Ben Has Something to Say: A Story About Stuttering (Concept Books (Albert Whitman)) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Karen Ritz (Illustrator) "Ben was a good reader, but he did not like to read aloud at school..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5-Ben and his dad visit a junkyard every Friday to get car parts. There the boy befriends the guard dog, Spike. Week after week, he tries to communicate with the owner about taking better care of the animal, but he's too ashamed to speak because of his stutter. Finally, after a break-in, the owner threatens to get rid of the dog because he is too friendly, and Ben finds the courage to ask if he can buy him. As the boy goes home with Spike, readers know that he has gained a little self-confidence. The illustrations realistically represent the situations, conveying the junkyard setting, Ben's reluctance to speak, and the growing attachment between the child and the dog. The book has a foreword for adults and lists additional resources, including organizations and Web sites. This inspirational story will be invaluable for children who stutter or who know someone who does.
Kate McLean, Dekalb County Public Library, Tucker, GA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"This inspirational story will be invaluable for children who stutter or who know someone who does." -- School Library Journal,

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Shen's Books (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807506338
• ISBN-13: 978-0807506332
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #452,423 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ben is a clever boy, August 17, 2003

By	Bonnie Sayers "autismfamily" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I especially liked the illustrations in this book. The reader gets to observe from a distance the delightful play between Ben and Spike, as well as the concerned look on Mr. Wayne when contemplating why Ben is never talking. I enjoyed observing the maneuvers Ben cooked up in an attempt to avoid talking. The concern that Ben showed for the dog increased as the weeks went by, drawing the reader into this blossoming friendship.

One aspect in the text of the book was a bit different to me. Each time a comma was placed on the page it was followed with a period. I tried not to let it distract me, but I did find myself trying to copy the format when taking notes. Basically the period was on top of the comma, making them look like one character of text. I am not sure why this was done, maybe a signature style for the author.

As far as books go about teaching children on issues relating to disorders I did not feel this book did that great a job. I was impressed more by the illustrations than the neat story that had the happy ending, if only it were this easy to overcome stuttering for a child.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT, MOVING BOOK, March 16, 2001

By	liz bradford (NYC) - See all my reviews

I really enjoyed this book- it is thoughtful and simply well-written. Animal-loving children will love it too! i also liked the fact that the book takes place in a middle-class millieu- the average 'non-yuppie' child will identify with it easily.