Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Maria Shriver comes a poignant and compassionate story about one family coping with Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

ANOTHER GREAT RESOURCE ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S FOR CHILDREN
Contrary to popular belief, Ms. Shriver's book wasn't actually the first book that was geared toward children in an attempt to help them have a better understanding about Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Ann Frantti wrote a book entitled "Grandma's Cobwebs" several years ago on this same topic. Not only does her book explain the workings of this dreadful disease, it also has a supplementary booklet that has FAQs to help parents with any questions their children may have.

Unfortunately, Dr. Frantti doesn't have the benefit of Ms. Shriver's "star power" in terms of getting publicity about "Grandma's Cobwebs," but her book is excellent.

Excellent For Children -1st Lady Shriver WINS!!!
Well written with warmth, Maria Shriver does an excellent job of helping grandchildren understand-what even some adults may not fully know- about the battlefield of the aged minds.
The Knowledge we as Authors share, produces a well informed future generation.

Lovely Resource
It is hard enough for an adult to understand what it all means when a loved one is stricken with Alzheimer's, let alone a child. Maria has done a marvelous job of explaining it all in terms that will help your children, as well as yourself, understand, accept and cope with one of the hardest times a family can face.
Jacqueline Marcell, Edlercare Advocate, and author of Elder Rage.

very helpful
It is good to have a book to read to children that will help them cope with a grandparent with Altzheimer's! I especially liked the expression of the many feelings that the book characters had. It made talking about feelings that we have easier. I think we will be reading this from time to time to keep in touch with each other through the process of this disease and how it relates to our family. Thank you for carrying it. ... 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

Amazon.com

The loveable, disaster-prone hero of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key isback, this time in charge of his attention deficit disorder and ready to greetthe world as a normal kid--with the help of his new and improved meds, ofcourse. Now that Joey has a handle on his actions, he feels prepared to face themost mysterious member of his family--his estranged father, Carter Pigza. Heconvinces his skeptical mom to let him spend part of his summer vacation gettingto know his dad again. The only problem is that Joey's dad is just as wired asJoey used to be: "I looked over at his mouth, which never seemed to close--noteven the lips touched together--and it made me dizzy to listen to him." Carterbelieves that Joey can kick his ADD the way he himself kicked alcoholism--coldturkey. But when Carter flushes his meds, Joey has to decide if being friendswith his dad is worth losing his hard-won self-control. "That old Joey wascoming to get me and I couldn't do anything about it... I closed my eyes andtold myself to sleep while I could."

Jack Gantos's second book about Joey Pigza is just as delightful and soulful ashis first. Joey's attempts to keep the fragile peace in his life intact aretouching, and his intense longing to just be normal will mirror the feelings ofmost preteens, whether they have ADD or not. Joey Pigza may sometimes losecontrol, but he never loses his heart. This is an exceptional sequel. (Ages 10and older) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Summer Reading
Joey's dad convinces Joey's mom to let Joey stay with him for the summer. Things go haywire when Joey's dad gets rid of his medicine. This causes many problems. So, will he get his medicine back?

JOEY PIGZA LOSES CONTEL is a great book for a
Gross and funny laugh.

Think about reading it.
Joey Pigza is a kid who is on medicine for his hyperactivity. He meets his dad.His dad doesn't like the fact that he is on meds for his hyperactivity, so he flushes his meds down the toilet. After that day, Joey starts to lose control. Will Joey ever get back on his meds? Read this book to find out. This book is for anyone who wants a good laugh and loves a crazy story. It is a great story; I would read it over and over again.

Six Star Review
The good news, Joey's got 6 weeks with his dad.
The bad news, He's a Maniac!

Yes, Pigza's in for a bumpy ride down crazy town.He's playing hooky, turning himself into the abominable snowman and other crazy things.Can Joey ever pull himself together long enough to escape a madman of his father?

Prepare to bust a gut laughing cause this book is 101%gauranteed to have your family laugh so hard, they'll barf.

The Best Book Ever
Joey Pigza Loses Control
Joey Pigza is not so normal, but when he goes and lives with his dad we find out that Joeys' dad (Carter) isn't normal either. After Carter flushes Joeys' patches down the toilet, Joey does many strange things, from eating 1,000,000 jelly packets to trying to get back to his mom in his dad's car. After a while,Joey figures out that he needs his patches. What do you think will happen? Will he get his medicine or will he loses control?


Joey Pigza Loses Control is a funny book to read, but it teaches you that adults aren't always right about things.

Joey Pigza Loses Control


I kind of liked the story because, it sounded interesting. I wanted to find out if Joey's visit was worth it. I also think that Jack Gantos is a good author.

This book is about a boy named Joey who goes to visit his dad for the first time. His mom always said bad things about Carter, Joey's dad, but Joey was determined to find out the truth and prove she was wrong. So can they forget about the past or will it always be there? Joey has a problem, he can't sit still, and sometimes he can get a little carried away or, he just loses it all together. Carter's problem is he doesn't know how to treat his son and he drinks a lot of alcohol. They both take medicine patches to keep themselves in control but when Joey's dad takes the patches away, do you think the visit will still be the same so-so summer together or will it be a memory to last a lifetime...

In my opinion, I think that kids with similar disorder like A.D.D can relate to Joey and understand things from his point of view. This book is also kind of funny, so it can be fun just to read for school or in your spare time.
... 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

Amazon.com

Lola is a very fussy eater. Carrots are for rabbits and peas are "toosmall and too green." One day, after rattling off her long list of despisedfoods, she ends with the vehement pronouncement, "And I absolutely will nevernot ever eat a tomato." Not convinced, Lola's older sister Charlie has an idea.She tells Lola that the orange things on the table are not carrots, but "orangetwiglets from Jupiter" and peas are in fact "green drops from Greenland." Mashedpotatoes, when pitched as "cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji"suddenly seem appealing to Lola. And in the end, might she even eat a tomato?

Lauren Child's wacky, expressive sketches of Lola and Charlie (much like thosein Clarice Bean, That'sMe) are cut out and superimposed on all sorts of textures and patternsfrom wallpaper to wood. Fuzzy, enlarged photographs of bowls of peas, or fishsticks, or big carrots are pasted right on top to great effect. This funny,endearing look at how children's tastes can be based more on preconception thantaste buds is sure to infuse levity into the daily dinner-table struggle. Theauthor's dedication? "With love from Lauren / who is keen on Marmite / but wouldrather not eat a raisin." (Ages 3 to 8) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Hate tomatoes in Florida
I love this book. It is silly and keeps our daughters attention. She is 3 and loves it!!!

A Perfect Book to Share With Your Fussy Eater
"I have this little sister, Lola. She is small and very funny" These opening lines set the sweet and gentle tone for a tale about two sisters. One (Lola) with a very long list of foods she will not eat, and the other (Charlie) with the task of feeding dinner to her fussy little sister.

It could be a recipe for disaster -- I'm certain this situation would have played out quite differently with me and MY little sister -- but Charlie's creativity and sense of fun save the day.

My seven-year old fussy eater nearly fell out of his chair laughing when we read this book. He clearly identified with, and enjoyed, Lola and her reasoning (for example, peas are "too small" and "too green"). While I'm pretty sure my son will not change his eating habits because of this story, it did give him a sense that he is not alone in the world with his funky tastes while reinforcing the idea that his tastes may change.

Great story, cute illustrations, good lesson.

This book is magic!
Thanks to the mealtime antics of Charlie and Lola, my kids now ask every day if they can eat carrots, tomatoes, potatoes and peas. It's magic!

The books' pictures, typesetting and storyline are all fantastic, whether you are a child or adult. This and 'My Uncle is a Hunkle', also by Lauren Child, became instant favourites with the pre-schoolers and the adults the minute they entered our house.

Great addition to your child's "library"!
What a cute story! Charlie is in charge of little sister Lola and decides to play a trick on her. With Charlie giving silly names to foods that Lola claims she doesn't like, Lola plays along and tastes foods she has insisted she will never, ever eat. My 6-1/2 year old loves this book; it's a bit too old for my almost 3-year old.

What I like best about this book are the real photographs of the foods (peas, carrots, fish sticks, etc.) that are incorporated into the fun cartoon illustrations.

This is a engaging, slightly offbeat story which makes it stand out from the zillions of other children's books out there.

Play Along with the Joke!
Many young children don't like tomatoes. Some retain that distaste into adulthood. This story shows that stated fussiness about food can simply be a way of getting attention. Parents: Pay attention to this story! The colorful collages of photographs and childlike drawings bring excitement and freshness to the story.

Lola is a "small and very fussy" eater. Charlie is assigned by their parents to feed Lola.

Lola begins to expound her theories:

"carrots are for rabbits"

"peas are too small and too green"

Lola goes on to list peas, carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, spaghetti, eggs, sausages, cauliflower, cabbage, baked beans, bananas, and oranges as banned items. She also notes her reservations about apples, rice, cheese, and fish sticks. "And I absolutely will never not ever eat a tomato." Sounds like peanut butter and jelly are coming up to me.

Then Charlie attacks directly by putting out some carrots. Lola looks at them and says, "Then why are those carrots there, Charlie?"

"Those are orange twiglets from Jupiter," says Charlie.

"Mmm, not bad," Lola replied, "and took another bite."

Charlie puts out peas and describes them as "green drops from Greenland" and Lola finds them "quite tasty."

Mashed potatoes become "cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji," and Lola decides "I love to eat clouds."

Fish sticks become "ocean nibbles from the supermarket under the sea -- mermaids eat them all the time." Lola wants to know if she can have more.

Suddenly Lola turns the tables, "Charlie, will you pass me one of those?" Lola continued, "Yes, of course, moonsquirters are my favorite." "You didn't think they were tomatoes, did you, Charlie?"

Obviously, Lola knows that they are playing a game, and she likes it. The new game seems like more fun than laying down the law about what she will and won't eat. The game puts her in charge by letting her name the foods, as well as her usual game of saying what she will not eat. Charlie makes room for Lola to assert herself, and all is well.

With children, there is a tendency to treat them like subjects of a King or a Queen. Actually, they feel quite grown up at a young age and want to have some autonomy. Choice of foods can simply be a testing of limits. But all children would rather have fun, and can easily be distracted by making the potential confrontation into a game, instead. This book eloquently makes that point, and ensures many more peaceful hours in many households.

After you finish reading the story, you should think about where else you can kid your child out of her or his bad mood. Come to think of it, when will that approach work with adults as well?

Look for the potential to improve every communication!

... 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

Delrita likes being invisible. If no one notices her, then no one willnotice her uncle Punky either. Punky is a grown man with a child’s mind. Delrita loveshim dearly and can’t stand people making fun of his Down’s syndrome. But whentragedy strikes, Delrita’s quiet life—and Punky’s—are disrupted forever. Can she finallylearn to trust others, for her own sake and Punky’s? This story captures the joy andsorrow that come when we open our hearts to love.

Winner of the Mark Twain Award

Winner of the William Allen White Award ... Read more

Reviews (47)

A heartwarming, and emotional story about relationships
Delrita Jensen was a loner.All she had were her parents , her Uncle "Punky" her aunt and her uncle.But she liked it that way.Punky had Downs Syndrome.But she loved him nevertheless.One day, Delrita meets Avanelle and Trezane, (Tree) Shakleford.They become the best of friends.But then one day, tragety strikes, and Punky and Delrita have to live with Aunt Queenie and Uncle Bert.Aunt Queenie is super organized and prissy, but Delrita never knesw how much her aunt cared about her till now.Now, Punky is an even bigger part of Delrita's life than he ever was.Punky loves almost everybody, and not to mention, clowns.He is the happiest man alive.Punky's lifestyle is very hard for Aunt Queenie to get used to, so naturally, Delrita and Aunt Queenie dissagre on what to do with Punky.This is a great story, and it is one of my favorite books

best book ever
I dont care if you are 11-40 its a great book for every one it made me cry and laugh it is a great story to help you to understand people with problems. It is my favorite book and you will love it to.

not appropriate for children under 12!
This book was excellent and very well written, but I don't agree with the publisher's 10-14 age range.Certainly the reading level falls within that range, but the subject matter does not.I would recommend it for anyone 13 and older.

Sibling Support Project
This book reminded me that siblings have the longest relationship with a person with any disability and need support - the parents lives overlap with their children to a certain extent, but a sibling's life overlaps for the whole of their lives.The sibling is just as affected as the person with a disability and their lives are changed too.The Sibling Support Project of the ARC is a great resource for kids who ahve a sibling with a disability ...

WOW!!!
The man who loved clowns is about Delarita Jenson and her uncle "Punkey". He has Down's Syndrum and therefore Delerita wants to remain invisible. But when a terrible car crash claims Delaritas Parents, she and Punkey are forced to live with her aunt, and her world turns upside-down. While reading this book, I couldn't help but crying. I would recommend this book to every one and any one with a heart. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

I Laugh too
This is a wonderful Book! I have taken this book with me to every family I babysit for - Every child has asked me to read it again. The pictures are great - very expressive. This book is great for all children. What is great is that each child I babysit for has had a different reaction to the final picture (The only picture of Susan in a wheelchair). Some older children have told me about a kid in their grade who uses a wheelchair, some of the younger kids show no surprise whatsever - to them Susan really is no different anyway!

delightful and important
I have cerebral palsy and almost cried after reading this book. I wish it had been around when I was in elementary school. Things might have been much easier and less painful.

There are scores of books out there that aim to educate about people/children with disabilities, but they haven't achieved this with such simple clarity as _Susan Laughs_ reveals. Most of these other books, while they certainly educate about the disabilities and may make them less intimidating for children, never really tell us about the CHILD. There are always words like "special" in the title or the end message of the book, and I've always been careful about that word. "Special" in this context just seems to highlight the fact that someone uses a wheelchair or crutches or the like, and such overuse of the word may impart to other children that the way disabled children do things is so far from theirs that they can't relate. Also, some of these books portray disabilities as curiosities. I'm all for perceiving a disability as a unique *trait* of an individual, but too often, what these books give is an image of someone to *help*, rather than someone to befriend spontaneously. As an example, I've read reviewers of other books who stated that after a class read the book, the kids argued over who would get to help her child. This just seems a little distancing to me, as if the child is a project rather than a true friend.

_Susan Laughs_, on the other hand, really introduces a delightful little girl. (When I read picture books to kids, I treat the characters as people for them to meet.) It tells about her interests and personality, offset by vivid and quirky illustrations, and NOT ABOUT HER DISABILITY! Her disability is part of her, as they see on the last page, but it is not a separate *strangeness*, as books with "Special" in the titles seem to imply. They really liked Susan because she did the things they did--and the kids knew this because they met Susan first, and not her wheelchair.

This book flawlessly presents proof that children with disabilities are, in personality, sense of humor, and soul, just like other children. I can't imagine why no one presented this theme in such a manner before--if you're going to say a disabled child is just like you, put her seamlessly in fun, everyday situations. That *proves* it--that speaks so much better than explaining a disability and then having to *convince* readers of their similarity. "Special" books risk implying that the disability is a foreign thing or something wrong that must be given charity.

I can't stress enough how important _Susan Laughs_ is. Every parent of small children and every school librarian should read this book aloud to their kids at the earliest age possible, before the prejudice seeps in. Children do not know that something is "wrong" with another child unless adults present it that way. If children meet Susan, they hopefully will understand that they truly can make friends with disabled children--that they all have things in common to talk and joke about, and they don't have to be awkward around each other. I know you can't reach all kids and there's still teasing and worse, but I really think the concept this book espouses is vital and could have a tremendous effect on the self-esteem of kids with disabilities if this book is taught early enough.

Please--if you are a parent or a librarian or anyone interested in working with kids, buy this book and read it to them. There are so many teenagers and adults who have not yet grasped this concept. While they may or may not change their minds after reading this, I am confident that young children will come away with a vastly different view of disabilities than the one I suffered under, and maybe there won't be such a struggle to *prove* equality as there once was. Please really think about this book.

Charming Reality Check about Disabled Children
The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job with this show-and-tell story that details all the ways Susan is just like anyone else---until her "difference" is confirmed at the very end.

Obviously aimed at the younger readers, the book's subtle message could be lost on some of the small fry unless an adult spends a moment explaining to them what the real message of the story. I would love to know, too, how many adults can guess the ending. I suspect that unless they are the parents or caretakers of a disabled child, that they too may be surprised. I especially liked the pages showing Susan dancing with her granddad, getting in trouble, and playing with other kids.

Though concepts such as diversity and inclusion are relentlessly idolized today, the truth is children---and adults---with physical disabilities remain needlessly excluded through both physical and social barriers. In that regard, this gentle book, which can only help open doors for the disabled, is recommended reading for every person with a heart and mind. The best part is that it may change how you react next time you meet a child in a wheelchair. ... 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

Book Description

Hank LOVES baseball. L-O-V-E-S it! Unfortunately, though, he's not very good at the game. So everyone is surprised--including Hank himself--when Hank throws a zinger pitch at a practice for P.S. 87's annual School Olympiad baseball game. Hank knows how he pitched the "Zippity Zinger"--it must have happened because he accidentally wore his sister Emily's lucky monkey socks! Because of that stellar pitch, Hank has been chosen to pitch for P.S. 87 for the Big Game. The pressure is on--Hank's got to wear those socks again, or risk blowing the biggest ball game of his life. The only problem is, Emily wants to wear the lucky monkey socks herself since she's competing in the Brain Buster for the Olympiad. Will Hank be able to pull off another Zippity Zinger--or will he strike out? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

First book my dyslexic 11-year old son has read by himself
My son and I have read the first 3 books in the Hank Zipzer series together. We enjoyed each one, especially the underlying theme of hope for children who learn differently. This fourth book, was the turning point where my son actually is reading the book alone. If I could contact Mr. Winkler I would like to thank him for being such a great role model for kids who are bright and creative but have difficulties in areas that the rest of us take for granted. The print is large and the vocabulary is not overwhelming yet the stories are fun and meaningful for the tween age group. We can't wait for the 5th book to come out in May 2004. ... 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 (6)

8 year old loved it!
My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I wanted to get him some books so that he realized he wasn't one in the world with ADHD. He loved it. He has started writing a journal -- red pencil and all.

Just Wonderful For Everyone Involved With An ADD Child!!
I bought this book along with several others when my 8 year old son was diagnosed with ADD. Along with the ADD came depression and anxiety, due, of course, to a high IQ and stresses in school. I wanted to buy some books for children about ADD to donate to his classroom, to better help my son's peers understand why he acted "goofy" sometimes. This book is absolutely fabulous. I read it first, and I had to laugh. My son read it next and he laughed and laughed. He was delighted to see his own personal thoughts and feelings, expressed by another kid (Sparky), written about in a journal format. He was joyous!! He thought Sparky was awesome! He couldn't wait to bring it to school! I can promise you that your ADD child will be so happy to read this book, as will you. I even gained alot of knowledge and insight into my son's FEELINGS and thoughts! YOU NEED THIS BOOK!! You absolutely will not regret it!!

A wonderful journey into ADD
"Sparky's Excellent Misadventures" is a wonderful little "journal" by Sparky, who takes us into his life at school and home as he copes with ADD. Sparky's misadventures acquaint us with those events which sometimes get him into trouble. After visiting the doctor, Sparky learns about ADD and discovers how the "little pills" help him to do better in school and control his behavior. This "journal" will help children and parents understand ADD from a child's point-of-view both before and after treatment. An easy-to-read, humorous approach to appreciating each child's unique qualities.

Sparky Touches The Heart
Sparky's Excellent Adventures should be a required reading for all educators, parents and grade school children. It touched me emotionally more than any other children's book. It speaks to the pain and to the joy of living with ADD (attention deficit disorder). Sparky addresses the heart, and enlightens the mind, unlike any medical or professional description.

Sparky's Excellent Misadventures
It's about time! This book is written for all the children with ADD - and for their parents too. Sparky is an endearing character, the book is good for a wide range of ages, and everyone will relate to Sparky's feelings and adventures. A must-read for anyone who knows an ADD child. You will enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

You couldn't really tell about Mama's brain just from looking at her, but it was obvious as soon as she spoke. She had a high voice, like a little girl's, and she only knew twenty-three words. I know this for a fact, because we kept a list of the things Mama said tacked to the inside of the kitchen cabinet. Most of the words were common ones, like good and more and hot, but there was one word only my mother said, soof.

Although she lives an unconventional lifestyle with her mentally disabled mother and their doting neighbor, Bernadette, Heidi has a lucky streak that has a way of pointing her in the right direction. When a mysterious word in her mother's vocabulary begins to haunt her, Heidi's thirst for the truth leads her on a cross-country journey in search of the secrets of her past.

A dramatic tour de force by the best-selling author of Regular Guy.

Reviews (4)

SO B. IT is a great read.
Heidi knows her mom loves her. But because of her mother's mental disability, she is unable to care for herself or her daughter. Their loving neighbor, Bernadette, helps out and is a vital part of their family. Bernadette finally manages to teach Mama how to open cans, but tying shoes is beyond her capabilities. Mama can't read or tell time. She knows 23 words. One of Mama's words, "soof," is a mystery --- no one knows what it means, and Mama is unable to define it.

Heidi lives in Reno and so is able to wield her incredibly reliable lucky streak at the laundromat slot machine when her babysitting money doesn't quite cover their needs. How did Heidi and her mom end up in Reno, living in the apartment next to Bernadette? Bernadette tells Heidi about their mysterious appearance at her door when Heidi was just one week old. Heidi's mother was able to tell Bernadette that her baby's name was Heidi. When asked for her own name, Mama says, "So be it." Since Bernadette believes everyone should have a middle name (or at least an initial), she dubs Mama "So B. It." Heidi is known as "Heidi It."

The truth about her mother's identity eats away at Heidi. She simply cannot rest until she pieces together Mama's past through clues that appear over the years. Why is her mother terrified of buses? Why do rainy days make her anxious? When Heidi finds some old photos of her mother at a Christmas party held at Hilltop Home in Liberty, New York, she decides she must travel there alone in order to discover who her mother truly is. The trip is a frightening yet exciting adventure for determined, courageous Heidi.

SO B. IT is a great read. The mystery is intriguing; the characters are quirky yet believable. If you're a sucker for a quest story with heart, the way I am, I predict you'll be "So Into It!"

(...)

RichiesPicks.com: SO B. IT
"I know you're out there somewhere
Somewhere, somewhere
I know I'll find you somehow
And somehow I'll return again to you"
--The Moody Blues

"If truth was a crayon and it was up to me to put a wrapper around it and name its color, I know just what I would call it--dinosaur skin. I used to think, without really thinking about it, that I knew what color that was. But that was a long time ago, before I knew what I know now about both dinosaur skin and the truth."

The truth about her mother's background and past is as totally unknown to Heidi as is the true color of dinosaur skin. That is due to the fact that there are a grand total of twenty-three words, sounds, or short phrases that her mother is capable of articulating.

"One thing I knew for a fact, from the time I knew anything at all, was that I didn't have a father. What I had was Mama and Bernadette, and as far as I was concerned, that was plenty. Bernadette started off being the next-door neighbor, but that didn't last very long. My mother loved me in her own special way, but she couldn't take care of me herself because of her bum brain. Bernie once explained it to me by comparing Mama to a broken machine.
" 'All the basic parts are there, Heidi, and from the outside she looks like she should work just fine, but inside there are lots of mysterious little pieces busted or bent or missing altogether, and without them her machine doesn't run quite right.'
"And it never would."

"Now the time has come to speak
I was not able
And water through a rusted pipe
Could make the sense that I do"
--Suzanne Vega "Rusted Pipe"

When Heidi's mother appeared on Bernadette's doorstep in Reno twelve years earlier with baby Heidi in her arms, Bernie's repeated questioning of who they were elicited the same response again and again from the mother: "So be it" and "Heidi." Thus, they became So B. It and Heidi It. Bernadette, who has since been raising and homeschooling Heidi while caring for Heidi's mother, has her own incapacitating disability--she's plagued by a phobia that prevents her from ever leaving the pair of attached apartments that the trio share. Meanwhile, Heidi has her own unusual quality--a gift that falls into the realm of magic.

But it will take more than just magic to uncover the truth of her mother's origins. While most of those twenty-three words are common ones, there is one--soof--that is uniquely Heidi's mom's.

"[O]nly Mama knew what it meant. And she wasn't telling.
" 'What is soof, Mama?' I'd whisper as I sat on the edge of her bed at night gently scratching her back. I hoped it might slip out of her mouth and onto her pillowcase as she closed her eyes and relaxed into the rhythm of my scratching.
"Sometimes I'd sit down next to her on the couch, open up a magazine, and flip through the pictures, pointing at things--a baby, a dog, a car.
" 'Show me soof, Mama. Is this soof? Is this?'
"Mama would smile her sweet, wide smile and pat my knee the way she always did when I sat close to her.
" 'Tea, Heidi?' she'd say. 'Tea?' "

When vital clues to the mystery of her mother's past appear, Heidi embarks upon a lone cross-country trip to search for that elusive truth.

"I'd be lying if I said that given a choice, I wouldn't rather know than not know. But there are some things you can just know for no good reason other than that you do, and then there are other things that no matter how badly you want to know them, you just can't.
"The truth is, whether you know something or not doesn't change what was. If dinosaurs were blue, they were blue, if they were brown, they were brown whether anybody ever knows it for a fact or not."

In the manner of some great award-winning stories of previous years in which young characters journey to discover who they are, Heidi's solitary quest touched my heart and made me just want to hug this wonderful young woman.

(And that's the truth.)

Richie Partington

impossible but plausible
The opening question is about the color of truth. Come back and read these first two pages again after finishing the book. The author posits that truth is the color of dinosaur skin and that we don't know what color dinosaur skin is even though it is usually pictured as green.

All through the book 'Dette is reasoning with Heidi that truth may not be ascertainable, while Heidi in her adolescent intensity plows through seemingly insurmountable odds to perservere and find the truth. The author combines mystery, character, and discovery in a "can't put it down" read.

Soof...
Although this theme has been covered in many books, I thought Sarah Weeks produced a work that was original, intriguing, funny, sad, and satisfying. Although prehaps unrealistic in places, it is rings truer than many books in other places as Heidi learns to see past mental defficiencies, lies, smiles, and fear to the people and the love underneath. My only criticism would be that it ends too quickly and hodgepodgedly, but otherwise, this book was a good read. ... Read more

Book Description

Poor Rodney Rat can't pronounce his R's and the other rodents tease him mercilessly. But when Camilla Capybara joins Rodney's class and announces that she is bigger, meaner, and smarter than any of the other rodents, everyone is afraid. It seems she really is bigger, meaner, and smarter than all of the rest of them. Until our unwitting hero, Wodney Wat, catches Camilla out in a game of Simon Says. Read along with Wodney as he surprises himself and his classmates by single-handedly saving the whole class from the big bad bully. Children will delight as shy Rodney Rat triumphs over all and his tiny voice decides the day, R's or no R's. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Hooway for Lester and Munsinger!
They've done it again! The team who brought us such memorable books as A Porcupine Named Fluffy and Tacky the Penguin are at their absolute best with Hooway for Wodney Wat. Funny text and hysterical illustrations combine to make the perfect read aloud book. I laughed so hard I cried. A must have!

To Be a Hero, Just Be Yourself.....
Poor Rodney Rat...he can't say his R's, and life at P.S. 142, where all his classmates tease him mercilessly, is pretty miserable. "All of this teasing day in and day out made Wodney the shyest rodent in his elementary school. His squeak could barely be heard in class. He gnawed lunch alone. And while the other rodents scurried and scooted about at recess, Wodney hid inside his jacket. Then one day, a new student, Camilla Capybara, entered the class and began to wreak havoc. "I'm bigger than any of you. I'm meaner than any of you. And I'm smarter than any of you." And she meant it! That afternoon, poor Wodney Wat's luck turned from bad to worse. He was chosen to lead the daily game of Simon Says and his speech impediment, unfamiliar to Camilla, suddenly became an asset..... The dynamic duo who brought us the wonderful Tacky books, have written an engaging story that will have kids cheering for this shy little underdog as he becomes the class hero and saves the day. Helen Lester's simple, gentle text is complemented by Lynn Munsinger's bold, bright, and expressive artwork, and together they've authored an entertaining story about an endearing character, that's filled with insight, wisdom and humor. This is a story that will inspire little ones to have courage, and to stand up and believe in themselves. "And from that day on the pupils of P.S. Elementary School for Rodents never teased Wodney again. He was their hero. "Hooway for Wodney Wat!" they cried. "Woot! Woot! Wooty-toot-toot!" Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Hooway For Wodney Wat is a treasure.

Root (Woot) for the Underdog
In this story, the Wodney Wat starts out as timid and tucked inside himself because he was teased for who he was. As the book progresses, he becomes happier with himself and is able to have fun with all the students. That was the happy ending, in my opinion.

It covers a variety of content areas!
At first glance, one might think that this is a book solely meant for entertainment. However, after the initial reading, one discovers that the text can provide the primary/elementary child with instruction in a variety of skills: animal identification, phonemic awareness, rhyme, as well as social skills like acceptance, tolerance, cooperation, and handling bullies, all character development skills so necessary in today's world.

And, besides that, it's a fun read!

Hooway For This Book!
This story is about a rat named Rodney who couldn't pronounce r's. Instead, he pronounced his r's as w's. The other kids made fun of him at school until he chases a bully away and becomes the class hero. We liked this story because Rodney was very shy and nervous and at the end of this story he is proud of himself. You should read this story because it teaches you about tolerance and spirit. ... Read more

Book Description

The summer she turns 12, Hattie Owen is steeped in the routines of her small town life until the startling arrival of an uncle no one has ever spoken about.Now that Uncle Adam's "school" - an institution for the mentally disabled - is closing, Hattie's family must deal with a childlike young man whose existence they've denied for years.Hattie suddenly experiences a summer in which she learns living life fully means facing both the good times and the bad. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

A Corner of the Universe
Hattie is an average 11 year old who is beginning her summer vacation. Her parents run a boarding house and Hattie has made friends with several of the boarders. All of them are somewhat older than Hattie and her best friend is going away all summer. Hattie expects this to be another boring summer, until she learns of an uncle she never knew about will be moving back home with her grandparents. Adam, her twenty-one year old uncle, had been away to a special school. His school is closing and he has to come home. His "school" is really a home for people with disabilities. Hattie is very excited and curious to meet her uncle. She is somewhat nervous when first meeting Adam but they soon become friends. Hattie thinks the two are a lot of like and they form a special bond. Unfortunately, Hattie soon thinks she knows what is best for Adam and this leads to trouble.

I enjoyed the book. It was interesting because the setting is in the 1960's, a time when people with disabilities were not in the spotlight and as accepted as they are today. I could relate to Hattie's feelings when people make comments about her uncle, because I work with kids with disabilities. I think the book is more suited for older elementary age students, 10 - 12. It does a good job covering a sensitive issue, but sometimes lags in excitement. I think that some students may become bored with the book before they finish.

A Corner of the Universe
The book A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin is a book about a kindhearted twelve-year-old girl named Hattie Owen. This book takes place in the summer of 1960 and is a heart-warming novel, which will bring joy, laughter, and tears to your heart. Hattie Owen is a sweet girl yet has many troubles dealing with life because her perspective on life is different than many others, but Hattie loves her small town and boarding house that she lives in with her mother and her father. It is isolated from the rest of the world and Hattie feels safe and doesn't know much about everyday issues people go through. Hattie never could have imagined a summer more action-packed than this particular summer. When her twenty one year old Uncle Adam whom Hattie has never met before comes for a surprise visit to stay at Hattie's grandparents house for the first time, (because his residential school shut down) Hattie learns from her mother that he has mental problems, and that he is Manic depressive. Also that friends and relatives are embarrassed about the way he acts because everyone around him ridicules him. Family and relatives have denied Hattie's uncle's existence for many years but now it will be revealed to Hattie and she will be informed after all these years that her perfect life has many secrets hidden inside and is not so perfect after all. Hattie learns after spending quite some time with him that she and Adam are quite alike and she has to cope with him in some way. But Hattie also takes into consideration that dealing with him wont be easy and that it will take time to appreciate. He is looked down upon in every way and hated by all. Hattie takes it upon herself to help him, to bond with him and to find his true inner self while seeking for her own. Uncle Adam becomes for of a child like friend to Hattie than an Uncle figure in her life. Hattie realizes that she just has to "lift the corner of the universe" for him and open his paths a little wider so people can understand him better. Hattie is one of the few people who appreciate Adam for who he is and she is the only one who can see deep down inside of him. She feels that he has a lot of courage in facing the world and life's difficulties. This is an inspirational novel that gives hope and understanding for life. People don't often experience this exact same situation in life but we all face difficulties and this novel is good for children around Hattie's age because you can relate to her in different ways. Recommended for middle school ages, 12-14 years of age. This book will take you through the ups and downs of life just like a bumpy path. It sends the message that if we fall along the way we just get back up and try again, never give up hope.

Sure to stay with the reader long after the book is closed.
Imagine learning about an uncle you never knew existed. In this 2002 Newbery Honor book, twelve-year-old Hattie Owen meets her Uncle Adam, a mentally disabled man who has been living in an institution that recently lost its funding.

During the summer of 1960, people were less likely to dissect family problems than today, the era of the talk show. Adam was a family secret, but Hattie learns to love him. She was planning a summer of trips to the library and ice cream, but now Adam comes with her. He is closer to her age mentally than most adults and has an endless enthusiasm for new experiences. Hattie loves to go to the carnival and is happy to bring Adam along. But she does not know how to handle Adam when he is out of control, such as when she finds him walking in his underwear through the neighborhood or when he disappears. He also becomes angry when he can't have his way.

Living with someone who is mentally disabled can be confusing at any age. Best-selling author Ann M. Martin of P.S. LONGER LETTER LATER (written with Paula Danziger) and the BABY-SITTERS CLUB series, does a wonderful job of showing the reader the joys and sadness of the experience, as seen through the eyes of likable teen Hattie.

Powerful characters and plot surprises will keep readers interested in this title --- and it is sure to stay with the reader long after the book is closed.

--- Reviewed by Amy Alessio

This is a GREAT book!
I started to read this book about two days ago, and I have to admit that it started out kind of slow. Once I got about 20 pages into it though, I couldn't put it down! I read the remainder of the book this morning. Wow. I laughed, I cried... I would reccomend this book to anyone who likes Sharon Creech's writing. It is great.

Review of the Book I read
This book was a strange book. That's why I didn't really like it. I think that they put in to much characters. Also there were that much of a setting. This was confusing at some parts,and it made me read on at some parts too.This book wouldn't be in my top 20 neither in my top 30. This book would get a three star. ... 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 pro