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Spaghetti Is Not a Finger Food:
This deliciously entertaining and humorous chapter book gets top marks for presenting a delightfully quirky day in the life of an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Being eight, Connor knew a lot. He knew that Mrs. Winters did not like to be interrupted, but he was sure she would appreciate his fact-finding methods―and who wouldn' t want to know more about geckos? He knew he needed the new library book, "More All About Dogs," more than Jane needed to keep sitting on that stool―and he only nudged her off so he could reach it. On a day when everything seemed to go wrong, Connor turned out to be the only one who could save the school from a dog-caused Code Yellow! Told from the point of view of a child with Asperger Syndrome, author Jodi Carmichael highlights some of the challenges―and triumphs―of experiencing a day at school from a different perspective. Heartwarming, funny, and charmingly illustrated, Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food is the winner of four The Mom' s Choice Gold Award; The Moonbeam Best First Book Award; The Professionals Network Recognition of Merit; and The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Digital Award.
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 5, 2014
As a mom of children on the spectrum I truly appreciated this book. It is funny to view a "typical day in the life of..." from the outside. Sometimes living through it you forget to look it objectively. I often wonder, particularly in my son's case, just how he perceives the world. My son is very much like Connor - very light hearted, happy go lucky but struggles to navigate through the world of rules. He also focus' on his favorite things and cannot understand why everyone else is not as excited about his passions as he is. I found this book cute and well written. This is an excellent book and I loved it.
March 19, 2013
Review of Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons by Jodi Carmichael
5 stars
This chapter book for middle grade readers taught me a lot about what it is like to be a young child with Asperger’s Syndrome. Connor is a very smart little boy, he might even rate at genius level, and he possesses a wealth of information (especially about dogs and geckos). What he doesn’t have are acquired social skills, and he tends to see the world through a tunnel of perspective: he wants so much to impart all his knowledge about animals and so forth, but he doesn’t understand that not everyone wants to learn what he knows, nor that sometimes (for example, the classroom, the school hall, the principal’s domain, and the school library) there are rules, and we all must follow them. That is a really difficult lesson for Connor to learn, because he has to process all this sensory input through his syndrome, and then learn to act “properly.” He is really good-hearted, but that doesn’t always translate to good behavior, though he tries.
I hope that this book will find a wide readership, and be shared by parents, grands, and caregivers (and teachers!) with their charges. It’s also appropriate for middle grade readers to peruse for themselves, and lavishly illustrated.
5 stars
This chapter book for middle grade readers taught me a lot about what it is like to be a young child with Asperger’s Syndrome. Connor is a very smart little boy, he might even rate at genius level, and he possesses a wealth of information (especially about dogs and geckos). What he doesn’t have are acquired social skills, and he tends to see the world through a tunnel of perspective: he wants so much to impart all his knowledge about animals and so forth, but he doesn’t understand that not everyone wants to learn what he knows, nor that sometimes (for example, the classroom, the school hall, the principal’s domain, and the school library) there are rules, and we all must follow them. That is a really difficult lesson for Connor to learn, because he has to process all this sensory input through his syndrome, and then learn to act “properly.” He is really good-hearted, but that doesn’t always translate to good behavior, though he tries.
I hope that this book will find a wide readership, and be shared by parents, grands, and caregivers (and teachers!) with their charges. It’s also appropriate for middle grade readers to peruse for themselves, and lavishly illustrated.
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April 17, 2021Adult Reader Reaction: In a word: superb! By letting Connor tell the story, readers can walk in his shoes and see the world as he does. The author captures a young boy's voice perfectly. Every child knows what interrupting is - and how hard it is to be patient. All of us know what its like to want something NOW and then just grab for it. The story has a happy ending, as it should.
Pros: Humor, vivid descriptions, and first-person narrative create a delightful, poignant story of a young boy's day at school.
To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.
Pros: Humor, vivid descriptions, and first-person narrative create a delightful, poignant story of a young boy's day at school.
To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.
March 20, 2015
Connor is a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome having a rough day. The antics, told from Connor's point-of-view, are amusing, but almost understandable! Ultimately, Connor is a hero and finds a way to shine, even if it is just for that moment!
This is a useful classroom tool for teaching diversity, empathy, and acceptance. I absolutely love Connor's character. I think this book is an important addition to classroom and school libraries (and many home collections too) because every child needs to see "themselves" in books and for our children with Asperger's Syndrome, this is that book!
This is a useful classroom tool for teaching diversity, empathy, and acceptance. I absolutely love Connor's character. I think this book is an important addition to classroom and school libraries (and many home collections too) because every child needs to see "themselves" in books and for our children with Asperger's Syndrome, this is that book!
August 2, 2015
a fun and enlightening look at a day in the life of a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome.
Connor's day at school starts off quite nicely, but very quickly turns into very Discouraging Day.
In a dramatic turn of events, Connor saves the day and shows the entire school how great he really is!
A great story to show the struggles that children with autism have to overcome in their everyday life, as well as showing their strengths
** thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this copy!
Connor's day at school starts off quite nicely, but very quickly turns into very Discouraging Day.
In a dramatic turn of events, Connor saves the day and shows the entire school how great he really is!
A great story to show the struggles that children with autism have to overcome in their everyday life, as well as showing their strengths
** thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for this copy!
April 18, 2015
Awesome book. It is about this child that has Asperger's Syndrome and going through his school day. It certainly brought the struggle of that disease to light in my eyes. Even though the lessons are the same as every child would go through in a school day, it brought a different view from someone not quite as "normal". He is no less as special as everyone else in the class, he just has different strengths and weaknesses.
December 23, 2021
This was cute. My favorite part was when my daughter saw it on the table and read the title out loud while she was literally squeezing a bowl full of noodles in her hands. 😂
January 14, 2023
This is a really cute and fun representation of Asperger’s syndrome in young kids. I can see some harm in Connor only connecting with people once he “saves the school” and the depiction of his interactions with others, but I also think that for the target audience, this book provides the readers with a much better understanding of how a young child with Asperger’s may see the world. Reading all of Connor’s learning curves and seeing it from his mind was an interesting perspective and I appreciated it. I thought this book was super cute and I loved it.
April 27, 2014
This was such a cute read! I don’t regularly read children’s novels but Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food was a total exception. It was funny, sweet and would have definitely interested me way back when I was a kid. Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is about a little boy named Connor. Connor loves dogs, math and has Asperger’s syndrome. Apart from all of that Connor is just trying to get through the day and get viewed as cool by his peers. We get to see the average school day for Connor which consists of dealing with a rule-loving gym teacher, a gecko named T-Rex hiding in a radiator and learning how to deal with social norms. At the end of the day, Connor learns that he should like himself just the way he is.
I know a bit about Asperger’s syndrome but now much. The only reason I know even a little about it is because for school I did read the novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon so I did have a brief idea of what Connor’s way of thought would be. There’s a lot of misconception about Asperger’s and how some people view it as a disease when really it’s just an alternative way of thinking. Jodi Carmichael does a really good job of portraying Connor and making his adventures laugh out loud funny (at times) and realistic.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is a very well-written story considering that it is for children. I still enjoyed it and I’m fifteen. Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is lighthearted and fun, some of the things that Connor says just made me smirk like “True Story!” at the end of certain sentences in the middle of very tense situations. It just made the story all the more humorous. There are also illustrations by Sarah Ackerley that I liked (oh I’ve missed picture books!) that gave certain parts of the book imagery and added to the story.
I would recommend Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food to people who want to educate their kid about Asperger’s in a very fun way, readers who are interested in a cute read and to anybody interested in a very well-written children’s chapter book. I loved it.
I know a bit about Asperger’s syndrome but now much. The only reason I know even a little about it is because for school I did read the novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon so I did have a brief idea of what Connor’s way of thought would be. There’s a lot of misconception about Asperger’s and how some people view it as a disease when really it’s just an alternative way of thinking. Jodi Carmichael does a really good job of portraying Connor and making his adventures laugh out loud funny (at times) and realistic.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is a very well-written story considering that it is for children. I still enjoyed it and I’m fifteen. Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is lighthearted and fun, some of the things that Connor says just made me smirk like “True Story!” at the end of certain sentences in the middle of very tense situations. It just made the story all the more humorous. There are also illustrations by Sarah Ackerley that I liked (oh I’ve missed picture books!) that gave certain parts of the book imagery and added to the story.
I would recommend Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food to people who want to educate their kid about Asperger’s in a very fun way, readers who are interested in a cute read and to anybody interested in a very well-written children’s chapter book. I loved it.
June 18, 2013
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food, written by Jodi Carmichael and illustrated by Sarah Ackerley is a chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Young Connor takes readers with him as he works his way through an average school day. We get to see his thought processes as he tries his hardest to be as cool as everyone else. Like any time people try to be what they think is cool rather than themselves, misunderstandings and disaster soon follows. However, at the end of the day Connor comes to the realization that he is exactly as 'cool' as he is meant to be.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is divided into chapters, each one focused on a specific part of Connor's day. The story is fun, and easy to follow. Connor's unique trains of thought are easy to follow, and soon we are able to better understand just how his brain is making connections. Readers of all ages will find it funny, but it is also a great resource for children, parents, and teachers in better understanding how those with Asperger's Syndrome see the world. It is good for helping everyone better approach those that see the world a little differently, regardless of why, and remind us of the importance of good listening and patience.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is a fun and important book to read. It would be a wonderful classroom resource, part of an organizational library, or addition to personal collection. Even if you have never met anyone with Aspergers, you must have had an encountered someone with a different way of seeing the world and communicating. There is wonderful insight and information here that can help us all understand each other while allowing everyone to be themselves rather than forcing conformity.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is divided into chapters, each one focused on a specific part of Connor's day. The story is fun, and easy to follow. Connor's unique trains of thought are easy to follow, and soon we are able to better understand just how his brain is making connections. Readers of all ages will find it funny, but it is also a great resource for children, parents, and teachers in better understanding how those with Asperger's Syndrome see the world. It is good for helping everyone better approach those that see the world a little differently, regardless of why, and remind us of the importance of good listening and patience.
Spaghetti is Not a Finger Food is a fun and important book to read. It would be a wonderful classroom resource, part of an organizational library, or addition to personal collection. Even if you have never met anyone with Aspergers, you must have had an encountered someone with a different way of seeing the world and communicating. There is wonderful insight and information here that can help us all understand each other while allowing everyone to be themselves rather than forcing conformity.
March 23, 2013
This was a clever and funny story that clearly detail's Connor's train of thought, seeming quite logical to him but baffling and frustrating to others that he comes in contact with. Written with a clear understanding of both Connor and his teachers and classmates, it brings the reader to an understanding of that "quirky" kid, and perhaps will open the door for more acceptance.
This is a chapter book, with each set being confined to a specific part of the day, and is easy to follow along. Each new thought train from Connor is easy to follow with his voice, and it becomes more logical as you start to understand just how his brain is making connections. Kids will find it funny, simply because Connor is funny, and parents can also use this book for read together time without finding their focus wandering with a story that is too simple. There are good clues and information here, not just for dealing with a child with Aspergers, but with everyone - where patience and good listening are important and allowing the room to "be themselves" is often more effective than making everyone fit into a box.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review in the Children Read week for I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This is a chapter book, with each set being confined to a specific part of the day, and is easy to follow along. Each new thought train from Connor is easy to follow with his voice, and it becomes more logical as you start to understand just how his brain is making connections. Kids will find it funny, simply because Connor is funny, and parents can also use this book for read together time without finding their focus wandering with a story that is too simple. There are good clues and information here, not just for dealing with a child with Aspergers, but with everyone - where patience and good listening are important and allowing the room to "be themselves" is often more effective than making everyone fit into a box.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review in the Children Read week for I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 15, 2013
Powerful book that really shares some of the items happening in the mind of a child with Asperger's.
Reviewed on Tuesday Tales: http://www.theangelforever.com/2013/0...
Reviewed on Tuesday Tales: http://www.theangelforever.com/2013/0...
May 26, 2015
This one, again felt a little like it was meant for the grown ups in the life of a child with aspergers, or at least the other children around that child. It was a delightful read, though, the pictures were adorable, Connor was adorable. I loved his counsellor.
October 4, 2019
This is a cute chapter book about the life of a boy with Asperger's. Simple illustrations accompany some of the text. Readers will enjoy the humor and the insight into the main character's perspective.
May 16, 2022
This is a fun, lighthearted take on Asperger’s Syndrome. While there is a cautionary element that shows the downsides, there is hope by the end of the book that the child can have friends. More importantly, the idea of being cool comes from within.
January 14, 2013
Great at helping parents/teachers/friends understand what kids with Asperger's are going through and how they're seeing the world.
February 22, 2013
Short chapters, colorful and lively illustrations, FUNNY. Provides a good point of view on Asperger's syndrome with ways to cope that can benefit all.
August 22, 2020
I am a speech language pathologist and I love reading this book with my students. This is some of the feedback I have heard from them: Connor is extremely childish and is always doing funny things that get him in trouble somehow. This book is good for people who are having trouble with social skills or just need a good laugh. For instance, it shows examples of unexpected behavior and points it out to the reader so they can recognize when people are doing unexpected behavior including themselves.
If child needs help with social skills this is the right book. It is a great way to encourage conversations about social interactions in a fun way.
We, my students and I can't wait for the sequel!! Thank you, Jodi Carmichael for such a wonderful book.
If child needs help with social skills this is the right book. It is a great way to encourage conversations about social interactions in a fun way.
We, my students and I can't wait for the sequel!! Thank you, Jodi Carmichael for such a wonderful book.
December 2, 2017
In Spaghetti Is Not a Finger Food, readers experience a school day through the eyes of Connor, a boy with Asperger Syndrome. I appreciated his perspective, loved his big heart, and admired his bravery. Jodi Carmichael has written a touching and insightful book about and for readers like Connor, and for readers who might want to know Connors better.
March 14, 2023
I'm an adult reader of this book:
As someone on the spectrum I felt very seen with this book. I had a special interest in dogs at 8 years old too. I remember at this age thinking the exact things that the narrator thought. But now that I'm an adult with experience I understand why other people think and do the things they do, objectively speaking of course.
As someone on the spectrum I felt very seen with this book. I had a special interest in dogs at 8 years old too. I remember at this age thinking the exact things that the narrator thought. But now that I'm an adult with experience I understand why other people think and do the things they do, objectively speaking of course.
August 19, 2020
this enjoyable book teaches many varied aspects of children who are labeled different. A boy makes a trouble in school because he doesn't understand the rules of civility. He is able to win over his school with his understanding of dogs. Many more lessons are taught.
February 12, 2021
Would be a great book for older elementary children to read to learn about what it’s like for those with Asperger’s. It would also be a good resource for teachers to learn more about how they could help those children, instead of making the situations worse.
July 21, 2022
Powerful and awesome book to read that shares about life of young boy with asperger's syndrome and ways to cope it which benefit for all. The book was funny, humor, colorful and lively. Such a good illustrates to create awareness about this syndrome.
March 19, 2017
A manners book written on a kid level. Very well done! But I probably wouldn't read all 150-some pages.
September 3, 2020
This book touched my heart
October 11, 2020
This is honestly one of my favourite books in a bit to old to be reading it now but I just picked a random good book and WOW this is just the best for all ages as well!
December 16, 2020
Cute!!!!
November 9, 2021
Charming,funny, and adorable. Aspergers parents and teachers enjoy.
February 24, 2022
A nice book and a nice attempt to write about autism from the first person perspective but I couldn't say accurate it is. And had a nice ending to wrap it all up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
Very good short story for kids to educate and bring awareness about people who are neurodivergent. And to help ND people feel a little more accepted by the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews