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What Members Thought
One of my sisters loved this, the other didn't like it. I'm somewhere in between. I thought the writing was well-done: smooth and polished. But otherwise, I thought this was heavy-handed (the author's note is a sad muddle which kind of explains this) and very one-note.
Perhaps this is a small thing, but Devon's Eagle Scout project is a big part of the book, and it irritated me that what is described as his project would not earn him an Eagle--it just isn't big enough and doesn't include the requi ...more
Perhaps this is a small thing, but Devon's Eagle Scout project is a big part of the book, and it irritated me that what is described as his project would not earn him an Eagle--it just isn't big enough and doesn't include the requi ...more
Caitlyn is a bit different from other kids because she has Asberger’s Syndrome. Although the kids she knows tend to think she’s weird, Caitlyn’s beloved older brother Devon knows that she can’t help disliking recess, most colors, and disruptions in routine (among other things). It seems like he’s the only person who truly understands her.
When Devon is killed at a shooting at his middle school, Caitlyn deals with his unexpected death much differently than others do; while others grieve for Devon, ...more
When Devon is killed at a shooting at his middle school, Caitlyn deals with his unexpected death much differently than others do; while others grieve for Devon, ...more
Really enjoyed this one but at times I felt it was a bit didactic, which is often a problem with books about children with special needs. I would have liked more development of Josh's character because his would have been an interesting perspective.
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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
The book takes the reader into emotional and difficult places.
Though sensitively done, the issues are heart breaking.
Though sensitively done, the issues are heart breaking.
This book was good for thinking about the point of view of others. It was a sad, but good story.
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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A fifth grader girl with Asperger's syndrome is dealing with the recent death of her beloved older brother in a school shooting. Caitlin misses Devon terribly, but can't really express her grief like "normal" kids. It's interesting to see her search for closure, and the way she sees the world. With the help of a counselor at her school, she is working hard to learn how to behave normally in society. A good sad story with an added punch.
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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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4.5 stars
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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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Will add to class required reading list for adolescent readers course.
Aug 19, 2010
Karyn The Pirate
marked it as to-read
Aug 24, 2010
Hannah
marked it as to-read
Dec 13, 2010
Julie
marked it as to-read
Jan 25, 2011
June
marked it as to-read
May 04, 2011
Kristine
marked it as to-read-kids-ya
