Andy and His Yellow Frisbee [Hardcover]

Mary Thompson (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This heartwarming story introduces young readers to autism, a disability that can be particularly confusing for those who know little about it. Mary Thompson, author My Brother, Matthew brings her charming story alive with vivid watercolours. 'Around and around went the frisbee. Around and around and around, all recess long.' Sarah, the new girl at school, is curious about why Andy spins his yellow frisbee every day by himself on the playground. In fact, Andy's seeming fascination for objects in motion is characteristic of his autism. When Sarah tries to talk to Andy in the playground, Rosie, Andy's older sister, watches and worries about how her brother may react. Rosie knows that Andy is in his own world most of the time, and that he has trouble finding the words to express himself. Though he doesn't talk to her, Sarah thinks she understands why Andy spins things so much. And Rosie is relieved to see that her brother doesn't need her protection. She's hopeful about Andy's next encounter with Sarah.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--A sympathetic view of childhood autism from a young person's point of view. Sarah, a new girl at school, sees Andy by himself on the playground and is curious about his preoccupation with spinning a yellow frisbee. His sister Rosie watches Andy protectively from her soccer game and is fearful that the new girl will disturb his fragile composure. As Rosie thinks of Andy's problem, she explains autism to readers. Soft, watercolor illustrations reinforce the tenderness that Rosie feels toward her brother. There is none of the cruelty or lack of acceptance sometimes encountered by children with disabilities just because they are "different." At the end of the book, Thompson offers factual information about autism, its different degrees and characteristics. Andy is a book that will help youngsters see how those with special needs may be different but deserve tolerance and kindness just like all children do. A brief list for further reading offers other titles about autism from this publisher.

Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A wonderful story, viewing autism through the eyes of children, and paralleling the behaviors and feelings of children with autism with their classmates and siblings. A valuable resource for every elementary school library."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; 1 edition (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933149832
• ISBN-13: 978-0933149830
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Law > Specialties > Disability

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Autism and Children's Picture Books, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Andy and His Yellow Frisbee (Hardcover)

In the school playground an autistic boy named Andy is closely watched by his sister while a new girl, Sarah, attempts to befriend him. However, Andy's autistic behaviours and communication difficulties make it impossible for Sarah to make a friend of him. Through the eyes of children the author works hard to explain autism in simple terms. However, the book is somewhat wordy and it lacks the kind of literary style that captures the interest of children. Nevertheless, fictional picture books about autism are small in number and this book is useful for teachers and parents who wish to use fiction as a starting point for discussing autism with children. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disturbing ending, August 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Andy and His Yellow Frisbee (Hardcover)

I found the content of this book to be excellent, particularly for older children. That is, until I got to the last page or so. As an educator of children with autism I found the ending quite disturbing. The sister in the story explains autism very sweetly to the girl, then takes the girl away from her brother to play with her herself. The book seemed to me to indirectly teach children that if you come across a child with autism it is best to ignore them because they have no interest in you. A much more appropriate ending would in fact be to have the sister teach the girl how to interact with her brother appropriately.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A stereotypical view of autism, April 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Andy and His Yellow Frisbee (Hardcover)

As a parent of an autistic son, I was very disappointed that this book was an example of one face of autism only; that of an aloof, non-verbal child who spins. It would be quite beneficial and helpful in a classroom with a non-verbal autistic child. For parents searching for a book to share with siblings, I would recommend something else.