Title : Spaghetti is Not A Finger Food and Other Life lessons
Author : Jodi Charmichael
Genre: children
Rating : 3 stars
Book blurb
In this humorous chapter book about an eight-year-old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome, Connor struggles to make his way through a typical school day. In his attempt to be as cool as everyone else, he leaves a hilarious trail of destruction. But, by the end of the day, and despite many miscommunications and misunderstandings, Connor realizes that he is exactly as cool as he is supposed to be. “In a story that delights while offering insight into how a child with Asperger’s processes his school environment, Jodi Carmichael has captured a bright and honest voice in Connor. Readers will most certainly be charmed by him, and want to talk with him about dogs.” ~ Anita Daher, author of Racing for Diamonds and Spider’s Song “Jodi Carmichael does an excellent job in portraying a young boy, Connor, in the daily experience of having Asperger Syndrome with a focus on his strengths and abilities, while also showing the difficulties he faces. It educates, providing an awareness and understanding for both children with AS and their peers.” ~ Charlene Walberg, President of Asperger Manitoba Inc. & parent of child with Asperger Syndrome “Using humor, warmth and understanding, Jodi Carmichael has done a wonderful job of bringing to life some of the common daily challenges and strengths of a child with Asperger Syndrome. Through the thoughts of her hero, Connor, and the book’s many charming illustrations, parents, teachers, and fellow students will be enlightened while entertained.” ~ April Buchanan, Ph.D., C.Psych., Educational PsychologistMy thought
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. Autism is often described as a 'spectrum disorder' because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees
Asperger syndrome is mostly a 'hidden disability'. This means that you can't tell that someone has the condition from their outward appearance. People with the condition have difficulties in three main areas. They are:
- social communication
- social interaction
- social imagination.
This book has quite an interesting writing style. The story is fun, and easy to follow. The story kept me interested and audibly laughing all the way through. I fell in love with Connor's honesty and desire to share his passion with everyone he meets on his journey
If anything read it for that reason. It is written as from in side the mind of the autistic boy who is narrating. Once I figured that out, it made much more sense, and a great view point to look at from his mind and the world around him. Even if you have never met anyone with Aspergers, you must have had an encountered someone with a different way of seeing the world and communicating
This will be a fun book for children to read on their own. The character and the story will keep them engaged and laughing until the end
