Reviews (2)

This book is a definite keeper to be loved and cherished!
My now 14-month-old daughter has loved this book since we first read it to her at 9 months.She absolutely loves the illustrations, as well as the repetitive nature of the song/book.My daughter now signs the entire song, as do I.I love that she finds signing the song a great comfort, and sometimes signs it over and over as she is falling asleep.
Fast becoming one of baby's favourites!
"Get your fingers ready to twinkle..."
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Subjects:  1. Children's Baby - Boardbooks    2. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Language Arts - Vocabulary & Spelling    6. Poetry - Nursery Rhymes    7. Social Issues - Special Needs    8. Social Situations - Special Needs   

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Children's 9-12 - Medical    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Health & Daily Living - General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Pediatrics    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Special needs & learning difficulties   

Reviews (8)

GREAT BOOK
Of all of the books that I Baught for my classroom about ADHD and kids with it, this one has to be the best...although school has not started yet I know this will be one of the first books that I read to them.I wish there were more books out there like this one.
8 year old loved it!
My son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I wanted to get him some books so that he realized he wasn't one in the world with ADHD.He loved it.He has started writing a journal -- red pencil and all.

Just Wonderful For Everyone Involved With An ADD Child!!
I bought this book along with several others when my 8 year old son was diagnosed with ADD.Along with the ADD came depression and anxiety, due, of course, to a high IQ and stresses in school.I wanted to buy some books for children about ADD to donate to his classroom, to better help my son's peers understand why he acted "goofy" sometimes.This book is absolutely fabulous.I read it first, and I had to laugh.My son read it next and he laughed and laughed.He was delighted to see his own personal thoughts and feelings, expressed by another kid (Sparky), written about in a journal format.He was joyous!!He thought Sparky was awesome!He couldn't wait to bring it to school!I can promise you that your ADD child will be so happy to read this book, as will you.I even gained alot of knowledge and insight into my son's FEELINGS and thoughts!YOU NEED THIS BOOK!!You absolutely will not regret it!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Babies & Toddlers    5. Diaries    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Short Stories    9. Social Issues - Special Needs    10. Disability & illness    11. Fiction dealing with specific issues    12. Picture books    13. ADD    14. ADHD   

Reviews (7)

Thoughtful and very touching
Families can struggle with teaching children about aging and illness, especially when it hits so close to home with grandparents. Ms. Shriver has succeeded in putting all the sensitive feelings and thoughts that naturally occur when a loved ones develops Alzheimer's.
Another Resource for Alzheimer's Families
Maria Shriver's tender story is a gift to the millions of families who are struggling with a family member's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Shriver does an excellent job of guiding us through that initial shock and showing us ways to cope. I know from experience that the months and years that follow such a diagnosis provide innumerable opportunities for continued struggle and growth. For this reason, I wrote "Flowers for Grandpa Dan: A gentle story to help children understand Alzheimer's disease." This beautifully illustrated picture book follows a family through the entire disease process. Faced with the daily realities of the disease, Danny and his family find ways to adapt to Grandpa Dan's changing needs. Through it all, Danny learns that there is one important thing that never changes. An informational page, provided by the Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis Chapter, offers adults suggestions for helping children cope. "Flowers for Grandpa Dan" is available on Amazon.com. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Alzheimer's Association.
What happens to Grandpa
It is a great book for the whole family. It tells how a family deals with there Grand father who has alztimers. The girl named Kate who helps her Grand father remember things by a photo albume, the way she helps is write the stories that went with the pictures. I would give it three stars because it is not really a kids book it is more a family kind of book. But it is still a great book. And the pictures are great they are watercolors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alzheimer's disease    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Family - Multigenerational    6. Fiction    7. Grandfathers    8. Grandparent and child    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / General   

Editorial Review

Mark Haddon's bitterly funny debut novel, Read more

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (1218)

The Curious Incident of a Book That Is Wonderful
This book is partly a mystery, but mostly it's a vividly painted portrait of the view from someone else's head.Christopher is our narrator, and he is wonderfully candid and frank with the readers as he takes us all on a journey through discovery.A dog has died mysteriously in his neighborhood, and he wants to find out who did it.Along the way, we discover more about the adults in his world than even he knows, since he lacks the ability to read expressions or fully understand what's going on around him the way a "normal" person would.
A Book with a unique perspective and perhaps a lesson
Having never read or heard of Mark Haddon, I picked up his book "The Curious Incident" solely because I had previously worked with a young man diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I was curious to read how one would depict the world as seen by a person with the disorder, as I constantly felt both alienated and inadequately prepared to deal with a child whose view was so different from my own.
Interesting topic, but not the most satisfying read
It seems like a novel that's popular because of its strange narrative style and its large number of random facts. Although its interesting to see the potential perspective of an autistic child, it's painful to see how much discomfort he causes to his parents, and from his point of view he isn't seeing their discomfort and trying to amend the situation. It's very difficult to enjoy a novel that's narrated through the eyes of child who is, though understandably so, a selfish person. The author seeks to lower this discomfort by riddling it with so many random facts and pictures, things that serve to make the narrator more amiable. The author tries to make a small adventure look paramount, and it doesn't convince me. A cute book, but not that great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Audio - 9-12    2. Family - General    3. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    4. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Editorial Review

Modern literature's unlikely hero Joey Pigza is back in Jack Gantos'sgrand finale to the award-winning trilogy that began with Read more

Reviews (16)

What Would Joey Do?
This book is mostly about how Joey deals with occurred situations that include his family and personal life. His parents are divorced and the mother has a boyfriend. His dad likes to annoy his mom and the grandmother thinks the whole family is nuts, which they are. I like this book because it talks about how to deal with badsituations in a positive way. Joey has a lot of patience wanting to make his mom happy by acting in a mature matter, being home schooled with a bratty blind girl, and his grandmother nagging him to get a life and a friend. I like this book because of how it turns what we would consider a bad situation into a funny entertainment. In some areas of the book I feelso sorry for how his parents get into violent situations and he feels like the third wheel and because of his family; his self esteem is in a low stage. One of the many reasons to recommend this book is because it shows not only that some families have more issues than others, but that people have thier own way of expressing thierself either in a good or bad way.

what would Joey do?
What would Joey Do? is the funniest book I have ever read. Joey named his neighbors lawn gnomes. There was nothing I didnt like about the book. I would recommend what would Joey do? to anyone who finds humor in books.

my review [sam]
I thought the book What Would Joey Do? was a fantastic book.It had so much description I thought I was standing there in the book. My favorite character was Joey; he was the biggest charicter.he knew exactly what to say. my favorite part of this book is when something happened to Joey's dog Pablo, when that something happened Joey was talking about how him and Pablo got along.I would definitely recommend this book to other people. so think about it and get it for yourself. You would also give this book three stars out of five. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - General    6. Family problems    7. Fiction    8. Grandmothers    9. Home schooling    10. Humorous Stories    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Social Issues - General    13. Social Issues - Special Needs    14. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

Wonderful for classroom use...
I first heard about this book in a teacher magazine, and sure enough, it became an instant favorite in my second- and third-grade classroom. This was no big surprise to me as my fourteen young students represent eight different nationalities among themselves! The book has sparked someinteresting conversations about feeling different and about arriving in anew country. Any early-grade classroom, but perhaps especially those inmulticultural and international schools, should have a copy of this book. Icannot recommend it highly enough!

beautiful book telling about being new/not speaking English
My co-worker introduced me to this gorgeous book that tells the story of a little girl who is new in the classroom and can't speak English.Sheexpresses her feelings by painting.However, the surprise is that theother side of the books is SPOKEN WORDS and she tells the story of her lifein Greece and having to leave her native land.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. People & Places - General    7. People & Places - United States - Other    8. School & Education    9. School stories    10. Schools    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Social Situations - Special Needs    13. Storytelling    14. Juvenile Fiction / Family / New Baby   

Reviews (21)

Historical Influence
I think what our friend "the lone dissenter" does not remember or realize is that Stratton-Porter's book, Freckles, and her subsequent book, A Girlof the Limberlost, is a product of her own life and the times in which she lived.It is not disgusting or elitist, but a report and example of how life was in the early 1900s.There were class differences and it was challenging for the 'low-born' people to believe they could rise above that.They didn't have our modern-day notion of arrogance and independence.I believe that Freckles and other books written by Gene Stratton-Porter are valuable as a piece of history as wel as for the literary content and unique storylines.

Simply wonderful
This book will stay with you long after you put it down.As always Gene Stratton-Porter has painted a very vivid picture for her readers.It is simple and easy to read and yet so fulfilling.

....hmmm....what a great book!
I love this book! Early teens and older should read this book. Learn what it means to love and to sacrifice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    3. Fiction    4. Indiana    5. Nature & the Natural World - General    6. Orphans    7. People with disabilities    8. Romance - Contemporary    9. Romance: Modern    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Swamps   

Reviews (10)

Nice book
This book is very nice, I like how the illustrator drew the pictures.

Helen Keller
Helen Keller is about a girl who was blind and deaf when they wanted to talk to her they made sign language on her palm of her hand. She could talk but when Helen's perents died she decided to not talk because she din't wanted to talk about her parents. This book also relates with Stewart and Polly Anne. They wrote this book when she made her self to be blind and deaf she got that sickness. Helen Keller Crusader of the Blind and Deaf
...I think Stewart and Polly Anne Graff the author of Helen Keller Crusader of the Blind and Deaf made a good book about her life. This book is about a girl that is deaf and blind after a month of her birth, she gets help from a lady that help's her understand word's. The book also talks about her life and how she succeeded in her life.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    3. Blind    4. Blind-deaf    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Deaf    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Juvenile Fiction / Biographical / United States   

Reviews (7)

Needs editing
It's compelling subject matter, but Abbott's editor at Little, Brown did him no favors.When you read this book, I recommend skipping Chapters 1 and 2.The book doesn't really begin until Chapter 3.

Wow!What a surprise.
I am an elementary school librarian who has been a fan of Tony Abbott's books for a while.The Secrets of Droon series have been just right for those readers between the easy chapter books and the "real" chapter books.However, the Secrets of Droon where pretty much just formulaic series that had little merit outside of a big fan base and a good reading level.
A warm account of disability and understanding
Tom and his seventh-grade classmates are used to newcomers at school, but Jessica is different: her shocking appearance evokes fear in the class until Tom develops a friendship with her which teaches him many new truths. FIREGIRL is a warm account of disability and understanding and also a warm story of evolving friendships.
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Subjects:  1. Catholic schools    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Coming of age    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Schools    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    10. Social Issues - Friendship    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Excellent for Kids
I have a 13 year old boy that has had trouble with behaviors for years.This book helps him understand that he is not the only one and talks to him in a way he can understand. We usually sit down and discuss his answers and this helps him stay focused. It also helps bring us closer together and opens the lines of communication.
Review from a Youngster
I like the way you can use a compliment or request sandwich.Somtimes I have somthing really important to say or ask somebody, but I just can't get the words out. Compliment or request sandwiches can help me do that.Just one thing though. I like mine with mayo.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Emotionally disturbed children    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Problem children    6. School & Education    7. Social Issues - Special Needs    8. Social Science - Psychology    9. Special needs & learning difficulties   

Reviews (2)

Spaaz Meets the Downers
"Accidents of Nature"
a thought-provoking and eye-opening novel
Seventeen-year-old Jean has always believed she is the same as everyone else, even though she has cerebral palsy and has to get around in a wheelchair. Jean goes to a normal high school, is in academic clubs, and likes to go to the movies with her friends. She has never known another person living with a disability until she goes to Camp Courage during the summer of 1970 and begins to see herself, and the world around her, in a whole new light. There she meets a whole community of other children and young adults living with various disabilities.
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Subjects:  1. Camps    2. Cerebral palsy    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. People with disabilities    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Social Issues - New Experience    11. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    12. Social Issues - Special Needs    13. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Special Needs   

Reviews (7)

Wrong message about education
I have a child with autism and his kindergarten year was much like Louis's.He was in a classroom learning nothing.Like Louis, the other students viewed him as more of a pet than a peer.
Great book for Kids
This book is a wonderful example of teaching children acceptance of children that have differing abilities. We purchased it for our Autism chapter library and I know it will be a hit.Children need to learn tolerance and acceptance in order to survive in this world of differing talents and abilities.

Excellent Title for Library and School Shelves
This is an excellent book for any library or school that is looking for books about inclusion and children with autism that DOESN'T LOOK OR FEEL OUTDATED!!One of the only books our public library has found that is both sympathetic and empowering for anyone that has an autistic friend.Definately get this one, an excellent resource for families and educators. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autism    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. School & Education    11. School stories    12. Schools    13. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Reviews (6)

Totally inaccurate book
Imagine a book in which Grandfather is a rabbi, Grandson is an alterboy, and they are described as "of the Quaker faith." You would still not be as far from the truth as this book. Sure it's a "heart-warming" tale. Many cultural inaccuracies are conveyed through heart-warming stories. For more detailed reference on the problems with this book, see:
Tell me the story again, Grandfather...
An Indian boy asks his Grandfather to tell him about the night he was born, and the Grandfather ties another knot in the counting rope. The night was windy, and when the boy was born, they thought he might die. The Grandfather took him outside and two blue horses came by and gave him their strength. The boy lived, but lives in darkness. He begs for a promise that his Grandfather will always be with him, to which the Grandfather replies, "I love you, boy; that is better than a promise!" A gentle story of love and blindness, with lovely illustrations make for a memorable book.

Knots on a Counting Rope
This book is a terrible representation of the Navajo Indians.None of the information that is in this book is a valid representation oftheir traditions. The information that we are teaching to our children from this book is false and very stereotypical. It should be taken out of every school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blind    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Family - Multigenerational    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Grandfathers    8. Indians of North America    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. People & Places - United States - Native American    11. Social Issues - Special Needs   

Reviews (7)

Walk Right In...
...to an excellent book about autism!
Keisha's Doors
Siblings of children with autism often struggle with understanding what autism is and why they don't have the same sibling relationship that their friends have with their brothers or sisters.Keisha's Doors and Marvie Ellis' Tacos Anyone? both offer a glimpse into the autistic child's world that a sibling can understand.I also like that Ellis used a therapist character in her books to illustrate how a sibling might try and interact with their autistic brother or sister.

A great pick for siblings of autistic children!
Once again the author,Marvie Ellis,has done a great job! There are so few books that are written for siblings of autistic children.Autism effects all members of the family and especially the relationship between siblings.This story brings to life real and true issues that families are faced with.I would also recommend "Taco's Anyone?" also written by Marvie Ellis,Definately is a must read!
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Subjects:  1. Autism    2. Autism in children    3. Child psychotherapy    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Special Needs    11. Spanish: Kindergarten    12. Autistic children    13. Spanish: Grades 1-2    14. Children's 4-8    15. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   

Editorial Review

Esmé Raji Codell, author of the bestselling Read more

Reviews (45)

Great Book!
This book reminded me why I teach.Each child is so special, even if others don't always see it.The author paints beautiful mind pictures with words that flow perfectly.I was impressed and am now a big fan!

Sahara's Sticker MG 311
I really liked the book Sahara Specialbecause I like a book that is sad and happy at the same time.Sahara is in special needs, because she writes letters to her father but doesn't send them.She is having a hard time with her work, because she doesn't really do it.I like it how she starts changing throughoutthe book.
a fabulous read for kids and adults alike
This book was chosen as a mother/daughter bookclub selection, and was easily the most favorite book we've read in years.The nutty and caring teacher in the story was enormously compelling to the children, and the underlying message of the narrative was right on the mark.Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Authorship    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. School & Education    8. Schools    9. Self-esteem    10. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Social Issues - Special Needs    12. Teacher-student relationships    13. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (10)

My son hated it.
It's just not that great. Borrow it at a library and see what you think before purchasing.

Until there is a better term, it's a great book anyway
Until there is a better term for Attention Deficit, that's the name kids have to deal with. This is a great book anyway because the child uses his "problem of paying too close attention to minute details" to find his way out of the woods in order to rescue his dad. He is the hero and not a problem child as such. We learn some about his problems and some solutions but this well written story puts us in his shoes in a very understanding and kind way. This reminds me of a new book, Whoa Wiggle-worm by Betsy B. Lee. It discusses kind and unkind nicknames in an entertaining story showing a child learning self-control. A diagnosis is not given. The child might not be ADD or ADHD. The label is beside the point. I hope both books are in print for a very long time.

AD/HDfrom a kids point of view
I am outnumbered by ADD/HD family members & this kid sounds just like one of them!While I would prefere that doctors quite calling it a deficit, like there is something "wrong" with this personality type, I am NOT against medication.Most ADD people are VERY lovable & so smart, great problem solvers too.They have a lot going for them, but I have seen the use of drugs DRAMATICALLY improve their lives!When they can focus watch out!To see their self esteem soar because they CAN excell is a real blessing.So I'm glad the author included getting medication in the story.Some kids have diabetes & require medication, they are not looked down upon as inferior, nor should the child taking medication for ADD.Overall, it was a good story, opening up the world of ADD from a child's standpoint. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Family & Relationships    3. Health/Fitness    4. Learning Disabilities    5. Reference    6. Social Issues - Special Needs    7. Family & Health    8. Fiction   

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Learning disabled children    5. Reading    6. Reading disability    7. Remedial teaching    8. Special Education - General    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    10. Special needs & learning difficulties   

Reviews (1)

First book my dyslexic 11-year old son has read by himself
My son and I have read the first 3 books in the Hank Zipzer series together.We enjoyed each one, especially the underlying theme of hope for children who learn differently.This fourth book, was the turning point where my son actually is reading the book alone.If I could contact Mr. Winkler I would like to thank him for being such a great role model for kids who are bright and creative but have difficulties in areas that the rest of us take for granted.The print is large and the vocabulary is not overwhelming yet the stories are fun and meaningful for the tween age group.We can't wait for the 5th book to come out in May 2004. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Humorous Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. School & Education    7. School stories    8. Schools    9. Social Issues - Special Needs    10. Softball    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (7)

Perfect for DS families
I bought this book for my daughter, also named Emma, when her brother was unexpectedly born with Down syndrome a year ago. The book accuately describes the feelings my husband and I were feeling, and the concerns I'm sure Emma will have when Jake gets older. (She's only 3 now, but already knows there is something different about her best playmate) From the moment we first read it to her, it became her favorite book. She calls it her "special book" and asks us to read it to her often. I even have had mothers at church borrow it so they can read it to their children to explain to them what Down syndrome is, and how Jake will be affected.
Fun story, great content, but not a total winner with my daughter (she's a tough critic :^)
We bought this story because our 5 year old daughter is a little jealous of the time we spend with our 17 month old daughtter who has DS. I read it to both of them and they really enjoyed it; nice colors, good story, good connection. However, the five year old never asks me to read it to her. Though she doesn't mind if I volunteer to read it, it is just never HER pick. Nice sotry though and good integration of two siblings. Helps the older sibling understand a little more about why their sibling has DS, where it comes from, and other good questions.

Best book for this age group
Six year old Emma isn't very happy about the idea of having a new brother or sister but when Emma and her dad start thinking of all the things that they can do with the new baby, Emma becomes excited at the prospect of being a big sister. When her dad comes home and tells Emma that her new brother, Isaac, has Down syndrome, Emma worries that he won't be able to do any of the fun things that she has imagined. As Emma and her dad think back over all the things they wanted to do with the new baby, they realize together that as long as they are patient and helped him when he needed it, there wasn't anything he couldn't do. This is a reassuring story for young children bewildered by Down syndrome and what it means for their relationship with their new sibling. This is truly a wonderful story. Your child will ask you why you are crying after you read it to them. Of all the books for this age group, this book is by far the best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Down syndrome    5. Family - Siblings    6. Fiction    7. Health & Daily Living - General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mentally handicapped    10. People with mental disabilitie    11. People with mental disabilities    12. Readers - Beginner    13. Social Issues - Special Needs