Book Review: Being Frank

Author: Donna Earnhardt
Illustrator: Andrea Castellani
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: "Honesty is the best policy." That's Frank's motto. He tells the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. But Frank's overly frank comments tend to annoy his friends, his teachers, and even his mother - and now Frank is honestly unhappy. 

He decides to visit his confidant and pal, Grandpa Ernest, who has a history of frankness himself. A few outrageous hats, a spicy jar of relish, and some grandfatherly wisdom help Frank realize that the truth is best served with more sugar and less pepper.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: "I really love the book you just read." This was a comment I received from a teacher after reading Being Frank to her second grade class. When I get good teacher feedback, I know I've got a great one on my shelf. This is a social skills WINNER. Being Frank teaches kids the importance of THINKING before they speak. Your words can either build people up or break them down. Frank had a big impact on our students. I used the metaphor from the book about how our words are either like sugar or pepper. They can leave a person with either a sweet or bitter feeling. This book has breathed new life into some of my social skills lessons. It is a MUST.

A Link to This Book:

 

Book Review: Point to Happy (a book for kids on the autism spectrum)

 

Authors: Miriam Smith and Afton Fraser

Photographs by Margo Smithwick

Publisher: Workman 

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Publisher: Children love to look at pictures and share them with others. For those children on the autism spectrum, communicating through pictures is sometimes the only way to express their feelings and emotions - and it can also open a door to further communication. Until now, there has been no book developed specifically for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) that could help them convey their immediate wants and needs, experiences, and most importantly, their feelings.

Miriam Smith and her daughter, Afton Fraser searched for a way to aid Afton's son, who is on the autism spectrum. Taking matters into their own hands, Point to Happy is the first book of its kind: one written and designed for children on the autism spectrum who benefit from visual support. Ingenious in its simplicity, the parent reads and the child points to photographs with the attached pointer. 

The text is clear, and the friendly photographs are compelling to look at and easy to understand. The simple motor task of using a pointer helps children focus as they select the appropriate pictures. Identifying everyday objects, knowing the rituals of going to bed and getting up in the morning, and choosing what to eat is all made clear through the photos. A child can describe polite language, prompt when he is thirsty, and recognize the colors of the rainbow. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  April is Autism Awareness Month so a great way to support and celebrate is by sharing an amazing discovery. Working in an inclusive school district I see an overwhelming need for more curriculum and resources to help our students affected by autism. Parents are also looking to us as educators to help them find appropriate tools for home to support the social and emotional needs of their child. Point to Happy is a new resource at our school that we are LUCKY to have and put to use. Our autistic students are mostly visual learners and need curriculum geared towards helping them overcome the communication deficit they struggle with on a daily basis.

Point to Happy helps break down those language barriers with pictures depicting feelings and daily routines. It also has a super COOL pointer for the child to use as you are reading. The last few pages are blank for you to put your own photos in...loving that. Another reason it caught my eye is because it's AFFORDABLE. I get counseling catalogs all the time with curriculum tools that are not very budget friendly. When you have a child with high needs husbanding your financial resources is essential. Enjoy this new find!

 

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Reviews: Coping With Sibling Disability

My Sister, Alicia May
Author: Nancy Tupper Ling
Illustrated by Shennen Bersani
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: In many ways, Rachel and Alicia are like any sisters. But Rachel knows her sister is different, and very special. She has Down syndrome. Based on the lives of two real sisters, My Sister, Alicia May expresses the joys and challenges of growing up with a sibling who has special needs.

Esquisitely written with humor and compassion, this heart-warming story provides a familiar setting for precious children with special needs and those who love them. It offers a window into their world for all children as well as for teachers and members of the global community. The breathtaking illustrations by Shennen Bersani make the pages of My Sister, Alicia May as captivating visually as the story is to read.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I work in an inclusive school. That means there are students with all kinds of special needs in regular education classrooms. Some of them have siblings who also attend our school. A few of those siblings have had a hard time because they've been teased (doesn't happen often - but it HAS happened) for having a sister or brother with a disability. When I read My Sister, Alicia May I immediately knew I wanted to read it to all of our students to confront this 'sometimes' problem. This is exactly what I've been trying to teach kids about being sensitive, compassionate, and understanding towards students who have a sibling with special needs. It's also written from the perspective of big sister Rachel. She explains the ups and downs of their daily lives in and out of school. She loves her sister, but at times feels exhausted by what is required to help her. But one day, Alicia May is putdown and teased. Big sister Rachel steps in and puts a stop to it and tells them to, "Knock it off." I think this is an eye opener for many kids in my school. I'm going to ask them to take a moment to put themselves in someone elses shoes.....maybe those shoes are more difficult than they believed. This story provides perspective and validation. Love it.

My Brother Charlie
Authors: Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: Callie is very proud of her brother Charlie. he's good at so many things - swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett. But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet. His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away. Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun. Charlie is like any other boy - and he has autism.

In this joyful story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love. Holly Robinson Peete, bestselling author, actress, and national autism spokesperson, has paired with her daughter, Ryan, to co-author this uplifting book based on their own personal experiences with Holly's son and Ryan's brother RJ, who has autism.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Often times, when we hear someone has autism we feel bummed out for them and their family. When I finished My Brother Charlie I felt uplifted and encouraged for those families and especially the kids who will read this book. Callie is paving the way for a lot of kids like her brother Charlie and their siblings. She doesn't want the reader to feel sorry for her brother. Like she says in the book, "Charlie has autism. But autism doesn't have Charlie." You feel the pride and love Callie feels for her brother. She does a wonderful job describing who he is....a smart, loving, quiet, and interesting brother. And she does touch upon the sadness and difficulties autism can sometimes cause. But they don't quit on Charlie. They embrace him even more...."And so we do right by Charlie. We love Charlie strong." Thank you, Callie, for the words and validation you are giving families...."I'm blessed to be Charlie's sister and to share so much. I count my "Charlie Blessings" every day." WOW! 


PS. I mentioned in another blog post we are starting a special needs/guidance section in our school library. I cannot wait to put both of these on the shelf tomorrow. Students should be able to have access to this kind of bibliotherapy..... 

A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Reviews: Fear/Worry/Stress Mgmt Helpers

Wemberly Worried

Author: Kevin Henkes
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.


Why It's On My Bookshelf: Constant worrying is a definite problem. There are children struggling with this which makes me  so thankful for Wemberly Worried and all of it's healing qualities. When I was reading Is a Worry Worrying You? to a group of second graders last year, a few kids raised their hands and said, "Yes, just like Wemberly!" This story has IMPACT. I had never even read Wemberly Worried to the class but the teacher had two copies of it in her book library for her students. I definitely own it now! So through Wemberly I've been helping kids understand it's okay to have a worry here and there. But when we are agonizing over everything small, medium, and big....Houston, we've got a problem! Call me crazy, but I believe kids have the ability to recognize when they have gone over the edge with too much worrying. How? Through the aid of a book like Wemberly Worried. Wemberly also has a coping mechanism and finds a friend struggling with worry too. Don't overlook this one, it's not just another cute Kevin Henkes story. It has healing power.

Absolutely Not

Author: Matthew McElligott 

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Gloria is brave, but Frieda is absolutely not. Gloria wants to go for a walk, but Frieda absolutely does not. Frieda sees danger in every shadow, and you might, too! But when Frieda cries wolf one too many times, Gloria stops listening to her. Yet...what's that in the bushes? Are the two friends in danger, or is it another figment of Frieda's imagination?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is new to my shelf. I was at my local bookstore and asked for suggestions on stories about anxiety. Don't you love it when the person helping you gets really excited and says, "Ohhhhhh, have you read Absolutely Not?" Um, NO, but lead me to it!!! After I read this story I said to myself, "This is pure genius." So the character Frieda says a big fat NO to everything. She is paralyzed with fear and worry. She worries about all the things that could happen. Her imagination runs wild! In the end, there is a little twist where they are actually put in danger. HOWEVER (big however here), isn't that sort of life? We can't protect ourselves from everything. But there is no need to go around stressing out about it. We have to deal with what comes our way. I want to teach the students these invaluable lessons. Can't wait to present this story to them!

PS. Go to the author's website for a lesson plan on optimism vs pessimism. Great to go with book!

Roly Poly Pangolin

Author: Anna Dewdney

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: Roly Poly is a little guy, and the world is a big place. So many things frighten him, even teeny, tiny sounds! What's a little pangolin to do? Roll up tight into a ball and wait until it's safe. But when Roly Poly finally peeks out, there's another ball peeking back - and it looks just like him! Could two be more fun than one? The author of the beloved Llama Llama books introduces an endearing new character who is sure to enchant children and help them explore the world more happily.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I read MANY children's book blogs, one of my favorites is THE PLANETESME PLAN - The Best New Children's Books from Esme's Shelf. That's where I discovered this great book Roly Poly Pangolin. And yep, Roly Poly is one scared little dude! This is going to be perfect for kindergarten and 1st grade. I see a lot of separation anxiety in those grades. It's rough being pulled away from parents and put with a bunch of adults and kids we don't know. Some kids adjust no problemo and others have a tougher time. I am planning on exploring shyness, fear, and friendship with this delightful story. If only there was a Pangolin puppet!

When My Worries Get Too Big!

Author: Kari Dunn Buron

About This Book: The thought of "losing control" can cause major problems for children who live with anxiety. Now, parents, teachers and children have a helpful tool that gives young children an opportunity to explore their own feelings with parents or teachers as they react to events in their daily lives. Engaging and easy to read, this illustrated children's book is filled with opportunities for children to participate in developing their own self-calming strategies. Children who use the simple strategies in this charming book, illustrated by the author, will find themselves relaxed and ready to focus on work - or play!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I was planning on doing a separate blog post on this book but I want to talk about it now. I've been using this as a social story to teach kids how to cope with stress and put their anxiety in it's place. This is a tool I use in collaboration with parents and teachers. It makes no sense for me to teach this by myself if we're not all using it as a united front. I've used it in small groups and individually. There is a five point stress scale and it is awesome and helpful to children. Kids who are on the spectrum or have anxiety disorders could really benefit from reading this every day. I've seen a lot of success with this social story. Share it with the parents first and see if they would be on board to use it as a tool. Very grateful for this one. Helps me be a better school counselor.

Book Review: Rules

Author: Cynthia Lord
Interest Level: Grades 4 and Up

About This Book: Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. she's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" - in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors.

But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the potential next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down forces her to ask: What is normal?

Filled with humor and warmth, Cynthia Lord's novel takes a candid and sensitive look at feeling different and finding acceptance - beyond the rules.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A few years ago, I was listening to a 5th grade class discuss their transition on becoming middle schoolers. They shared many fears and concerns: 'What if I forget my locker combination?' 'What will the cafeteria food be like?' 'What if I get lost?' 'Will there be more homework?' Mostly, it was the usual stuff I hear every year. But one comment has stayed with me - "I'm worried kids will make fun of my sister because she is disabled." The room went silent. And then an eruption of hands went up around me. Students responded with an empathatic discussion in support of their peer. I was grateful for two things: 1)the power of a caring community of kids and 2)how brave the student was to share his challenge. I realized he must have felt emotionally safe to do so. But I also wasn't aware of the stress he had been feeling about his sibling. These students need support and care. Enter the essential read Rules. It's full of insight, understanding, and strength.

An autism diagnosis affects the whole family. Because of the daily demands and interventions required, balancing daily life activities can sometimes be difficult. This can be very hard on siblings of autistic children. Through Catherine's eyes you feel her annoyance, frustration, jealousy, embarrassment, and worry. And you also feel her love, compassion, care, and loyalty. Those traits help her overcome the emotional obstacles she faces.  If you want to encourage understanding and care for children like Catherine, read Rules. This book has been making a difference in my school.


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: My Book Full of Feelings - How to Control and React to the Size of Your Emotions

 

Authors: Amy V. Jaffe and Luci Gardner

Interest Level: All Ages

About This Book: This highly engaging workbook is an ideal way to help teach children to identify, access the intensity of, and respond appropriately to their emotions. The book is fully interactive. By using a dry-erase marker, unique situations and solutions can be added and changed with a wipe of a paper towel, as the child masters a skill and grows. Also included is a Communication Pad for tracking and sharing information between home and school an important component of effective programming. The book is great for all children, including those with Asperger Syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This workbook is for ALL children, not just those with Asperger Syndrome and other Autism Spectrum Disorders. I came across My Book Full of Feelings at my local bookstore and immediately saw it's potential in helping children at my school. It uses colors for feelings, visualization, and a triangle that has three sizes of feelings - small, medium, and big. Make sure to read the "How To Use This Book" section. We tend to skip past those pages to get immediately to the 'goods'. The author gives really good suggestions on techniques to use with children while using the workbook. A lot of children struggle with identifying their feelings which can lead to an out of control response to a situation. My Book Full of Feelings has helped me be a better counselor. Your shelf needs a resource like this if you work with children who need help controling their reactions and the size of their emotions. 

PS. this is a one on one book but could also be used in a group setting.