Way to Go, Alex (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) [Hardcover]

Robin Pulver (Author), Elizabeth Wolf (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Series: Concept Books (Albert Whitman)

Carly learns a lot about Alex, her mentally disabled older brother, as he trains for and competes in the Special Olympics.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Pulver has lost her usual deft touch in this story of a young boy's efforts in the Special Olympics. Carly longs for something to brag about and celebrate, but her brother has mental retardation and can't do things like most other kids. During the 50-meter dash, he stops short of the finish line, thinking that the ribbon means he should stop. In the end, Carly sees that Alex had the courage to try. The writing is stiff and almost self-conscious. The illustrations are stiff as well, and don't really show Alex as anything but slightly clumsy. As a result, both Carly's learning experience and her brother's victory have a hollow feel to them.
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Carly feels the dual emotions that many siblings of special-needs children may feel. She's frustrated with her older brother, Alex, whose "brain doesn't work," and is ashamed of her feelings. When her parents enroll Alex in three events in the upcoming Special Olympics, Carly helps him train, then cheers him on despite her pessimism. Pulver brings the story to a fair and realistic conclusion, creating in Carly a character who is genuinely loving but also sometimes puzzled and discouraged. Wolf's pictures, in intense but softly layered colors, reflect the warmth of the family as well as the excitement of the big day when the Special Olympics take place. A book that will fill a need for materials on disabilities and is a solid story in its own right. Susan Dove Lempke

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807515833
• ISBN-13: 978-0807515839
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #366,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouragement and Acceptance, September 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Way to Go, Alex (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Hardcover)

I frequently look for positive ways to talk about my son's special needs with his sister. She sometimes has a tough time accepting his differences. "Way to Go, Alex" is a great way to open the conversation about trying to do our best, and being proud of what we can achieve. This story helps my daughter understand that feelings of frustration can be turned around to a more positive approach to the challenges she faces having a brother with learning and physical disabilities. The story accurately depicts how difficult it is for a child to understand and cope with a sibling's disabilities. It is a wonderful introduction to Special Olympics. I hope many parents share the story with their children and discuss how important an encouraging, supportive, and accepting community is for people of all abilities.