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Russell's World: A Story for Kids About Autism
ForeWord Book of the Year Finalist
Russell is a boy with autism. Russell is a boy with a great big smile and a family who loves him.
Step into Russell’s World for an inside look at real-life family as they share their photos and stories. Kids can see just what Russell and his family experience as well as the surprises and challenges that can come with autism.
"Supportive without sugarcoating, this realistic account of a disorder that affects so many contains at its core a raw emotional heart."— Kirkus Reviews
An extensive Note to Parents offers concrete information about autism and gives parents tips about supporting children with autism and their siblings, getting services, and taking time for self-care.
Russell is a boy with autism. Russell is a boy with a great big smile and a family who loves him.
Step into Russell’s World for an inside look at real-life family as they share their photos and stories. Kids can see just what Russell and his family experience as well as the surprises and challenges that can come with autism.
"Supportive without sugarcoating, this realistic account of a disorder that affects so many contains at its core a raw emotional heart."— Kirkus Reviews
An extensive Note to Parents offers concrete information about autism and gives parents tips about supporting children with autism and their siblings, getting services, and taking time for self-care.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 1, 2018
This book is about a family who actually has a boy with autism. The book is writing by Russell's dad and tells about all the characteristics of a child with this condition. This family has learn how to understand and communicate with Russell trough sing language, fallow his routines. The author compares and explain the differences of behavior between Russell and their brothers on daily and situations usually normal for another children.
The main character is a boy with autism called Russell, his brothers Benjamin and Gregory. His father who wrote the book and his mother.
I like this book because provides a lot of information, ways to understand a child with autism and simple solutions for parents and teachers to help a child with this condition.
I will recommend this book because provide a easy way to learn about autism.
Is has very simple and easy ways to help parents to understand Autism.
Encourage acceptance at home with siblings and at school with peers.
The main character is a boy with autism called Russell, his brothers Benjamin and Gregory. His father who wrote the book and his mother.
I like this book because provides a lot of information, ways to understand a child with autism and simple solutions for parents and teachers to help a child with this condition.
I will recommend this book because provide a easy way to learn about autism.
Is has very simple and easy ways to help parents to understand Autism.
Encourage acceptance at home with siblings and at school with peers.
October 28, 2020
Russell's World is a story about a young boy named Russell who has autism. The book describes the turbulent journey of autism and how it affects the relationship Russell has with their family. The book describes Russell's personality, interests, and the obstacles he faces daily. Once the family gains a better understanding about the intricate details of Russell's mentality, they are able to create a healthy environment that is supportive to Russell and beneficial to everyone in the family. Russell's World is a great book to help children understand the impact that autism has on the family dynamic.
The genre is biographical non-fiction that expresses the real-life story of the Amenta Family. Charles and Marie Amenta are the parents of Russell. They wanted to write a book about the journey they have taken with Russell of coping with the complexities of autism and construct a book that would help children understand the concept of autism. The book is developmentally appropriate because it describes Russell's story in age appropriate way that does not overwhelm children with too much information, but breaks it down little parts of the story so children can understand easily.
The quality of the book is apparent because adults can use the book to ask children to compare their world (thinking) to Russell's world (thinking). This will motivate children to think about the similarities and differences between Russell and themselves, which will enhance their thought process about autism. The illustrations correlate well with the text because it shows actual pictures of Russell and his family, primarily his brothers. Most of the pictures are surrounded by drawings that symbolize Russell's interests such as carrying straws, and staring at a timer. The book has cultural considerations that pertain to the community of families who live with children who have autism. The authors are apart of the group represented in this story. They wanted to encourage children to embrace other children that are different because differences are what makes people extraordinary.
The genre is biographical non-fiction that expresses the real-life story of the Amenta Family. Charles and Marie Amenta are the parents of Russell. They wanted to write a book about the journey they have taken with Russell of coping with the complexities of autism and construct a book that would help children understand the concept of autism. The book is developmentally appropriate because it describes Russell's story in age appropriate way that does not overwhelm children with too much information, but breaks it down little parts of the story so children can understand easily.
The quality of the book is apparent because adults can use the book to ask children to compare their world (thinking) to Russell's world (thinking). This will motivate children to think about the similarities and differences between Russell and themselves, which will enhance their thought process about autism. The illustrations correlate well with the text because it shows actual pictures of Russell and his family, primarily his brothers. Most of the pictures are surrounded by drawings that symbolize Russell's interests such as carrying straws, and staring at a timer. The book has cultural considerations that pertain to the community of families who live with children who have autism. The authors are apart of the group represented in this story. They wanted to encourage children to embrace other children that are different because differences are what makes people extraordinary.
February 8, 2020
Russell is a boy with autism and the picture book tells the story of his world through the eyes of his family. The illustrations are a combination of photos and drawings that show what life is like for Russell and his family. The author, Charles A Amenta, and his wife Marie are the parents of three boys. There is a nice reference and section at the end - "Note to Parents" which includes how to find services and treatment, how you can help your child and family living with autism: practice person-first interaction, explain differences, make time for all your children, and be wary of dangerous fads. Years have passed since the children were little. The brothers are all adults and the end tells about their lives now. This is a great book to showcase the reality of life of a family with an autistic child. I really love the combination of photos and illustration as well as the incredibly helpful advice from a doctor and father of an autistic child.
September 28, 2024
This is a story about a boy with autism, as told by his family in a scrapbook style. I didn't care for this book very much despite the time and care put into creating it, simply because it makes some real strong generalizations. As someone with autism, I feel I can safely say I don't experience autism in the same way as their son (in some ways, yes. In others no) which is why this kind of language bothers me.
What was worse though, as this book takes a lot of time to explain how someone with autism is 'different' from those around them. This feels 'othering' to me, which can be dangerous as it teaches kids to look at those who are different as having something 'wrong' with them.
It's a shame, really, because I really wanted to like this book.
What was worse though, as this book takes a lot of time to explain how someone with autism is 'different' from those around them. This feels 'othering' to me, which can be dangerous as it teaches kids to look at those who are different as having something 'wrong' with them.
It's a shame, really, because I really wanted to like this book.
August 29, 2019
This book about Russell ,who has autism, is helpful to introduce autism to young children who have no clue about it. The boy in the story, Russell, does not speak, and he often communicates by screaming. For this reason, young children need to be introduced to how children with autism do things differently than children without autism, like Russell's brothers, Benjamin and Gregory. The book also introduces how the family loved and helped each other unconditionally.
February 5, 2019
In a scrapbook style, Russell's father explains what life is like with his son Russell, who has Autism.
July 25, 2021
Informative but may be hard to hold children's attention because it's not clearly written in the form of a story.
December 13, 2021
I enjoyed the well rounded and complete image of Russell that is presented. He is a whole person instead of just a collection of checked off symptoms like some books portray autism.
February 27, 2017
This was a good book based on personal experiences. This is a biography, even if it is not of a famous figure. The author of the book was the father of the main character. The story is interesting because it does a comparison and explains the differences a child with autism may possess. The audience will be curious of why Russell does or does not like something or why he is the way he is. The language is appropriate for the age group because when a big word is used, synonyms are placed in parenthesis. The plot of the story was to walk through the daily life of Russell and to show how the people around him can accept his differences and love him. The illustrations are very accurate because real photography is used. I really liked that on top of using the real photos, drawings were made on the page to correspond to the written text. The only three characters shown were Russell and his 2 brothers. The only criticism I have is that there were many generalizing statements. For example, " All children with autism have difficult making friends."
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March 25, 2014Since We're Friends, An Autism Picture Book, Celeste Shally, 2012.
Russell's World shares the story of a real family that includes a boy with Autism. It describes the stories and challenges that are part of living with a person with the disorder. Since We're Friends tells the story of two friends, one with autism, and how they spend their summer vacation together. The events give examples of how common symptoms of autism can manifest themselves, such as intolerance of loud environments, or inability to deal with changes to routine or schedules. Like it's nonfiction counterpart, the book stresses that although their are differences between kids with and without autism, there are also a lot of similarities.
is written in a descriptive format. While not truly chronological, it does describe various part's of Russell's day and routines. A webbing activity could be designed for students involving the common symptoms of autism, as well as what are some appropriate ways to interact with kids with autism. Each book would offer a variety of facts, with many of them intersecting and overlapping.
(2011, August 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint2.com.leo.lib....#
Russell's World shares the story of a real family that includes a boy with Autism. It describes the stories and challenges that are part of living with a person with the disorder. Since We're Friends tells the story of two friends, one with autism, and how they spend their summer vacation together. The events give examples of how common symptoms of autism can manifest themselves, such as intolerance of loud environments, or inability to deal with changes to routine or schedules. Like it's nonfiction counterpart, the book stresses that although their are differences between kids with and without autism, there are also a lot of similarities.
is written in a descriptive format. While not truly chronological, it does describe various part's of Russell's day and routines. A webbing activity could be designed for students involving the common symptoms of autism, as well as what are some appropriate ways to interact with kids with autism. Each book would offer a variety of facts, with many of them intersecting and overlapping.
(2011, August 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint2.com.leo.lib....#
November 25, 2015
What did you think of the book? As a mother of child with Autism-I wish everyone could read this book. My daughter is very similar to the little boy the book is named after. I love this book. Very informative. I people would ask why she does what she does rather than stare and make their own assumptions.
What resonated with you? I love how the book tells about Russell's life and things that he experiences on a daily basis. His love for his family as well as why he behaves the way he does.
Where were you most drawn into the story? I love how at the end of the book it mentions that even though things can be tough -Russell is still a happy boy
Where was your transaction with the text the most powerful?Just learning about the things he faces everyday
What will you carry with you from the reading experience? The personal connection b/w Russell and my own daughter
Would you recommend the book to others and why? Yes-it is very informative about autism
How might you use the book in your classroom? You could use it to introduce students to different learning styles-maybe there is someone in the classroom with autism-it could help understand them better
What resonated with you? I love how the book tells about Russell's life and things that he experiences on a daily basis. His love for his family as well as why he behaves the way he does.
Where were you most drawn into the story? I love how at the end of the book it mentions that even though things can be tough -Russell is still a happy boy
Where was your transaction with the text the most powerful?Just learning about the things he faces everyday
What will you carry with you from the reading experience? The personal connection b/w Russell and my own daughter
Would you recommend the book to others and why? Yes-it is very informative about autism
How might you use the book in your classroom? You could use it to introduce students to different learning styles-maybe there is someone in the classroom with autism-it could help understand them better
May 25, 2015
This book, about an actual boy named Russell who has autism, is a book that is needed for children today. With the incidence of autism and autistic children in our schools on the rise, it is clear that children need resources that can help them understand what autism is. Russell, the boy in this story has a fairly severe case of autism -- he doesn't speak, and he often communicates with screaming and laughing. I think that this book could be helpful to students, and there is a great section at the back for parents and teachers. Because kids are around high-functioning "Asperger's" kids more often than out and out autistic kids, I think it might be good to locate a book on Asperger's. One really good recommendation from this book is to ask students about the various situations Russell is in and the different reactions and feelings he experiences; then compare these things to their own lives. This book has a lot of good messages! :)
October 29, 2015
Russell’s World: A story for Kids about Autism by Charles A. Amenta III and Monika Pollack tells the story of a young boy named Russell who has autism. Russell communicates by screaming and laughing in the book to show young readers not to make assumptions about other’s or ridicule them before knowing their disabilities. There are few children’s literature books that address the issues that so many young children face today. Many people are hesitant to publish books that discuss disability because they believe that they challenge societies ideas of the normalized body. This book encourages young readers to view the world through the eyes of a disabled child, which is something that is often not discussed. I definitely recommend this book to read in classrooms. I think it brings about a lot of awareness to an issue that often isn’t addressed.
April 16, 2012
Russell, a young boy with Autism, sees the world differently than his two brothers. In this text, written by Russell's physician father, both Russell's individual preferences and the overall experience of being autistic are described. With more and more children being identified as Autistic, it's nice to see a variety of texts, especially this family friend one, available for elementary students.
The illustrations are a combination of drawings and black and white photos. I didn't personally care for them but they did complement the story well. The book also includes a note to parents, how to find services and treatments, and how you can help. Recommended for school and public libraries.
The illustrations are a combination of drawings and black and white photos. I didn't personally care for them but they did complement the story well. The book also includes a note to parents, how to find services and treatments, and how you can help. Recommended for school and public libraries.
October 31, 2013
Russell’s World: A Story for Kids About Autism is a nonfiction book about Russell, a nine-year-old boy who has autism. The book is written by Russell’s father and incorporates real photos of Russell and his two younger brothers, Benjamin and Gregory. The book is written as a way to introduce the characteristics and traits of children living with autism by showing how Russell does things differently than his two brothers. While the book explains differences, it also shows how family and friends of children with autism can help. Because kids will most likely encounter students with some degree of autism at school or in their life, this book would be a good one to help explain some of the traits of autistic kids.
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February 16, 2014Maybe because it's how we do things in band and orchestra, but I feel the most effective way to open a discussion on a new book is the same as introducing a piece of music. I like the circle idea that Fountas and Pinnell suggest.
For "Russell's World", the opening moves I would engage are foreshadow the problem of the story, invite personal connections, and raise questions in the readers' minds.
I included this book in my text set because of the recent change in the diagnosis of autism from what we used to call Asberger's syndrome, to the most severe form of autism; the creation of an autism spectrum. Students should know the differences and that autistic children are not all that different from them.
Copyright 2011. Russell's World; a Story for Kids About Autism.
For "Russell's World", the opening moves I would engage are foreshadow the problem of the story, invite personal connections, and raise questions in the readers' minds.
I included this book in my text set because of the recent change in the diagnosis of autism from what we used to call Asberger's syndrome, to the most severe form of autism; the creation of an autism spectrum. Students should know the differences and that autistic children are not all that different from them.
Copyright 2011. Russell's World; a Story for Kids About Autism.
June 12, 2015
Russell’s World – A Story for kids about Autism by Charles A. Amenta III, illustrated by Monika Pollak – This book is a pretty good for an introduction to other children about autism. Very honest and special. I’m grateful that these books are available. The more children read, the more empathy and understanding they have for others- not just those with autism.
April 18, 2011
This is a good intro-to-autism book for kids, who may or may not have experienced a sibling or friend with autism. I was hoping for more information on Asperger's, but my kids have asked to read this a few times now.
October 9, 2014
A good book for kids to learn about autism. The pictures were fun. I liked the family relationship included. I also enjoyed that it was about a boy who is grown up now, giving a more formed perspective from the family.
April 11, 2015
A comparison of brothers with and without Autism. Russell's Autism is a more severe case but shows how we all have differences within even a family but still love and appreciate each other.
December 30, 2016
Terrific children's introduction to autism, delightfully illustrated.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews