Autism, the Invisible Cord: A Sibling's Diary

Gr 5 Up--Teenager Jenny's younger sibling, Ezra, is like most brothers except for one thing, he's autistic. Often the victim of bullying, he sees life a little differently and tends to throw fits when upset. Although his dog, Willy, helps him to come out of his shell and be more social, Jenny finds herself feeling as if she constantly has to protect him. When she discovers that a girl in her grade is bullying him, she decides to write about her in an article in the school's newspaper. The principal, however, keeps dragging his feet on okaying her "expose." Juggling her recent role in her school's play, trying to be there for her brother, and getting the principal to cave mean Jenny's hands are full. Can she find a balance between protecting her brother and living her own life? Cain does an even job of addressing difficult topics while still providing an enjoyable read. The story is told through Jenny's diary entries, giving readers insight into her life and personality. Secondary characters are a little underdeveloped, but are easy to sympathize with and like. Readers interested in realistic fiction, books about bullying, and character-driven stories will enjoy this steadily paced novel.--Kira Moody, Whitmore Library, Murray, UT

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Silver Medal, Mom's Choice Awards for Young Adult Body, Mind and Spirit

"Cain does an even job of addressing difficult topics while still providing an enjoyable read. The story is told through Jenny's diary entries, giving readers insight into her life and personality....Readers interested in realistic fiction, books about bullying, and character-driven stories will enjoy this steadily paced novel."—School Library Journal

"With so much focus on the scientific mysteries surrounding autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it is possible to lose sight of the struggles faced by families of individuals with ASD on a daily basis. Cain brings these experiences to life and reminds us that for many families, the mysteries of the disorder are far less academic. Questions about how and when to discipline, handling inter-generational conflict with grandparents, and dealing with the complexities of raising a typically developing child alongside a child with a disability, are just some of the issues these parents confront everyday. More importantly, Cain reminds us that the experience of living with a child with ASD is not limited to parents; siblings are at the forefront of each challenge and every triumph, and they are profoundly affected as a result."—Somer Bishop, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

"With an exquisite ear for language and heartfelt empathy, Barbara Cain has captured the psychological essence of an adolescent sibling`s experience with autism. Offering a perspective not previously seen in the literature, this engaging narrative will not only be useful for professionals who work with families impacted by autism, it will have great popular appeal for both general and young adult audiences."—Jane Giddan, MA, CCC-SLP, Professor Emerita, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Toledo Health Sciences Center; Creator of Autismnet.net; 1996 Professor of the Year, Autism Society of Northwest Ohio

"I read the book in an hour, and all I can say is, what a delight! It's a sweet and gentle account of Jenny and her life with Ezra, her autistic brother. There's not a trace of victimization in the book and indeed I recommend it highly to anyone who has a sibling living with autism in their life."—Look Me in the Eye

"Cain has created an engaging character in Jenny who shares the daily complexities of her life with Ezra — the frustration, embarrassment, worry, joy and hurt. Cain writes with great sensitivity and authenticity. I highly recommend this book for kids who have a sibling with autism, and for their parents. This is also a good middle grade read in the classroom."—Children's Books Heal