later when she got a teacher named Anne Sullivan, she learned to do lots of things. When Helen was ten years old, she learned to talk. But still could not hear. I learned that if you are blind, deaf, or dumb, you could still do lots of things. I think you would like this book too.

I think all different kinds of people would like this book because people whoever likes biographies would like this book too.

A GOOD INTERMEDIATE BIOGRAPHY
This book covers Helen Keller's life from her precocious babyhood wherein she greeted people with "how d'ye" and "tea, tea, tea" to her impressive adulthood as a crusader for persons who are blind.

Helen became blind and deaf after an extended, unidentified illness she suffered at 1 1/2. Unable to see, hear or speak, Helen communicated by a series of rudimentary signs and showed great precocity in learning to fold clothing and recognizing her own. She was also unruly and given to fits of temper, which was understandable considering her lack of access to ready communication.

When Helen was 3 months off 7, her now famous teacher, Annie Sullivan was hired to work with her. The redoubtable Ms. Sullivan taught Helen the manual alphabet and from her stellar progress at identifying familiar objects, taught her Braille as well. Helen's progress is nothing short of spectacular and she makes an impressive academic showing at the Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston.

I liked the fact that this book did not dwell on that now tired scene at the water pump when Helen learns after having "water" spelled onto her fingers that "all things have a name." Instead of gasping and losing speed after the now overworked water pump scene, this biography picks up speed and the reader is treated to following Helen's academic progress at Perkins and later as a Radcliffe alumna.

This book glosses over Helen's radical socialism during her adulthood and also glosses over the challenges she and Annie faced as they matured together. It's a nice biography, but you do end up wanting more.

Good kid and Well-behaved
You'll feel interesting the first capter and want to read the next chapters. Introduction the book, it attractives read over and over until you can memory the book feeling boring and can think about yourself and ask yourself. Good kid, well-behaved and many people love her Helen Keller,"From Tragedy to Triumph" by Katharine E. Wilkie.Helen Keller was good kid and tried to speak and spelling when she was child. She also good student in high school and college. Her parents love her. When she met any one they love her. Growing uo, she was good lady, she visited and encouraged people who blind, deaf, handicapper.... She was great person and famous. From the book, I remind myself when I was child and the book also helping children try to become good kid and well-behaved . I think the audience who from 10-14 age, can read this book. The book purpose helps children in America to become good kid and learn many things form people who is great person.If you want to know more information or more knowledge Helen Keller what did she do?, you should read this book;aspecilly children. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

FINALLY!
What a wonderful story to share with family, friends, and classmates about accepting differences in others.A perfect choice for my son with Apraxia of speech!Touching!I will be buying copies for our little friends, cousins, and my son's school! ... Read more

Book Description

This children's book dispels the myths and fears surrounding epilepsy in a positive, upbeat and entertaining style and explains seizures in an understandable fashion. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great book for helping young children learn about epilepsy
Last year in first grade, we used this book given to us by our Neurologist to teach my daughter and her class about her newly diagnosed seizures.It was most helpful and well received by all.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The inspiring story of Dave Dravecky told for 8-to 14-year-olds. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Uhh . . . a good book!
... I liked the book. Let's just say I got the feel for whatit is supposed to mean: God can turn bad things happening to you intogood. I am not a straight-A student ... END

Eghh....Not a good book..
...i didn't like the book.. Lets just say I didn't get a feel for what it was supposed to mean.Im a straight A Student and i didn't like END ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bright and cheery for very young readers
This book is about a boy who goes into the hospital for a one night stay after an ear operation.The pictures and words are bright, cheery and comforting to young readers.My daughter liked to read this book evenafter her hospital stay.It was written in England so it shows hospitalscenes (like children in group wards) which didn't apply to my daughtersstay.I pointed out differences between what would and did happen to her. A good book to show a very young child what going to the hospital will belike and that it isn't as scary as it might seem. ... Read more

Book Description

Taylor and Tyler are twin brothers and best friends.But the twins are different in one significant way: Taylor has cerebral palsy, while Tyler does not.Through Taylor's eyes we see how much effort he must expend to strengthen his legs, which are weak.He explains how valuable his new wheelchair is because it helps him maneuver more easily and do the things he want to do, like go to school and play basketball with his brother Tyler.

This full-color picture book series from the nation's leading rehabilitation center will explain to readers ages 6 and up the needs of children with disabilities.The Learning Books offer valuable insight and inspiration for children with disabilities as well as for their family members and schoolmates.Each book is written from the viewpoint of a real child with a physical disability.The goal of each book is to see into the child's world, understand the physical challenge the child faces, and learn how an assistive device can empower the child to overcome the limitations posed by his or her disability. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Rolling Along
This delightful child's book takes the mystery out of a child with a disability. It explains the need for a wheelchair and how beneficial using a wheelchair can be. Building accessibilty, social interaction and play are also well-represented. This book would be great to share with young elementary children although the illustrations are clear enough for younger children. A much needed text for families facing childhood disablement, classrooms who serve children with special needs,and pediatric therapy waiting rooms! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great way to introduce a child to a hearing aid.
This is a book to help kids understand what a hearing aid is and why some children need one. The parents of Angie, the girl in this book, did not know she needed one until it became obvious that she was misunderstanding everything that was said to her. If a child who wears a hearing aid will be coming to your child's clasroom, this book gives a humorous introduction to what a hearing aid is and how it works. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book really helped our child.
Large color photos, clearly written, appreciated by disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged kids alike. ... Read more

Book Description

Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind student to ever attend an American college, but graduating from Radcliffe with honors was only one of her many accomplishments. Her writing and speeches tell the poignant story of a woman who struggles to overcome personal adversity, while working as an advocate for the physically challenged. ... Read more