All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism

K-Gr 2—These three titles will help readers learn some valuable life skills. Relying on minimal text, with important words in bold, Stickley introduces children to a frog whose feet stick to everything they come into contact with but who learns the importance of persevering despite obstacles. Circus Town describes a circus whose performers are suffering from flagging self-esteem but who become more self-assured through the encouragement of Ringmaster Rick. All My Stripes focuses on Zane, a zebra who fears that others in his class will ostracize him for his "autism stripe" (a mark over his forehead that denotes his condition) but who, with the help of his supportive mother, learns to accept himself. Bright, cartoonlike illustrations differ from book to book but are cheerful and upbeat, while the writing is simple and accessible, if purposeful. All titles include notes for parents and caregivers on the subjects, strategies for helping children cope, and web resources. VERDICT Adequate additions where needed.—Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN