Book Reviews

Book #1
Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different

Autism is difficult enough for grown-ups to understand! So when kids cross paths with an autistic child-whether it be in the classroom, around the neighborhood or on a trip to the local grocery store-you can imagine the anxiety and confusion that results. In Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different, Meagan Church bridges the gap between children with regular development and those challenged with the influence of autism. The narrative subtly introduces kids to the unique characteristics of the autistic child, the colorful illustrations engage early readers, and the concluding vocabulary list clears up confusing terms for moms and dads. Whether your family deals with autism daily or has yet to see its effect up close doesn't really matter: Unique as Pete offers entertainment and education for everyone!

Dr. Mike, host of PediaCast: A Pediatric Podcast For Parents
www.pediacast.org

Book #1
Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different

As a speech-language pathologist who services students in the public schools, I witness first-hand the many challenges of students with autism spectrum diagnoses.  In the past ten years, there has been quite a substantial increase in the number of children affected with autism.  Because of the rising number of cases or the "epidemic" of autism, awareness of the disorders has also increased across the world, however, there is much still to be learned.  One of the many difficulties for many children with autism is the decreased ability to communicate their feelings, needs and wants to others.  Often, these children do not read social cues very well or behave as most children typically do.  The result of the lack of communication and social skills, along with the increase of sensory and thus behavior issues, often leads to great misunderstanding of these children in their communities.  I am excited about the Appreciating Autism book series because it is geared toward increasing understanding of the autism spectrum disorders.  The books can be used to provide parents, siblings, teachers, classmates and others with a child friendly way to open discussion that will enable more understanding of the disorders, and especially the understanding that children with autism are more like other children than they are different.  

Ramona S. Brown-Lucas, MA, CCC-SLP
Fishers, IN

Review from

Book #1
Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different

Creating Informed Little Ones - July 17, 2008
I commend this book for creating an informational tool that does not present Autism as something for a child to worry about; at the same time, it does not talk down to them. It creates an opportunity to talk to your child both about differences and similarities between themselves and Pete. Every child can relate to things like having their favorite foods, favorite toys, wanting to play alone sometimes, or perhaps forgetting their own strength from time to time. It is not only a good tool to help children better understand those they may already know with Autism, but should be considered by any family hoping that if their child is ever exposed to Autism, that they approach it with understanding and compassion.  

Stephanie Rizk 'all things being equal'
Chicago, IL

Review from

Book #1
Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different

Wonderful Book - May 22, 2008
This book does a great job of explaining autism in a way that children can understand. The most important point that the author makes is that we are all unique and people with autism are too. This book cultivates kids to accept and befriend autistic kids. I would recommend that every classroom and school library have a copy to share.

Alicia Gantz
Indiana


Review from

Book #1
Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different

Great Jon on "Unique as Pete", May 1 2008
What a great learning tool to use to education children about Autism. It is fun, easy to read, and the illustrations are very eye catching. This book would make a wonderful addition to any child's library, and is a must for all local and school libraries. Grandparents, why not pick up a book for each of your grandchildren.
Keep up the good work!

Katherine Casper "A Grandma"
Indiana

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