Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-Year-Old Boy's Story in His Own Words [Paperback]

Dylan Peters (Author), Paul Howey (Editor), Zachary Wendland (Illustrator)

Book Description

Dylan Peters has lived with Tourette Syndrome more than half of his young life. Only four years old when he was first diagnosed with TS, Dylan is now nine and ready to enter the fourth grade. What he's learned about tolerance and acceptance during those five years, most of us fail to learn in an entire lifetime. In his own words--often humorous, always insightful--Dylan helps others, young and old, understand Tourette Syndrome and the enormous pressures this little, mysterious affliction places on those who have it and on those who love them. Illustrated by Dylan's friend, Zachary Wendland.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...an insightful, entertaining, and educational look at a young child with Tourette Syndrome. This story will open the reader's eyes and heart to what living with this syndrome is like for children and adults. ... Dylan shifts the reader's focus from emphasizing Tourette Syndrome toward the broader focus of coping with a major challenge. ...Bravo, Dylan Peters!Susan Newman, Second Grade Teacher, Brougham Elementary School, Olathe, Kansas; Dylan Peters has created a marvelous book which tells his story about having Tourette Syndrome and dealing with its challenges. ... Dylan's firsthand account of his experiences conveys information that is meaningful to young students and builds a foundation for understanding and sensitivity. Brian Lowe, Principal, Brougham Elementary School, Olathe, Kansas, has given kids something to talk about. He has done an amazing job of putting the words into kid language. After children read this book, they will better understand Tourette's and what it is like to be a little different. Nice work Dylan, you hit it on the money! Brad Cohen, Author of Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had. Tic Talk by third grade student Dylan Peters is a wonderful book that can teach people of all ages about the challenges that go along with Tourette Syndrome. This book is not only a reflection of a gifted student writer, but also a deeply personal account of his experiences with the disorder. Dylan mixes humor with reality to create an inspirational story for all. Laura Orscheln-Smith, Counselor, Brougham Elementary School, Olathe, Kansas; What a wonderful inspiration for children and parents. This should read by all parents and children who receive the diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome. I will share with everyone who walks in the door! --Becky Ottinger, Executive Director, Joshua Child and Family Development Center

From the Publisher

A third grader writes about Tourette Syndrome. His book reveals a maturity and wisdom far beyond his years.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. It most often strikes youngsters between the ages of six and nine. Dylan Peters was diagnosed with TS when he was only four.

With Dylan, the TS began as it most often does, with facial tics, head jerking, and protracted blinking of the eyes. These repetitive motions (sometimes accompanied by vocal sounds such as gurgling or repeating words and phrases) understandably attract a lot of unwanted attention. The emotional impact on those with TS can be staggering. They have no control whatsoever over the tics and vocalizations; neither can they avoid the stares and whispered comments.

Dylan understands all too well. For a long time, he wanted his family to keep his TS a secret, afraid that it would make him the object of ridicule among his classmates.

His mother told him, "If life gives you a lemon, make lemonade." Dylan realized she was right. "When I thought about it," he says, "I could see that things really could be a whole lot worse."

With his family's and his teacher's support, Dylan decided to speak to his classmates about his TS. It went better than he ever could have hoped. The whole experience gave him the idea of writing a book for other kids with TS.

Dylan, who is about to enter the fourth grade, is the author of Tic Talk--Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-year-old boy's story in his own words. In it, he shares what he has learned of tolerance and acceptance during the five years he's had TS. In a style that is often humorous and always insightful, Dylan helps others, young and old, understand TS and the enormous pressures this little-understood affliction places on those who have it and on those who love them.

"Dylan has done what most of us would not even think of doing, especially at such a young age," writes Jim Eisenreich in his foreword to Tic Talk. "He's had the questions, but instead of waiting for the answers, he went ahead and made his own," adds Eisenreich, a former Major League Baseball player. Eisenreich, too, has suffered from Tourette Syndrome since he was a child.

The book is filled with heartwarming illustrations, all done by Dylan's friend, Zachary Wendland. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 50 pages
• Publisher: Little Five Star; 3 edition (July 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589851625
• ISBN-13: 978-1589851627
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #91,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching lesson for kids and adults, January 11, 2007

By 

K. Meyers "Avid Reader" (Kansas City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-Year-Old Boy's Story in His Own Words (Hardcover)

This story more than just explains TS, which it does well. It is an honest account of a child's journey to find courage, a lesson that applies to all of us regardless of age or obstacles. Rewarding read!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cedar Creek Elementary Review, January 24, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-Year-Old Boy's Story in His Own Words (Hardcover)

I had a great time listening to your story it was fascinating.
I really recommend this book to anyone! I learned alot about TS.
I thought he was brave to go to school.
I learned a lot about teasing and kindness.
I liked your book, it teaches a very important lesson about acceptance.
I think it is a good thing to share your problems with your friends and teachers. True friends like you for who you are.
Mrs. Cochran's second class
Mrs Giebler-Counselor

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book any child with TS can relate to, January 29, 2008

By 

C. Baker "skye" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tic Talk: Living with Tourette Syndrome: A 9-Year-Old Boy's Story in His Own Words (Hardcover)

This is a really excellent book. My 7 year old daughter has TS and for the first time is understanding she is not alone. She is starting to become worried what others will think of her Tourette's and I know that Dylan's story will help her tremendously. I am going to share it with her teacher and maybe share it with the classroom, as Dylan did in the story showing his amazing courage. This book will help children accept the differences in others.

Thank you Dylan and God Bless!!