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Henry
Henry, Like Always
A beginning chapter book series based on the award-winning picture book A Friend for Henry.
Henry likes Classroom Ten. He likes how it is always the same. But this week, Henry's class will have a parade, and a parade means having Share Time on the wrong day. A parade means playing instruments that are too loud. A parade means this week is not like always.
Join Henry as he navigates the ups and downs of marker missiles, stomach volcanoes, and days that feel a little too orange.
Henry likes Classroom Ten. He likes how it is always the same. But this week, Henry's class will have a parade, and a parade means having Share Time on the wrong day. A parade means playing instruments that are too loud. A parade means this week is not like always.
Join Henry as he navigates the ups and downs of marker missiles, stomach volcanoes, and days that feel a little too orange.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
16 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Bailey
16 books32 followersJenn Bailey is an author, editor, documentarian, blue-ribbon pie baker, and eager traveler. She received her MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born and raised in Rhode Island, she now calls Kansas City home where she lives with her husband, three sons, and numerous cats and dogs. Jenn was inspired to write Henry's story after watching her own sons, one who is on the autism spectrum, navigate finding a friend - a process which took patience, time, and courage. But finding the right one was always, always worth it.
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March 6, 2023Neurodivergent content: autistic MC
Note of caution: Henry has a pass that he uses for a quiet break, but it's in a closet. This could uninentionally reinforce seclusion rooms. In the text, it's his choice, and he's not restrained or locked in, but it might lead people unfamiliar with those tactics to miss seing the harm.
Note of caution: Henry has a pass that he uses for a quiet break, but it's in a closet. This could uninentionally reinforce seclusion rooms. In the text, it's his choice, and he's not restrained or locked in, but it might lead people unfamiliar with those tactics to miss seing the harm.
May 16, 2024
3.75 stars, a Schneider Family Book Picture Book winner for stories representing those with disabilities. Many readers will not even realize Henry has a disability in this early chapter book story about a week in the life of Henry and his classmates.
October 17, 2023
Henry’s week is all thrown off when the schedule is changed for a parade on Friday.
Although not stated, you know Henry is autistic and it is interesting to see how he handles the change and how his teacher and peers react. I appreciated how Henry had to sit in the “thinking” chair when he did not do what he was supposed to.
Overall, a good little book about the week in the life of a sweet autistic boy.
Although not stated, you know Henry is autistic and it is interesting to see how he handles the change and how his teacher and peers react. I appreciated how Henry had to sit in the “thinking” chair when he did not do what he was supposed to.
Overall, a good little book about the week in the life of a sweet autistic boy.
September 28, 2023
Cute chapter book about Henry, a boy on the spectrum, who is trying to deal with a scheduling change in his school life.
June 28, 2024
Henry, Like Always was written by Jenn Bailey and illustrated by Mika Song in 2023. It earned the 2024 Schneider Family Book Award, and it was through the award’s winner list that I found this title.
Henry, Like Always is about a boy named Henry who struggles one day when the big calendar in the classroom, and the week’s schedule changes for a parade on Friday.
I really liked the way this book depicts neurodivergence through subtle indicators. It establishes that what Henry likes about the calendar, and more importantly, the schedule, is that it is always the same. We also learn about Henry’s other ways of creating routines, like wearing orange every Tuesday (art day). Given his desire for routine and consistency, we see Henry’s resistance to the calendar changing. In art class, he expresses wanting to have share time on Friday (when it normally occurs) and even misses it on Thursday (when it was moved to) by going to the nurse. However, it’s not just an excuse. The change in the schedule does cause a physiological response – nausea. We also see Henry in music class and how he negatively responds to certain sounds. These are all things that a neurodivergent person may identify with.
At the start of parade day, Henry’s first thought is that there will be too much noise. The teacher recognizes Henry’s struggle and allows him to spend time in the Quiet Closet. This also demonstrates a coping strategy for neurodivergent readers and helps neurotypical readers understand their peers’ experiences and how to support them. Another strategy we see is Henry trading his too-loud tambourine with another student for the parade-leader hat, which covers his ears. This allows him to participate in the parade without experiencing too much noise. Ultimately, Henry is able to find a solution that works for him and finds a way to participate and enjoy the day “like always.”
Overall, this book does a great job of demonstrating neurodivergence for both neurodivergent and neurotypical readers. I think this book would make a great addition to classroom libraries.
Henry, Like Always is about a boy named Henry who struggles one day when the big calendar in the classroom, and the week’s schedule changes for a parade on Friday.
I really liked the way this book depicts neurodivergence through subtle indicators. It establishes that what Henry likes about the calendar, and more importantly, the schedule, is that it is always the same. We also learn about Henry’s other ways of creating routines, like wearing orange every Tuesday (art day). Given his desire for routine and consistency, we see Henry’s resistance to the calendar changing. In art class, he expresses wanting to have share time on Friday (when it normally occurs) and even misses it on Thursday (when it was moved to) by going to the nurse. However, it’s not just an excuse. The change in the schedule does cause a physiological response – nausea. We also see Henry in music class and how he negatively responds to certain sounds. These are all things that a neurodivergent person may identify with.
At the start of parade day, Henry’s first thought is that there will be too much noise. The teacher recognizes Henry’s struggle and allows him to spend time in the Quiet Closet. This also demonstrates a coping strategy for neurodivergent readers and helps neurotypical readers understand their peers’ experiences and how to support them. Another strategy we see is Henry trading his too-loud tambourine with another student for the parade-leader hat, which covers his ears. This allows him to participate in the parade without experiencing too much noise. Ultimately, Henry is able to find a solution that works for him and finds a way to participate and enjoy the day “like always.”
Overall, this book does a great job of demonstrating neurodivergence for both neurodivergent and neurotypical readers. I think this book would make a great addition to classroom libraries.
February 1, 2024
What a clear, Henry-centered depiction of children who need extra order, quiet and sameness. Sly touches of humor and all the action taking place in class help us know Henry and his classmates and feel empathy for them all. Perfect illustrations by Mika Song.
January 3, 2024
Henry is struggling with a change to his normal routine at school. Pretty sure he is on the spectrum.
February 8, 2024
No wonder this title garnered awards. Outstanding!
February 12, 2024
My 5yo: "I didn't think I was going to like this book, but it was actually really good."
May 12, 2024
YMA 2024 Schneider Family Book Award winner for young children
YMA 2024 Geisel award honor
YMA 2024 Geisel award honor
January 23, 2024
2024 Schneider Family Award for Young Readers!
January 22, 2024
Very cute story that makes it easy to understand some differences. If only the sharing was always that easy!
March 18, 2024
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A follow-up early chapter book to the picture book, A Friend for Henry. One day at school, Henry's teacher tells the class that they will have a parade on Friday. But that means changing their weekly schedule. Henry soon becomes frustrated by the changing rules, the loudness of the parade preparations, and not following the expected routine.
I liked this book more than the picture book, I think because it was most fleshed out and we could see more of Henry as a character. You get more about what's he's feeling and his thoughts on the situation. The book is sent up well and the ending was absolutely perfect. I love that Henry was able to work out a solution that satisfied everyone.
However, the middle of the book was pretty disappointing. It was really disheartening to see how Henry's concerns aren't addressed by the people around him. While he has resources like a Quiet Card, the teachers don't take his concerns seriously. One teacher tells him, "We can talk later, Henry," when he raises concerns, then we never see them address the issue. Seems like there were some really easy ways to help ease the transition. I liked that Henry advocated for himself, but the message kind of came across as even if you say something people won't really listen to you.
This one focuses heavily on rigidity around rules and routines. As with the picture book, it isn't stated in the text that Henry is autistic, though it is stated in the blurb. I think this approach is more successful here than in the picture book, because it had a clearer focus. It isn't necessarily autism-specific and can be helpful for anyone who has difficulty changing routines and understanding the nuances around rules.
Overall, it was a good read. Lovely artwork that paired well with the text. Loved to see Henry voicing his concerns and problem solving. Hoping to see more neurodivergent characters in children's books, especially chapter books like this.
A follow-up early chapter book to the picture book, A Friend for Henry. One day at school, Henry's teacher tells the class that they will have a parade on Friday. But that means changing their weekly schedule. Henry soon becomes frustrated by the changing rules, the loudness of the parade preparations, and not following the expected routine.
I liked this book more than the picture book, I think because it was most fleshed out and we could see more of Henry as a character. You get more about what's he's feeling and his thoughts on the situation. The book is sent up well and the ending was absolutely perfect. I love that Henry was able to work out a solution that satisfied everyone.
However, the middle of the book was pretty disappointing. It was really disheartening to see how Henry's concerns aren't addressed by the people around him. While he has resources like a Quiet Card, the teachers don't take his concerns seriously. One teacher tells him, "We can talk later, Henry," when he raises concerns, then we never see them address the issue. Seems like there were some really easy ways to help ease the transition. I liked that Henry advocated for himself, but the message kind of came across as even if you say something people won't really listen to you.
This one focuses heavily on rigidity around rules and routines. As with the picture book, it isn't stated in the text that Henry is autistic, though it is stated in the blurb. I think this approach is more successful here than in the picture book, because it had a clearer focus. It isn't necessarily autism-specific and can be helpful for anyone who has difficulty changing routines and understanding the nuances around rules.
Overall, it was a good read. Lovely artwork that paired well with the text. Loved to see Henry voicing his concerns and problem solving. Hoping to see more neurodivergent characters in children's books, especially chapter books like this.
October 21, 2022
Hmmm… Very easily read, this tells the story of Henry, a kid on the spectrum, and how he detests his week at school when a class parade gets dropped in on Friday afternoon and the whole calendar gets a whopping one or two shifts as a result. It's fine to see how little he can express his opinion about the idiocy of such an idea, and what it makes him feel deep down inside, but the book doesn't really give him an 'out' to actually start to talk these things over with anyone. He can sit on a specific chair, and can enter a closet when he wants to be shut away from it all, but any progressive engaging with his ideas is absent – and yet conversely we get the daft idea that the class' schooling should be disrupted by his one-man campaign against the slight variation in his life.
So I didn't know what to make of this – should I like Henry because the book portrays his anxiety so well, or should I have a concern for the vast majority of the class (especially when the parade looks a hopeless walk up and down a school corridor to no benefit to anyone, anyway?). Either way this felt an inferior cousin to a better book on similar themes I read this week – Big Truck Playdate (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) convinced me so much more that the concerns of the autistic should be paid attention to and worked around. My sympathy for Henry was almost as absent as his teacher's, suggesting this is a less successful look into the mindset of someone on the spectrum than it hopes.
So I didn't know what to make of this – should I like Henry because the book portrays his anxiety so well, or should I have a concern for the vast majority of the class (especially when the parade looks a hopeless walk up and down a school corridor to no benefit to anyone, anyway?). Either way this felt an inferior cousin to a better book on similar themes I read this week – Big Truck Playdate (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) convinced me so much more that the concerns of the autistic should be paid attention to and worked around. My sympathy for Henry was almost as absent as his teacher's, suggesting this is a less successful look into the mindset of someone on the spectrum than it hopes.
September 26, 2024
I'm glad this book is out there. Henry seems to be on the spectrum somewhere and it's important to have stories to reflect those souls. This is a good story, it simply sort of tanks my mood.
I usually enjoy things that get us out of our routines, less so now that I'm old. I looked forward to different. People who don't like to change anything can sort of drive me crazy, or they did before I got old and grumpy myself. I suppose I don't like that about my self, so this mirror tanks my mood. See, the book is fine, this is only my reaction to a good story. Still, I'm giving it 2 stars.
We see a week of school with Henry. He likes everything being the same and knowing the rules. This Friday, they are having a parade and Henry can't get over it. The neat thing is this teacher has a quiet room for students if they need quiet time to go too. It's like a closet with art supplies in it. There is also a time - out chair for kids if they need to have some space. Brilliant idea. I wish that was around in the 80s or as my nephew calls it, the time of the dinosaurs.
Henry does find a way to be part of the parade. He find a big band hat that will cover his ears and block out the noise. It works for him.
The artwork is simple with three colors, black, white and blue. It's watercolor and Ink. It's like basic drawing that represents Henry. That's pretty cool. This deserves three stars, but maybe I'm moody today and I'm sticking with 2 stars.
I usually enjoy things that get us out of our routines, less so now that I'm old. I looked forward to different. People who don't like to change anything can sort of drive me crazy, or they did before I got old and grumpy myself. I suppose I don't like that about my self, so this mirror tanks my mood. See, the book is fine, this is only my reaction to a good story. Still, I'm giving it 2 stars.
We see a week of school with Henry. He likes everything being the same and knowing the rules. This Friday, they are having a parade and Henry can't get over it. The neat thing is this teacher has a quiet room for students if they need quiet time to go too. It's like a closet with art supplies in it. There is also a time - out chair for kids if they need to have some space. Brilliant idea. I wish that was around in the 80s or as my nephew calls it, the time of the dinosaurs.
Henry does find a way to be part of the parade. He find a big band hat that will cover his ears and block out the noise. It works for him.
The artwork is simple with three colors, black, white and blue. It's watercolor and Ink. It's like basic drawing that represents Henry. That's pretty cool. This deserves three stars, but maybe I'm moody today and I'm sticking with 2 stars.
June 6, 2024
I located the book on the American Library Association site. https://www.ala.org/awards/books-medi... This book won the 2024 Schneider Family Book Award.
This story is about a boy named Henry who is on the autism spectrum. Henry loves the classroom calendar as it shows what happens each day, and it’s always the same. One day, Henry’s teacher, Mrs. Tanaka, tells the class that the class will have a parade on Friday. Henry becomes upset as the parade is not on the usual calendar and will change the Share Time from Friday to Thursday. Henry goes to the big closet for some quiet time to escape the noise. Inside the Share Time bag, Henry finds a marching hat that Samuel brought for this week’s Share Time. Henry tells Samuel that the tambourine is too jangly, and he doesn’t want to play it. Samuel tells Henry that he doesn’t want to wear the hat. Henry and Samuel exchange and share the items that solved their problems. Henry is happy he still has his “share time” on Friday.
“Depending on their experiences, some children feel uncomfortable when presented with an opportunity to interact with someone different from them” (Temple et al., 2023, p. 89). This literature portrays the diversity and experience of a child who is on the autism spectrum in natural ways, which provides realistic images (Temple et al., 2023, p. 89). This story is realistic fiction, as the events are plausible with a child who is on the autism spectrum (Temple et al., 2023, p. 26). This story focuses on a conflict within a character as Henry struggles to accept a change in his daily routine at school (Temple et al. 2019., p. 33). He goes into the closet for quiet time when overwhelmed with the changes. This story gave an insight into people on the autism spectrum and how they think and feel (Temple et al. 2019., p. 38). The author describes Henry’s inner thoughts and feelings with the changes in his life. With these changes, Henry feels butterflies in his stomach. He could not eat or swing (Bailey, 2023, p. 23). Henry describes the instruments as “too buzzy, too thumpy, too jangly, and too much noise” (Bailey, 2023. p. 18 and 31). The author also explains how Henrey preferred the weighted hat while Samuel did not (Baily, 2023, p. 37 and 39. These details allow readers to empathize with how someone on the autism spectrum experiences changes and how different things may be too stimulating for them in their lives.
Teachers could read this book as a read-aloud on World Autism Awareness Day. This book is a great resource for teachers to facilitate a discussion on being kind and empathizing with others, especially those who are different. Children need to be exposed to and be aware of those who may differ from them. Children need to understand that everyone is special in their own ways.
Bailey, Jenn. (2023). Henry, Like Always. Chronicle Books LLC.
Temple et al. (2019). Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. Pearson Education, Inc.
This story is about a boy named Henry who is on the autism spectrum. Henry loves the classroom calendar as it shows what happens each day, and it’s always the same. One day, Henry’s teacher, Mrs. Tanaka, tells the class that the class will have a parade on Friday. Henry becomes upset as the parade is not on the usual calendar and will change the Share Time from Friday to Thursday. Henry goes to the big closet for some quiet time to escape the noise. Inside the Share Time bag, Henry finds a marching hat that Samuel brought for this week’s Share Time. Henry tells Samuel that the tambourine is too jangly, and he doesn’t want to play it. Samuel tells Henry that he doesn’t want to wear the hat. Henry and Samuel exchange and share the items that solved their problems. Henry is happy he still has his “share time” on Friday.
“Depending on their experiences, some children feel uncomfortable when presented with an opportunity to interact with someone different from them” (Temple et al., 2023, p. 89). This literature portrays the diversity and experience of a child who is on the autism spectrum in natural ways, which provides realistic images (Temple et al., 2023, p. 89). This story is realistic fiction, as the events are plausible with a child who is on the autism spectrum (Temple et al., 2023, p. 26). This story focuses on a conflict within a character as Henry struggles to accept a change in his daily routine at school (Temple et al. 2019., p. 33). He goes into the closet for quiet time when overwhelmed with the changes. This story gave an insight into people on the autism spectrum and how they think and feel (Temple et al. 2019., p. 38). The author describes Henry’s inner thoughts and feelings with the changes in his life. With these changes, Henry feels butterflies in his stomach. He could not eat or swing (Bailey, 2023, p. 23). Henry describes the instruments as “too buzzy, too thumpy, too jangly, and too much noise” (Bailey, 2023. p. 18 and 31). The author also explains how Henrey preferred the weighted hat while Samuel did not (Baily, 2023, p. 37 and 39. These details allow readers to empathize with how someone on the autism spectrum experiences changes and how different things may be too stimulating for them in their lives.
Teachers could read this book as a read-aloud on World Autism Awareness Day. This book is a great resource for teachers to facilitate a discussion on being kind and empathizing with others, especially those who are different. Children need to be exposed to and be aware of those who may differ from them. Children need to understand that everyone is special in their own ways.
Bailey, Jenn. (2023). Henry, Like Always. Chronicle Books LLC.
Temple et al. (2019). Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. Pearson Education, Inc.
March 20, 2023
Book one in the new beginning chapter book series based on the popular picture book, A FRIEND FOR HENRY features Henry, a boy on the autism spectrum. Henry likes when things are the same. He likes routine and structure and doesn’t like when things are different, especially during his school day.
On Monday, Mrs. Tanaka announces that there would be a parade on Friday. Henry doesn’t understand how that will work because Friday’s schedule is already full. Of course, Mrs. Tanaka and Henry’s classmates don’t think it is a big deal to just move one of the Friday activities to Thursday, but Henry does.
As Henry and his classmates move through the week preparing for the big parade, Henry becomes less and less excited. He doesn’t like the posters they need to make or the instruments they need to play (they are too loud) and eventually escapes to the Quiet Time Closet. What he finds there may just bring him the relief he needs to survive the parade.
For kids that need to see themselves in stories and for classmates that need to understand their friends, check out this new book with more to come in the future.
On Monday, Mrs. Tanaka announces that there would be a parade on Friday. Henry doesn’t understand how that will work because Friday’s schedule is already full. Of course, Mrs. Tanaka and Henry’s classmates don’t think it is a big deal to just move one of the Friday activities to Thursday, but Henry does.
As Henry and his classmates move through the week preparing for the big parade, Henry becomes less and less excited. He doesn’t like the posters they need to make or the instruments they need to play (they are too loud) and eventually escapes to the Quiet Time Closet. What he finds there may just bring him the relief he needs to survive the parade.
For kids that need to see themselves in stories and for classmates that need to understand their friends, check out this new book with more to come in the future.
March 28, 2023
First sentence: Henry always liked Classroom Ten. His friends were there. Gilly was there. And Mrs. Tanaka was there.
Premise/plot: Henry is starring in a new early chapter book series. He first appeared in A Friend for Henry, a picture book. Henry--who decidedly, definitely does NOT like change--is upset that 'share day' is being moved from Friday to Thursday to make way for a [loud, noisy, bothersome] parade. He does not like it one little bit. Parades ARE not regular. The book chronicles one school week--Monday through Friday.
My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. I love and adore Henry. I absolutely do. Henry and I are like peas in a pod. I found this book to be a delight. I loved the narrative, the story, the characters. Everything was perfect. I want MORE, MORE, MORE.
I have not read the picture book yet, but I will soon.
Quotes:
Tuesday was Art Day, just like always. Henry wore his orange shirt on Art Day.
“Why?” asked Katie.
“Because Art Day is messy,” said Henry. “And I do not like orange.”
Premise/plot: Henry is starring in a new early chapter book series. He first appeared in A Friend for Henry, a picture book. Henry--who decidedly, definitely does NOT like change--is upset that 'share day' is being moved from Friday to Thursday to make way for a [loud, noisy, bothersome] parade. He does not like it one little bit. Parades ARE not regular. The book chronicles one school week--Monday through Friday.
My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. I love and adore Henry. I absolutely do. Henry and I are like peas in a pod. I found this book to be a delight. I loved the narrative, the story, the characters. Everything was perfect. I want MORE, MORE, MORE.
I have not read the picture book yet, but I will soon.
Quotes:
Tuesday was Art Day, just like always. Henry wore his orange shirt on Art Day.
“Why?” asked Katie.
“Because Art Day is messy,” said Henry. “And I do not like orange.”
October 17, 2023
This was a really great book for many different reasons. It is great for those readers who are on the spectrum as it gives them an opportunity to identify with Henry which allows for them to understand they are not alone. It is also a great book for those who are uncomfortable with change, as this is something that can be hard for everyone. Personally, I am one of those people who has never been a big fan of change, this is something I have struggled with forever in all aspects of my life. For those not on the spectrum, this book offered a glimpse into the thought process of those on the spectrum as well as how something out of routine can become so disruptive for these students. All in all, this is a great book that is a good representation of the autism spectrum disorder. This is a book I will have in my library as it allows for my students to understand everyone has differences but we are all unique in our own ways. Great starter book on getting students to understand different disabilities.
October 29, 2025
Henry’s class is having a parade on Friday. Henry does not like the changes this parade is bringing. It doesn’t feel right. Can anything make the parade better for Henry?
Bailey does an excellent job of helping readers understand why change is hard for neurodivergent kids like Henry. This is a quick read about a very realistic-feeling class. (It doesn’t say it in the author’s bio, but it really feels like she spent time in the classroom.)
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some markers are "launched" and a student gets time in a thinking chair. Henry also gets time in the chair when he tells someone they are no fun because they like parades.
Ethnic diversity: The class has a variety of skin tones/ethnic hints. The teacher appears to probably be Japanese American based on her name.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Henry is neurodivergent. It isn’t stated in the book but the previous picture book talks about it more. His feelings about a week with changes in it are a rollercoaster and hard for him, but not impossible.
Bailey does an excellent job of helping readers understand why change is hard for neurodivergent kids like Henry. This is a quick read about a very realistic-feeling class. (It doesn’t say it in the author’s bio, but it really feels like she spent time in the classroom.)
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some markers are "launched" and a student gets time in a thinking chair. Henry also gets time in the chair when he tells someone they are no fun because they like parades.
Ethnic diversity: The class has a variety of skin tones/ethnic hints. The teacher appears to probably be Japanese American based on her name.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified.
Other: Henry is neurodivergent. It isn’t stated in the book but the previous picture book talks about it more. His feelings about a week with changes in it are a rollercoaster and hard for him, but not impossible.
January 24, 2024
Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience: “Henry, Like Always,” written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song and published by Chronicle Books, wins the 2024 award for young children (ages 0 to 8). Also this book was deemed a 2024 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book for being a distinguished beginning reader book. Henry loves schedules, predictability, and relative calm. He is thrown off balance when his teacher announces there will be a special activity Friday, disrupting the schedule. Henry displays emotions dealing with this such as using a quiet ticket, and taking a time out in the nurse’s office. Other children have to visit the thinking chair. The author tenderly teaches young readers compassion and acceptance of differing types of friends. The illustrations are done in muted tones, mostly black, white, and light blue. Henry would approve. I would have this book as a read aloud in my classroom if I still taught.
February 4, 2024
Readers who first met Henry in the picture book A Friend for Henry will be pleased to see this neurodivergent youngster return. In this early chapter book Henry struggles with a change in the daily calendar his teacher uses for the class. He dislikes any change in routine, and he's not thrilled when a parade replaces the usual activity. To add to his discomfort, he has absolutely no interest in playing the noisy tambourine his music teacher hands him. Eventually, though, Henry figures out a way to participate. The story, illustrated with watercolor and ink drawings, some of them covering the entire page, offers glimpses into how someone like Henry navigates the world. Readers may feel some sympathy for his patient and long-suffering teacher Mrs. Tanaka as she tries to honor Henry's needs as well as offering fun activities for her class. Add this one to a collection of dis/ability books. It will stir some conversations about its content.
November 5, 2023
I read the original A FRIEND FOR HENRY, a picture book, and I loved it. That important presentation of a neurodivergent boy at home and in school whose individual needs make him seem "different" did a wonderful job of connecting readers to Henry and recognition/acceptance of his differences as both familiar and even appealing.
In this launch of a new chapter-book series featuring Henry his intense concern for structure and consistency produces some stress in his life and among his peers. His teacher demonstrates strong understanding of his needs, his classmates display recognizable variations in their reactions, and the eventual resolution is both simple and satisfying in significant ways.
Highly recommend this new title and I look forward to subsequent adventures from henry and his friends and school.
In this launch of a new chapter-book series featuring Henry his intense concern for structure and consistency produces some stress in his life and among his peers. His teacher demonstrates strong understanding of his needs, his classmates display recognizable variations in their reactions, and the eventual resolution is both simple and satisfying in significant ways.
Highly recommend this new title and I look forward to subsequent adventures from henry and his friends and school.
July 13, 2023
3 stars (I liked it)
This is a beginning chapter book based on the character from A Friend for Henry. I liked the picture book so much better.
I can't really explain it but this book gave me a little bit of ick. Like Henry is obviously upset by the change in schedule but he seems to just be brushed off. A classmate throws markers and is sent to the "thinking chair."
But on the plus side, I like the representation and I think it does give a good window into how someone with rigid thinking would feel about a schedule change that the rest of us might find fun.
This is a beginning chapter book based on the character from A Friend for Henry. I liked the picture book so much better.
I can't really explain it but this book gave me a little bit of ick. Like Henry is obviously upset by the change in schedule but he seems to just be brushed off. A classmate throws markers and is sent to the "thinking chair."
But on the plus side, I like the representation and I think it does give a good window into how someone with rigid thinking would feel about a schedule change that the rest of us might find fun.
January 12, 2024
Henry loves his classroom and the weekly Big Calendar that never changes. Until it does--Share Time moves to Thursday and a parade takes its place. Henry is autistic and doesn't like this change. Of course he doesn't--he didn't get any support or reassurances from his teacher at all! I like that it shows Henry using his Quiet Card to go take a break. So if we can show one accomodation and way for him to self-advocate, why can't we show others? I would hate to share this with an autistic child because its very much presented like it's Henry's fault for struggling with the change and all the cacophony of instruments and it's "Henry finding his own way[,] as always" because he's been let down by the adults in his life.
March 31, 2024
Henry has a hard time with changes to routine. A classroom parade when it’s supposed to be sharing time promises to be noisy as well as a disruption. After a miserable week of anticipation, Henry finds a solution and trades the tambourine he doesn’t want for the band leader’s soft felt hat that muffles the noise.
I liked that for time out, the students "visit the thinking chair." And Henry has a Quiet Card for when it all gets to be too much for him. The black and white illustrations capture the feelings and differences of what seems to be a special education class. The teacher and Henry appear to be Asian-American and other students are black and white.
This is a worthy recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award.
I liked that for time out, the students "visit the thinking chair." And Henry has a Quiet Card for when it all gets to be too much for him. The black and white illustrations capture the feelings and differences of what seems to be a special education class. The teacher and Henry appear to be Asian-American and other students are black and white.
This is a worthy recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award.
July 8, 2023
Henry likes school, but doesn't like when the schedule changes or things are not done as expected. It isn't ever mentioned but he may have OCD or be autistic, but he expresses his displeasure appropriately and has a helpful teacher Ms. Tanaka. This early chapter book (four chapters) is perfect for those just moving out of easy readers, and Henry and his classmates look about that same age - maybe six or seven. The black ink drawings with watercolor wash depict a diverse classroom; Henry appears to be Asian but it is never mentioned. A great book for emergent readers and to create social and emotional learning opportunities with primary graders.
October 12, 2023
This week on Friday, Henry's class is going to be in a parade! Henry is not excited though because share time is supposed to be on Friday, not a parade. When share time comes early on Thursday, Henry feels so sick that he needs to go to the nurse. Share time is supposed to be on Friday. When the parade finally comes, Henry takes some quiet time in the closet and looks at what his friend brought for share time. He and his friend find a solution that makes them both happy. This is a sweet read about Henry who is different from his classmates. The text is written well for early readers, and the images are muted, unlike the cover image.
October 17, 2023
This book is the sequel to "A Friend for Henry". In this book Mrs. Tanaka decides to change up the class schedule to make room for a parade. The book does a good job of accurately representing autism, as Henry does not like change and struggles with it throughout the book. Although this is a sign of having autism, normal people can struggle with change as well. Because of this I liked that autism wasn't the entire personality of Henry. I also liked the embellishments in the book such as "the whole day felt orange". In the final portion of the book Henry confronts his struggle of missing "share time" by sharing with another student which is a lovely ending.
February 1, 2024
For a child on the autism spectrum, change isn't easy. He loves his teacher, Mrs. Tanaka, who keeps a calendar on the wall that shows every day, every week, the same. Until this Monday, Mrs. Tanaka announced that there would be a parade on Friday, so sharing day would move to Thursday. This is not what Henry wishes, and musical instruments handed out for parade marchers add to his frustration. They are too noisy! How he navigates the week through some thinking time and a discovery in the quiet closet brings a good ending, not only for Henry! Jenny Bailey and illustrator Mika Song start this easy reader series that Henry and lots of others will enjoy, "like always"!
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