What I Found and Similarities Between Them

When finding books dealing with autism for children, I found more challenges and struggles than I ever imagined I would come across. I found multiple recommendations from trustworthy sources, but when I tried to find the books, it became a challenge. The local library carried only one title and bookstores where either hit or miss with many of them. After hours of researching books and tracking them down, I was left with three books that I would include in my own diverse library for autism. These books are “Ian’s Walk” by Laurie Lears, “Andy and His Yellow Frisbee” by Mary Thompson and “Rules” by Cynthia Lord. I preferred these books over others for many reasons but I found similarities between the three of them.
The first similarity that is most obvious is the fact that all three stories are told from an older sisters point of view. All of the sisters have a younger brother with autism. This ends up being a positive factor in all of the stories because it shows that even though the child has a disability, they still have a normal brother and sister relationship. At times they get frustrated and mad at each other but no matter what, the sisters always figure out that they will always love their brother. It shows how some children deal with extra challenges but despite the extra work, they still care greatly for their sibling. I did think it was interesting that all of the autistic characters were boys. This is a great way to show readers that even if someone may appear to be different they are more likely just as “normal” as them.
The other similarity throughout all three books was the simplicity of explaining autism for the readers. This was one of the factors I based my choices on. I believe that if this book is to be included in a diverse library, it should have a purpose. For autism, that purpose is to explain the disability in a charismatic way that is easy for children to understand. In “Ian’s Walk” Laurie Lears explains how we may see something one way or hear something one way but Ian sees or hears things differently. She gives simple examples of this which is great for young readers. In “Rules” the narrator explains throughout the story how David’s brain works. She explains how thinking this way causes him to act differently and gives good examples of him acting out. In “Andy and His Yellow Frisbee” Mary Thompson explains tantrums in a way that is easy for other children to understand. She simply shows how it sometimes seems as though Andy is in his own world and he himself gets frustrated he cannot leave it. Mary Thompson was careful in explaining this though as to not cause pity for Andy, but rather explained it in a compassionate voice.
When choosing the final three books, I was careful to pick books that did not pity or feel bad for the character with autism in any point. In all three books the character is shown to be similar to others and loved just as much. Never in any of the books does the author belittle the character, but rather more likely empowers them. In all three books, the story offers lessons of acceptance.
These books may have been better choices over others also for their authenticity of the characters. Each book was written by an insider. All three were written by mothers of children with disabilities. I believe that because of this, the authors could convey a very realistic story. All of these situations are plausible and all of the characters have realistic emotions and reactions. I feel that the realism of each story and situation work for the better in each book. Children can relate better to their own lives and began to learn about acceptance.