Anything But Typical
Nora Raleigh Baskin
· Reading level: Ages 9-12
· Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (March 9, 2010)
· ISBN-10: 1416995005
· ISBN-13: 978-1416995005
Before I wrote this review I did something I do not normally do. I read someone else’s review. Prior to reading this review I was prepared to sing the book’s praises. After, I was less enthusiastic. The other review was written by an autistic person. Surprised by their opinion and review I listened to the book one more time. So my review is based on this person’s observations and critique and my opinion of the book. The other review ranked the book as a three out of five.
In the book “Anything But Typical,” Baskin sheds light on the behaviors “neuro-typicals” view as odd. Insight into why an autistic person may not respond when addressed by people, flap their hands, pull their own hair, rock, etc… make sense. There is an extraordinary amount of introspection on the part of the autistic child, Jason. Per an autistic reviewer, autistic people do not self analyze their own actions and reactions incessantly.
Jason is an autistic child attempting to integrate into mainstream society. Online he has anonymity and has caught the eye of a girl. She applauds his writing skill and engages him in an email friendship. I had a similar experience when I took classes online. In the “real world” he can’t be just an average kid. Other people perceive him as odd and don’t understand his ticks and reactions.
Autism appears in many degrees. The autistic person may be severely socially inept or they could have minor problems and areas of difficulty. The book is about a more severe case of autism. The boy struggles with his autism in order to fit into the neuro-typical world. His loving family strives to love, support and understand him. The actions and reactions of others that interact with Jason show the confusion and misunderstanding of this condition.
I’m very tolerant of others with disabilities and illnesses. I suppose that is partially due to my own condition. I have a better understanding of what causes the “odd” actions of autistic people. This book will do more than make people tolerant. It will foster understanding of an enigmatic condition. I would recommend the book.
☻☻☻☻
Lulu’s Hat Susan Meddaugh
· Reading level: Ages 4-8
· Publisher: Sandpiper (September 25, 2006)
· ISBN-10: 0618771271
· ISBN-13: 978-0618771271
Lulu is a member of a true magic family. Too bad for her only one child in each generation is a real magician, because Lulu was adopted she won’t be the magician in the family. Uncle Jerry, a real magician, invites a child relative to assist him in his magic show and tries to uncover which child was given the magic gene.
When Lulu digs through a trunk to find a costume she discovers a hat, but this is no ordinary hat. With the hat she’s able to create all types of magic. Is it the hat/ Lulu? The plot is simple without a lot of twists and turns. It’s written for children in grades 2-4. The text suitable for early readers. Even though the book’s plot is very simple, it’s entertaining.
I recommend this book
☻☻☻☻.
