Customer Reviews

Trevor Trevor

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

 

 

This is a nicely-designed and well-put together quality paperback book, in a style that's suitable for use in the classroom. The publisher (Starfish Press) has done a beautiful job. The author has done a beautiful job, as well, by providing a readable, youth-directed story -- which itself, takes place in a school ("Forest County Elementary"), among a class of second-graders and their sensitive, caring teacher. The protagonist child, Trevor("Trevor," is a methaphor for children)is different from his classmates, and, as suggested by the author in the book's Preface, has an autistic-spectrum (or similar) disorder. The child in the story, however, can be ANY child that has trouble "fitting in," with his/her peers, (not just a child with autism or PDD)as is the author's intent. As the story progresses, it provides various illuminating scenarios and descriptions of some of Trevor's social problems and differences, as encountered in the classroom setting. In the end, the story (and Trevor) celebrates Trevor's differences, and his classmates see him in a different, positive light. He is proclaimed the classroom "hero" for having won the class it's "Puzzlemania" competition with another competing school. Thus, Trevor's strengths are emphasized, and his peculiarities diminished. As this is a book designed to be read to children by adults, I found the story to be too lengthy. The story itself spans 33 pages, which I believe would be rather unwieldy for any teacher to present to a young elementary-school class at one sitting. The story and audience are better served if "Trevor, Trevor" is read in two or three sittings (unless, perhaps, the teacher-storyteller chose to abbreviate portions of the story prior to reading it aloud, while exercising care to not dilute or significantly change content or meaning). This selection lends itself well to class discussion and analysis. This book could also be used as a "take off" for a social skills group, or perhaps incorporated in materials used by speech/lanugage-/communication pathologists in the school setting. I believe this book is very worthwhile to read and to use in the classroom setting. It could greatly benefit the children to whom it is read -- school populations of regular and "included" students. Additionally, the two, sturdy cardboard "paperdolls" of Trevor (one with happy expression, the other with sad expression), provided at the back of the book, can be used to further illustrate and emphasize key points. Again, the story's major (really, ONLY) setback is it's long length, as it is intended to be read aloud to an elementary school class. My 7-yr-old son has Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD, and I bought this book to share with his school class, guidance counselor, and parent resource center.

I thought the author did a very nice job showing Trevor's Autism without labeling him. My son has Asperger Syndrome and I bought this book for his teacher to read to his class. I'm hoping it helps the other children to understand my son better. How ever I felt the book was a little long for the younger grades.

This is a great book to teach children about understanding differences! I read this book to my first grade class which included a boy with high functioning Asperger's Syndrome and they loved it! At the end of the book they all cheered as Trevor, who is bullied early on in the story, ends up as the hero. After reading this book to the class I asked them to draw and write about what they thought the message was of the story. Almost every child wrote about the importance of understanding and accepting differences. I was amazed by their response and how clearly the message had gotten through.

I think the author did a very nice job with the subject with out labeling Trevor as having Autism. My son has Asperger Syndrome and I am going to give this book to his teacher to read to the class. I am hoping it will help the other children in the class to understand my son a little better. The book how ever is a little long for the younger grades.

"Trevor, Trevor" is a beautifully illustrated and gently told story about a young boy with a form of autism. The writing is clear and direct and is certainly appropriate for just about any age group.

The story is set in Forest County Elementary. These second graders have an especially kind and perceptive teacher, Ms. Grayley. The premise of Trevor is to illustrate the point of how a peer who lacks social skills is noted for his differences by his peers instead of his strengths. Ms. Grayley knows Trevor is a bright boy and is determined to help him find a way to shine.

Their school has an annual competition with another elementary school in their county. Each child laments how Forest loses to the other school each year. Ms. Grayley challenges the students to come up with an activity that is different from the athletic events in years past. This is the time to make a difference - Forest is up at bat to make that decision!

Ms. Grayley lets the children make suggestions and gives them an open forum. Trevor remains silent and on the periphery of the group. Ms. Grayley notices Trevor's social difficulties in relating to peers; his aversion for touching sticky substances such as glue and his sensitivity to loud noises. While the words "autism" and "Asperger's" are never used, Trevor clearly appears to be on the spectrum.

The class does indeed come up with an activity and Trevor is the one who leads his class team to victory! Another feature that makes this beautifully illustrated book so distinct is that there are two cut out figures of Trevor in different moods. This is a good way of helping all children, neurotypical and on the spectrum alike identify emotions and what might cause a person to feel and respond the way they do.

This one is truly a masterpiece and an ideal companion book to Captain Tommy. Captain Tommy

Good book overall, except the illustrations on this book make it a difficult read for children who actually have these difficulties.
Using real life photos and images are much better as it is difficult for these kids to decipher meaning from the photos if they are too abstract.