Russell Is Extra Special : A Book About Autism [Hardcover]

Charles A. Amenta (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Photographs and text provide a realistic, unsentimental view of life with an autistic child.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- A third-person photo-essay about an autistic child. After a preface for adults, Amenta introduces readers to his son, Russell, and the rest of his family, showing their lives, both the good and bad sides. The portrait that emerges shows the difficulties Russell has, such as screaming and crying for no reason, the desire to be alone, and his play habits. While there is a discussion about Russell's going to school, the author, a medical doctor, does not give specific information on how he is being educated there, and there is no mention of the recent use of computers by autistic children. Regardless, and despite the fact that the black-and-white photographs are a bit grainy, the book is a good introduction to the subject, especially when Amenta tries to clarify some general notions about autism. The brief list of sources and other materials is also helpful. --Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The Amentas have not only given Russell a place in their family, but with their book they have given all the Russells a place in this world. -- William Christopher, actor ["Father Mulcahy" on M*A*S*H], father of an autistic son and author of Mixed Blessings

Very well done and well illustrated...A valuable contribution. -- Bernard Rimland, Autism Research Institute

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Magination Press (May 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945354436
• ISBN-13: 978-0945354437
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,253,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive photographs of a family affected by autism., June 16, 2001

By 

Carol Watkins "Psychiatrist" (Parkton, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Russell Is Extra Special: A Book about Autism for Children (Paperback)

This book describes Russell, a boy affected by autism. It uses Russell's particular story as a jumping off point to describe some other aspects of autism. This is not a book about mild autism. It shows the difficulties and the rewards of dealing with a child who has significant challenges.

I liked the fact that this book is illustrated with photographs of a real child and his family. The illustrations clearly convey the caring bond between Russell, his parents and his siblings. Sometimes photographs can be more evocative than even the most sensitive drawings.

Carol E. Watkins, M.D.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for Family Members, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Russell Is Extra Special: A Book about Autism for Children (Paperback)

I found this book extremely helpful in educating my family about my son's diagnosis. Not only did my younger nieces and nephews enjoy the book, but it was a simple and straight forward way of explaining austism to adults as well. This book contains many pictures and and describes how Russell can be a happy child and brother, and yet be very different. My original copy is out on loan and I will be ordering another.

29 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Broke my heart!, October 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Russell Is Extra Special: A Book about Autism for Children (Paperback)

As the parent of a child with autism, I was very excited by the possibilies this book offered. There is limited availability of books for children on autism. I was saddened though as a I read this book and looked into Russell's eyes. The pictures made him seem so isolated from his family and the world. All children have gifts and this book did not share Russells' gifts. It did not make me want to know Russell only feel sorry for him. My son's brother did not want this book read to his classmates as it would make them feel sorry for his brother.