Product Description

This heartwarming story introduces young readers to autism, a disability that can be particularly confusing for those who know little about it. Mary Thompson, author My Brother, Matthew brings her charming story alive with vivid watercolours. 'Around and around went the frisbee. Around and around and around, all recess long.' Sarah, the new girl at school, is curious about why Andy spins his yellow frisbee every day by himself on the playground. In fact, Andy's seeming fascination for objects in motion is characteristic of his autism. When Sarah tries to talk to Andy in the playground, Rosie, Andy's older sister, watches and worries about how her brother may react. Rosie knows that Andy is in his own world most of the time, and that he has trouble finding the words to express himself. Though he doesn't talk to her, Sarah thinks she understands why Andy spins things so much. And Rosie is relieved to see that her brother doesn't need her protection. She's hopeful about Andy's next encounter with Sarah.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #297771 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-01
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .32" h x 7.86" w x 9.86" l, .53 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 24 pages

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--A sympathetic view of childhood autism from a young person's point of view. Sarah, a new girl at school, sees Andy by himself on the playground and is curious about his preoccupation with spinning a yellow frisbee. His sister Rosie watches Andy protectively from her soccer game and is fearful that the new girl will disturb his fragile composure. As Rosie thinks of Andy's problem, she explains autism to readers. Soft, watercolor illustrations reinforce the tenderness that Rosie feels toward her brother. There is none of the cruelty or lack of acceptance sometimes encountered by children with disabilities just because they are "different." At the end of the book, Thompson offers factual information about autism, its different degrees and characteristics. Andy is a book that will help youngsters see how those with special needs may be different but deserve tolerance and kindness just like all children do. A brief list for further reading offers other titles about autism from this publisher.

Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
"A wonderful story, viewing autism through the eyes of children, and paralleling the behaviors and feelings of children with autism with their classmates and siblings. A valuable resource for every elementary school library."

From the Publisher
A Review...

"A sympathetic view of childhood autism from a young person's point of view. Sarah, a new girl at school, sees Andy by himself on the playground and is curious about his preoccupation with spinning a yellow frisbee. His sister Rosie watches Andy protectively from her soccer game and is fearful that the new girl will disturb his fragile composure. As Rosie thinks of Andy's problem, she explains autism to readers. Soft, watercolor illustrations reinforce the tenderness that Rosie feels toward her brother. There is none of the cruelty or lack of acceptance sometimes encountered by children with disabilities just because they are "different." At the end of the book, Thompson offers factual information about autism, its different degrees and characteristics. Andy is a book that will help youngsters see how those with special needs may be different but deserve tolerance and kindness just like all children do. A brief list for further reading offers other titles about autism from this publisher." --School Library Journal, January 1997