Uniquely Wired: A Story about Autism and It's Gifts
by Julia Cook (Author)
Zak is obsessed with watches. Before that it was trains. He owns hundreds of watches and is quick to tell everyone everything about them.
Zak also has autism, so he sometimes responds to the world around him in unconventional ways. As Zak describes his point of view, young readers gain a better understanding of his behaviors and learn valuable lessons about patience, tolerance and understanding.
Grades K-5.
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School Library Journal
K-Gr 4—Instead of depicting autism as a disadvantage, Cook portrays Zak as having many gifts to share due to his "uniquely wired brain." Zak has many features that are typical of people with autism, including avoiding eye contact, rapid body movements, an incredible memory, deep passions (trains, watches), and a tendency to repeat phrases. The people in his life, from siblings to teachers, support him and thank him for the patience he teaches them. In creating a positive context around autism and highlighting Zak's similarities and differences, neurotypical students can gain a new perspective. DuFalla's bright cartoon pictures match the upbeat tone of the text and will engage readers. A list of tips for understanding children who are "uniquely wired" is also included. VERDICT A helpful tool for teachers and parents to help foster empathy and understanding among students.—Kathryn Justus, Renbrook School, West Hartford, CT
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Julia Cook, M.S. is a national award-winning children's author, counselor, and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools nationally and internationally, regularly speaks at education and counseling conferences, and has published children's books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook's work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the "what to say" and the "how to say it."
MacKenzie Haley is an illustrator, runner, and cat whisperer from Louisville, KY. She has a BFA in illustration from University of Dayton, and has worked with a variety of publishers over the last decade.
