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What Members Thought
Apr 15, 2010
Monica Edinger
added it
Took me a couple of tries to get through this book more or less. Having experienced a traumatic event at my school a year ago (a student killed himself by jumping out an eleventh floor window into the street, right in front of me, some other teachers, and a whole lot of fourth graders, where we were having recess) I know something about how schools deal with this sort of thing and so the way it was handled in this book simply was not credible to me. I couldn't believe that the teacher would insi
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I would have given this one 3 1/2 stars if possible.
There is much to be said for the author's attempt to be the voice of a high-functioning Asberger's child. Having worked with many children who have been diagnosed with this problem, much of it seemed to ring true although I can't possibly presume to know what is inside of any child's head, let alone one with Asberger's.
However, I had several problems with the book. There were many threads interwoven through the story - each of them powerful a ...more
There is much to be said for the author's attempt to be the voice of a high-functioning Asberger's child. Having worked with many children who have been diagnosed with this problem, much of it seemed to ring true although I can't possibly presume to know what is inside of any child's head, let alone one with Asberger's.
However, I had several problems with the book. There were many threads interwoven through the story - each of them powerful a ...more
Maybe I've just read too many books with autistic main characters, but the narrator in this one seemed like a mashing together of all the Aspergers traits I've seen in other Aspergers characters in other books. Still, the writing was good and the story was touching. The author's note at the end really put me off because it made the whole story seem completely didactic. But if I hadn't read it, I would've walked away thinking this was a decent book.
And now it's won the National Book Award for Yo ...more
And now it's won the National Book Award for Yo ...more
I liked getting inside of the head of a person with Asperger's syndrome.
What would it be like to view everything literally, and not understand
social cues. ...more
What would it be like to view everything literally, and not understand
social cues. ...more
Now that this book has won the National Book Award I wish that I had taken the time to write my reaction to it. Because frankly, I couldn't remember anything about it when the award was announced. Nada. Zilch. I remembered the cover, so that clued me in that I had read it. But the story? Nope. Even after reading reviews of it (and thanks to Betsy Bird for shedding more light than a normal review!) I couldn't remember it. Is it better than "Out of My Mind" by Sharon Draper? Don't know since I jus
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A heart-felt story about so many different issues. I couldn't put it down once I started.
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A month and a half after finishing it, I can barely remember what this story was about - which is not to say that it wasn't an engaging read at the time, but it really didn't stick with me. Sure, it's interesting to see inside the head of a girl with Asperger's - a girl whose family has fallen apart in some pretty heart-breaking ways, but who doesn't feel that heartbreak in the way others expect her to. It's the kind of story that will appeal to kids who like to learn about lives different than
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Jan 23, 2011
Shari (Shira)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
childrensbooks,
aspergers-syndrome-autism
This book is chocked full of issues! The main character, Kaitlyn, has Asperger's Syndrome and is trying to adjust to the death of her brother, who was killed in a school shooting. The voice of Kaitlyn is strong and authentic.
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Having taught a few students with Asperger's over the years, this novel made such sense. I read it to see if it would be a good choice as a read aloud for my fifth graders. I wanted to find a novel that would engage them and teach them something about life and diversity at the same time. This novel delivers and I will begin reading it to my students today. I can't wait!
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I'd probably like this book better if Asperger's wasn't the hip new disability to write about. The cover of this book is even similar to Out of My Mind, published earlier this year. If I had to pick a favorite Autism spectrum book, it would either be Cold as Ice or Marcelo in the Real World.
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a glimpse into the mind of an autistic young girl, and her profound struggles. the setting of the novel is sad from the start, but this ranks up there with other recently published books dealing with autistic and ausburger children and teens.
beautiful story from a girl who has Asperger's syndrome. It's about tragedy, sadness, and hope. Lovely.
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A special book. I enjoyed getting to know Caitlin and the unique way she views the world.
Will add to class required reading list for adolescent readers course.
SLJ 4-6 RL 630
Nov 05, 2010
Jennifer
marked it as to-read
Dec 13, 2010
Julie
marked it as to-read
Dec 20, 2010
Jenny
marked it as to-read
Sep 07, 2011
Laura5
marked it as to-read
May 22, 2013
Sarah
marked it as to-read
