Caitlin is a 5th grader whose world has been turned upside-down by the death of her older brother, Devon. A difficult situation for anyone, but Caitlin has Asperger’s Syndrome and doesn’t see the world the same way that everyone else does. She follows schedules and finds comfort in familiar patterns. Before her brother died he was her best friend and the person she would go to when she needed things explained to her. He tried to help her see the way the rest of the world “sees” everything around them. With her brother gone, Caitlin is distraught. Unfortunately, her father is ridden with grief and he is so stressed out that he is of little or no help to her. When Caitlin stumbles across the word closure in a book she sets out on a quest for it, because she just knows that it is what she needs. Will Caitlin be able to find closure? What will she learn about herself and others on her road to closure? Don’t miss this unique book that will allow you to see the world through Caitlin’s eyes.Reading Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine gave me a new perspective on life from someone who sees the world differently than me. My heart went out to Caitlin because her older brother was gone and she had many struggles to overcome. It isn’t always easy to see where other people are coming from, but now that I have read this book I hope I will make life easier to understand for the people I know who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s or autism. Sometimes someone else’s behavior may seem strange to us, but maybe our behavior seems strange to them! A lot of the points that Caitlin makes in the book made sense to me, especially the confusing language people use to describe death (loss, lost, gone, etc.). I really learned a lot from reading this book and I am so glad I picked it up. I laughed out loud and cried while reading it! I would recommend this book to anyone in 5th grade and up. 4th graders could enjoy the book, too- but there are some parts in the book that briefly talk about the school shooting that killed Caitlin’s brother and even though they are not very graphic it could make some kids worry. A great book for kids to read with an adult! If you know someone with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome then this is the perfect book for you to read. Don’t wait any longer- go out and get this book!
Has anyone else read Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine? Or another book by her?
Happy Reading!~L
I did! I actually posted my review the other day (you can read it here) and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a touching story, wasn't it? :( I learned a lot from this book as well and I'm with you on everything you just said! Great review!
Vicky
Books, Biscuits, and Tea
Vicky- I can't wait to stop by your blog and read your review of Mockingbird! It was such a touching story. I think it can help many people see what it is like to have Asperger's or autism. Glad you like the reivew! :)
DeleteWow, this sounds like a really powerful book!
ReplyDeleteKelly- It is! :)
DeleteI haven't read it, but I noticed that was the same exact cover on Will Allison's The Long Drive Home. Odd.
ReplyDeleteJennifer- When I saw The Long Drive Home- I thought the cover looked so familiar. Now I know why! I did see that there are two other covers for Mockingbird. But, this is the cover from the copy I read. Interesting!
DeleteThis not only sounds like something I should read it also sounds like something I want to read. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteBarbara- You are welcome! It is a book I think everyone should read. I also listened to part of it on audio (to see what it was like) and the reader seems to really capture the voice and speech pattern of Caitlyn. Enjoy!
DeleteGreat review. It sounds like a really thought provoking book. I'll have to check it out. My son Christian might like it, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Greg! It is a great book and it really made me think. Sometimes when kisd don't understnad why another kid actts the way they do they make fun of them. This book helped me to see what other kids could be thinking. Christian may like this one- but it will definitely make him think about other kids that he knows and might help him communicate with them. :)
DeleteI truly enjoyed reading your review...while teaching I had a little girl with Asberger's and it was an enlightening experience for me...
ReplyDeletePatty- If you had a student with Asperger's then I bet you did learn a lot. I am sure you would also love this book and be amazed at the little things you will learn from getting into Caitlyn's mind! Happy reading!
DeleteThis book sounds interesting. I will have to check it out. I would have never picked it up because of the cover- I know, that's so bad, and I shouldn't judge a book by the cover, but I do it all the time!
ReplyDeleteHi Elaine- This is a great book. Once Lizzy told me about this book I had to read it right away. It really opened my eyes! I judge books by covers, too- even though I know I shouldn't! There are a couple of different covers for this book- maybe you would like another one better. :)
DeleteThese personalities take a lot of patience, but these people are filled with lots of love. Nice post on this.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post! :)
DeleteMy cousin has autism. I think this would be a good book for me to read. I try to understand my cousin and we get along, but sometimes I am not sure how to make him understand what I am saying. Thanks for letting me know about this one. Your review is awesome.
ReplyDeleteTrey- I bet this book would help you a lot! After I read it I have a better idea of how people with autism or Asperger's think and I am doing a better job communicating with kids that I know who are on the spectrum. Phrasing things differently can make a big difference and just understanding where they are coming from is a big step in the right direction!
Delete