Customer Reviews

My Best Friend Will

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book about the frienship between two children, one who has autism, one who doesn't, is touching and beautiful. To look at this book in the catalogue or online doesn't do it justice, but when you hold it in your hands you will find it is incredibly unique. The black and white photos of Jamie and her friend, Will, will make you wish you had a friendship like that as a child because you can see the acceptance and caring they have for each other. And the fun! The message is in equal measure as succesful in conveying what it is to be a friend as the pictures are. It explains characteristics of autism in a simple way that is easy for children and adults to understand. This is a book of inclusion, of acceptance, of loving each other for who you are as an individual. As a parent of children with autism the beauty of this message makes me cry. I wish for friends like the 11 year old author, Jamie, for my children. I'm going to read this book to my children's classmates, but I won't loan it out. It's one of those keepers I want to be perfectly selfish with! However, I did purchase a second copy for the library. I'm already thinking ahead to Christmas, it would make a perfect gift, not only for the parents of childen with autism, and teachers, but for ALL children. It is such a powerful message that both children and adults will find this book endearing.

Kristi Sakai, parent of 3 with Asperger Syndrome and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

This is a wonderful introduction to autism for children. I am a school pyschologist and use it in a Kindergarten-2 grade elementary school to begin a discussion about autism with the children. The black and white pictures are expressive and sweet. The text was written by a 10 year old girl about her friendship with a child who has autism. It is told in simple, informative language and is sensitively written. It is a great discussion starter and has done wonders in my school building to begin relationships between typically developing children and children on the autistic spectrum.

Jamie, the 11-year-old narrator talks about being friends with Will, who has autism. These beautiful photographs will certainly move all readers regardless of age.

Jamie accepts Will unconditionally; he does not have to jump through any hoops or pass any tests with her. I like the way Jamie talks about the fun she and Will have together; this will hearken to mind Peralta's book about her brother, Evan.

I just love the inclusion that is so much a part of the friendship of these two children; I just love the overall tone of this book. As someone who has an invested interest in autism, the author deserves special kudos for portraying autism in a logical, clear and straightforward way that promotes tolerance. Hats off to this book! I am going to ask my library to order a copy of this book. I also feel educators will get a lot out of it as well. This is a good companion book to Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book

Their friendship makes me think of the Cole Porter classic, "Friendship." They have beautifully demonstrated that "while other friendships go up in smoke, ours will still be oak, rah da da da da, be beepoom baa."

I am a special education teacher, and My Best Friend Will is a great story about having friends with Austism Spectrum Disorder. It can be a great tool for teaching disablity awareness in classrooms. The book also illustrates the importance of creating an inclusive atmosphere in schools starting with Integrated Play Groups. As an added plus, the pictures are amazing!

I found this book heart breaking only because I wish that my son had a Jamie in his life. We all are happier when we have a friend or friends in our life yet people with Aspergers Syndrome often go without this blessing.

The story of the friendship that is kindled by these two amazing children is beautiful and the photography is
lovely, insightful and fun. There is valuable additional about Autism and talking about Autism included in the book.
A perfect book for anyone who is ever asked the question "What is Autism"?

We have 3 children ages 7,5 and 2 1/2. Our 2 1/2 year old was just diagnosed with autism and we were having a hard time explaining it to our other children, mainly our 5 year old. I had been a kindergarten teacher for 15 years and had children with special needs in my class almost every year, but when it comes to every day family, it was more difficult to explain. Many books are over his head and just too wordy. This book finally helped talk about how our son is different, but still a wonderful, loving child that we can enjoy just like every other person in the world. Well worth the money.