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."

Review: Gregor the Overlander

By: Suzanne Collins

Scholastic Books; 2003; 320 Pages

Juvenile Fiction; Fantasy

Grades: 3-6

ISBN: 9-780-4394-3536-9

The story of Gregor and his two year old sister, Boots, who fall through a grate in their laundry room. The pair become wrapped up in a war and a quest in the Underland, a world populated by giant bats, rats, spiders, and a race of humans.

My Thoughts:
I thought that Collins did a great job of creating realistic and believable characters, especially since they were thrust into such extraordinary and fantastic situations and settings. The main characters: Gregor, Boots, and Luxa all have their own skills that make them valuable, but they are all flawed in some way. I think that children will be able to identify with the fact that they do their best and try, even though they are not perfect. I also appreciated how Collins was able to take things that are far from appealing, and make them endearing. I cried when (spoiler alert) one of the cockroaches sacrificed himself for the good of the group. (Not that I am going to stop killing the little boogers when they invade my home...)

The book will especially appeal to boys. It has a male protagonist, is populated by creepy crawlies, and has action and violence. It is very fast paced, with chapters that are on the short side. It also doesn't pussy foot around violence and the consequences of war. People and things get hurt, and sometimes die. Sometimes the deaths/injuries are shown as being just and deserved, other times they are honorable and for the greater good, and sometimes they are pointless and sad. On the surface it has "boy book" written all over it. At the same time, Gregor is a caring and warm individual. The love and concern he shows for his little sister is a great example for growing kids. It proves you can be brave, and tough, and adventurous while still being loving, kind, and gentle. The balance of virtue and strength is great!

The Thoughts of Others:

Publisher's Weekly's 2003 review of the book admired Collins' technique and skill. They said that "Collins does a grand job of world-building, with a fine economy of words-no unnecessary details bog down either the setting or the invigorating story." They felt that the relationships were real, the pacing appropriate, and the characters believable.

Steven Engelfried reviewed the novel in 2003 for School Library Journal. He thought that it was a good book to introduce new readers to the fantasy genre. He also noted that the "Plot threads unwind smoothly [with] exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters ...balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action."

Hair and Back Again

I had a hard time deciding on a story for the "My Story" assignment.

At first I was going to do some anecdotes from my brother's, sister's, and my childhood. However, in order for it to turn out as I had envisioned, I was going to need to find a good illustrator. While my brother has the skills and was willing to do it, he just didn't have the time.

Next, I decided to recount a story from when I was studying abroad in Prague...mostly because of the plethora of pictures I had available to accompany it. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate my letters home to check facts and get some ideas.

While looking through photos, though, I came across one from the night before classes my freshman year of college. I had found my story.

It is uploaded to the left...and called Hair and Back Again: A Blonde Girl's Tale.

I suppose if anyone from class wanted to tell it, they could. But, seeing as how it is fairly specific to my life, I don't think anyone will.

Also, as long as we are discussing the topic of hair...there is a hilarious book called If I Had Long, Long Hair that is similar in theme to my story. I don't think it would make a good flannel board story, but maybe with a wig, or a puppet whose hair could "grow"...At the very least, it is great for a traditional storytime session at a library!