Full Title:
Mockingbird (mok’ing-bûrd)

Ages:
10 and up

Genre:
Mental Health, Asperger’s syndrome, Realistic Fiction, Children’s Literature

Awards:
National Book Award

Summary:
Ten-year-old Caitlin and her father suffer a traumatic blow when Caitlin’s brother Devon is killed in a senseless tragedy. Getting over the death of any family member is a challenge, but for Caitlin especially, who suffers with Asperger’s syndrome, the loss is all the more confusing. Devon was Caitlin’s rock, helping her develop socially acceptable behaviours and providing comfort and security.

Join Caitlin and her father as they try to find “Closure.” Get a glimpse into the special challenges of living with Asperger’s syndrome in this eye-opening, National Book Award winner by Kathryn Erskine.

My Thoughts:
Erskine writes a poignant novel that cleverly and sensitively unveils the mysteries of Asperger’s syndrome. Through a first person narrative, the reader becomes a front row spectator to the inner workings of a child living with this syndrome. Caitlin shows us how challenging it is for her to make friends and control her natural impulses to ‘tic’ and hide. This is an important book for teaching children compassion and for exploring themes of loss and the renewal of hope.

Borrow Mockingbird (mok’ing-bûrd) from your local Vaughan library today!

Share: Do you know some other books that help children learn tolerance, and most especially acceptance?