Russell's World

Russell's World

Author: Charles A. Amenta

Genre: Non Fiction

Ages: 5-8 years

Themes: Special Needs, Autism

Summary: This is the true story of a nine year old boy named Russell. He is the younger brother of two boys and the story explores how Russell navigates through the world of autism. It demonstrates how he learns from his brothers and how they learn from him.

Pre-Reading Activity: Pair students up and give them the task to make a list of what they know about each other and what they learn from each other. Talk about as a class how everyone is different and each person has something to teach others. 

Post-Reading Activity: Have a brief discussion about what students learned about autism from the book. Engage students in an activity to create posters to raise awareness about autism. 

Reflection: This is a phenomenal book to use with young students to introduce them to autism or expand any previous discussions about differences in people. The language is simple enough to understand and use in primary grades. 

About the Author: 

Charles A. Amenta

Charles A. Amenta III, MD, is in private practice of ear, nose, and throat medicine. He lives with his family in Chicago, Illinois, and is the father of three boys, one of whom has autism.

(www.barnesandnoble.com)

How To Talk to an Autistic Kid

How to Talk to An Autistic Kid

Author: Daniel Stefanski

Genre: Non Fiction

Ages:  Elementary/Middle School 

Themes: Special Needs, Autism

Summary: This book was written by a 14-year old boy who is autistic. He uses the book as a way to describe why autistic children act the way they do and why they do certain things. His goal is to allow both autistic kids and their peers feel comfortable communicating and socializing with one another. 

Pre-Reading Activity: Make a class list about what is the same about everyone in the class, then make another list about what is different about everyone. Discuss both lists and why it is good that people are both alike in ways and different in other ways. 

Post-Reading Activity: Have students write a paragraph about something that makes them unique and what others would like to know about this. Share these with the class.

Reflection: This is a really great resource to introduce kids to differences in peers. I would use this book in the classroom either with an autistic student or without. It is written in a voice that is easy to understand for kids of all ages and opens up a lot for discussion. 

About the Author:

Daniel Stefanski

Daniel Stefanski is fourteen years old and autistic. He has a passion for writing and drawing and likes to declare proudly "I'm autistic and artistic." A talented golfer, Daniel has participated in the Special Olympics and other competitive golf events. At age four, he was adopted from an orphanage in Bulgaria and flew 18 hours with his new mom to his new home in Valparaiso, Indiana. An animal lover and shelter volunteer, Daniel is surrounded by the love of his mom, dad, stepfather, brother, and five dogs.

(www.barnesandnoble.com)