Review: Waiting for Benjamin

By Alexandra Jessup Altman; Illustrated By Susan Keeter

Albert Whitman & Co.; 2008; 32 pages

Picture Book; Realistic

Grade: K-4

ISBN: 978-0-8075-7364-8

Alexander finds himself getting increasingly frustrated with his younger brother Benjamin's behavior, until he is diagnosed with autism. At first giving into jealousy of all the attention Benjamin receives, Alexander learns patience and to appreciate Benjamin's small accomplishments.

My Thoughts:
I was initially excited to come across this book, since there are not very many books with autistic characters, and the few that do exist tend to portray the savant aspect of autism. I have a cousin who is autistic, and so am always looking for information. However, while this book is a step in the right direction, portraying a more typical autism experience, it still fell short. I worry that in some ways the book is still depicting stereotypical autistic behavior: the silence, the staring, the compulsive movements. It also shows Benjamin making rapid steps toward improvement once he is diagnosed. (And it doesn't ever explain why Benjamin's therapists come to the house rather than his going to their office...or why he gets to have 2 at once!)

In addition to story flaws, the technical aspects are not quite right either. The text explains the reactions of a fairly young older sibling. Alexander is a character that many 4 or 5 year olds would identify with. However, the text is written at a much higher level. It also discusses emotions from an abstract viewpoint that is beyond the developmental understanding of that age group. However, most older children will not identify with Alexander as much...recognizing the infantile nature of his jealousy and pettiness. In addition, most younger children will be turned off by the less than engaging illustrations while older children will be turned off by the presence of illustrations in the first place. I am glad that books are beginning to made available on this topic, and can only hope that better ones will follow this one soon.

The Thoughts of Others:

School Library Journal's Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo reviewed this book earlier this year. She pointed out that the progress Benjamin makes is not always realistic, and that the whole story's message is obvious. She did feel that it would work as a preliminary introduction for young children who have an autistic sibling.

Children's Literature's Karen Leggett saw the book as a "good icebreaker to help siblings and other youngsters understand autism and express their own feelings more openly."