I’ve blogged several reviews of books that feature characters with autism. Cynthia Lord’s Rules and Judith Mammay’s Knowing Joseph are terrific titles that are out now. And I’m really looking forward to my agent-mate Tara Kelly’s debut YA novel Harmonic Feedback (Henry Holt, 2010), which features a character with a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome. My interest in these books is enhanced by a personal connection, since my 14-year-old nephew Danny is autistic.
Great strides have been made in autism research, but there is still so much work to be done. My brother, Tom Schirmer, is running in the Marine Corps Marathon – Run for Autism this October to raise money for the Organization for Autism Research. Autism affects so many families.
If this is a cause you’d like to support, please click on the ribbon to visit Tom’s fund-raising page and learn more about how you can help.
Thanks for sharing this. We’re pretty sure my 54-year-old brother-in-law has Asperger’s. If only his parents had known….
And don’t forget The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night, for the YA crowd.
Another new book that has come out for middle school/Jr. Hi is IN HIS SHOES, by Joanna Keating-Velasco…the story of a non-verbal autistic boy.
Good cause, Kate…worth supporting.
A great cause!
I went to Tom’s site. I am in awe of what he is doing! What a great cause! I will forward the site to all of my friends and co-workers! Thanks for recommending books featuring characters with autism. It is so important to gain awareness! I especially love that there is an increasing amount of books for YA readers!
Thanks, Tara! I can’t wait to read your book.
Oh – good reminder – thanks for adding it to the list!
I’ll watch for that one, Judy – and thanks for supporting my brother’s fund raising effort!
Re: A great cause!
Thanks, Team Aloi! You guys are awesome!