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An absolutely beautiful MG book about a young autistic (Asberger's) girl, Caitlin, whose older brother is killed in a school shooting. This book brought to mind "The curious incident of the dog in the Night-time"- another of my favorites. I think this book though allowed us to really get into the mindset of an autistic student and understand the difficulties they have in translating emotion and language. I loved her discussions and exercises with the school counselor. They really seemed to ring
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This book is another children's book that has been getting lots of buzz this summer. Like the narrator in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Caitlin has a form of autism. Erskine captures Catlin's voice so well and I thoroughly enjoyed her as a character; in fact much more than the voice in The London Eye Mystery.
However, Erskine can't leave enough alone and has to add those ridiculous Fine Art plot points that I find so annoying. Caitlin is looking for closure as a result of he ...more
However, Erskine can't leave enough alone and has to add those ridiculous Fine Art plot points that I find so annoying. Caitlin is looking for closure as a result of he ...more
I was attracted to this book because of someone dear to my heart who has Aspergers, so I hoped it would give me some insight into his mind. Did it? Not really. I liked the story, and was saddened for Kaitlyn, and wanted her to find the closure that she needed concerning her brother, but I wanted more.
This was one beautiful read. Took some work to get used to no quotations in the book. Interesting character voice, really enjoyed. Possible Newbery- quite an original with a memorable plot.
Kathryn Erskine, affected by the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings, wrote Mockingbird as a direct response to the needless violence of that event. She tells the story of the healing of a community through the eyes of a girl with Asperger's, a girl who has difficulty looking at the faces and deciphering the emotions of those around her.
The book opens with Caitlin at her brother Devon's funeral. Devon was the only one who really understood her quirks and attempted any kind of behavioral intervention. ...more
The book opens with Caitlin at her brother Devon's funeral. Devon was the only one who really understood her quirks and attempted any kind of behavioral intervention. ...more
Kindle edition. Excellent story about a young 12 year old girl who has Asbergers, who is dealing with the violent death of her older brother.
Excellent. All school psychs should read this one.
Strongly being considered for the Newbery.
Excellent. All school psychs should read this one.
Strongly being considered for the Newbery.
A very moving story of a girl with Asperger's Syndrome. Her voice really shows how a person with Aspergers relates. Caitlin and her Dad need closure after Caitlin's brother, Devon, is killed in a school shooting.
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Newbery contender, NBA winner. Beautiful. Hard sell to kids? Not everything rings exactly right, but still v good and moving
Oct 25, 2010
Jennifer
added it
Nothing like crying on the ellipical at the gym.
Such a sad premise - a little girl with Asperger's syndrome is coping with the shooting death of her older brother. I liked this story, but didn't love it.
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I think this is a fantastic book. Erskine creates a realistic character in Caitlin, a fifth-grade girl with Asperger's Syndrome who has just lost her older brother to a school shooting. Caitlin's character gives the reader perspective on what it might be like for a young person with Asperger's to try to navigate the confusing world. Beyond that, the story explores what it means to be a friend and how different people can find closure after tragic events. Mockingbird is a touching, insightful boo
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Caitlin's mom has died of cancer two years previously, and now her brother has been shot and killed at his middle school by a fellow student. Told in first-person by Caitlin, a fifth-grade girl with Aspergers, this story is a quick read but one that let's you really get into this character's head. It clearly shows how misunderstandings can lead to anger and meanness, and offers insights into how a young person with Asperger's sees the world and people around her. It would make a good class read-
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Great insight into the life of a child with Asperger's syndrome. Caitlyn's take on life is very literal. If she were not struggling with the loss of her older brother, who was killed in a school shooting, a lot of the things she says would be funny. A death in a family is always difficult but even more so for Caitlyn because her father is so deep in his own grief he has a hard time dealing with Caitlyn's view of losing her brother. Together they work to find closure.
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I'm loving "hearing" the "thinking" of this young autistic girl who's brother has recently died. I'm curious about the author and her background with autism...seems "spot-on" to me. Impressed with the writing style and love how there are capitalized phrases and rules throughout the story.
This was one of those stories that you had to slow down at the end...not wanting to finish and say good-bye to the characters. ...more
This was one of those stories that you had to slow down at the end...not wanting to finish and say good-bye to the characters. ...more
Jul 07, 2010
Alyson
marked it as didn-t-finish
I am having trouble getting through this. At first I was intrigued by Caitlin's communcation problems. It is not always her with the problem - the other characters are failing to communicate also, but I am getting bored. Is there any plot?
There are so many positive reviews, but do people just not want to say anything bad about the book because they are so concerned for Caitlin?
Should I keep on reading? ...more
There are so many positive reviews, but do people just not want to say anything bad about the book because they are so concerned for Caitlin?
Should I keep on reading? ...more
Wow! A real heart breaker. Powerful stuff.
Oct 12, 2010
Benji Martin
marked it as to-read
May 12, 2011
Mallory
marked it as to-read
Jan 14, 2012
Lee
marked it as to-read
