Customer Reviews

The Friendship Puzzle: Helping Kids Learn About Accepting and Including Kids with Autism

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I took this book to my afterschool program which has both typical and special needs children in it and I read this book to them and wow you should have seen the lightbulbs come on...Its great to teach typical children the why's and why nots when it comes to children with autism. My class loved it!! I highly encourage anyone who has a special person in thier lives to get this book..

As part of on autism outreach initiative, I have been able to go into schools to educate children about friendship and autism... helping kids look at their similarities instead of their differences; their abilities rather than disabilities. As part of this program, I often read this book aloud to children of all ages. There are many great autism books that help children learn about kids with autism and encourage friendships. I have found that this book really helps connect the students with characters and their feelings. The kids "wonder why" Dylan (who has ASD) does the things he does. MacKenzie Mackabee is that kind of kid who wants to be his friend, despite some differences. And once she gets a grasp on "how all the pieces fit," she helps her friends understand that Dylan may not be able to talk or interact as they do, but he is still a kid - a person who wants to have friends and have fun. The book is about doing the right thing, seeing the good in people, understanding and accepting differences, giving people a chance, making friends, and more. The scenario takes place within the classroom and playground environments so it is very familiar. In my presentations, the children and the teachers have loved the book. It's a must for school (and public) libraries. And it's a wonderful classroom or library read-aloud to engage in meaningful discussion. Great writing by Julie Coe. I thought the illustrations worked beautifully with the text (Illustrator - Sandra Brassel). In the words of the author, "Together we will make a difference."