Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers!
by Melanie Walsh
Interest age: 3 to 6
Reading age: 4+
Published by Walker Books, 2016
About this book
Isaac introduces himself, explaining from the outset that he has 'superpowers', making him slightly different.
He guides us through some of the many challenges faced by children with Asperger's Syndrome, such as understanding emotions and idioms. We see that people sometimes tease him or don't listen about the things that interest him. However, we also see a boy in many ways like any other, playing superheroes with his brother.
The book offers a useful picture of one experience of Asperger's Syndrome, drawing on the author's background. It introduces Isaac's valuable strategies, for example having a 'fidget' toy to help him concentrate and focusing on people's foreheads when he struggles to look them in the eye. Bold, bright illustrations and accessible language help to ensure a broad audience.
Importantly, the book finishes with the message that having Asperger's Syndrome does not really involve superpowers, but the two brothers simply enjoy pretending that they do.
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Autism
We believe that books are a great way to raise awareness and improve understanding of different experiences. This booklist aims to provide a range of children's and teens' books that feature characters who are autistic, or who have Autistic Spectrum Conditions.