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Developmental stages, ages 4 - 18
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mockingbird: (mok'ing-burd) ages 11-15
Caitlin is struggling to find closeure for herself and her father after her beloved, older brother Devon was the victim of a school shooting. Caitlin is convinced the only way to find closeure is for she and dad to finish Devon's Eagle Scout project together. This text is the perfect window into the challenges faced by students with Asperger's. Erskine, K. (2010). Mockingbird: (mok'ing burd). New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. -
As Simple as It Seems, age 9-13
When Verbena finds out she was adopted the details shake her perception of who she is, and the anger she feels toward her mom scares her. When she meets a new neighbor boy she pretends she is someone else because nothing is a s simple as it seems. Vervena is written so true to life. Kids who feel that no one understands them, and can't figure out why their parents are so strange will relate to Verbena.. Weeks, S. (2010). As simple as it seems. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. -
The Paperboy, ages 12-15
11 year old Little Man is a star pitcher but his stutter keeps him isolated. When he covers his friend's paper route for a month he is forced to talk with customers who don't know him. Well drawn characters keep this book fascinating and riveting. This memoir will grab you and not let go. The author helps you feel what life is like for a person with a stutter. Vawter, V. (2013). Paperboy. New York, NY: A Yearling Book. -
Smoke, ages 16-19
Two sisters survive horrible physical and emotional abuse from their father. Pattyn runs away after taking responsibility for shooting the dad, while Jackie is pressured to stay silent about being raped by the son of a church elder. Moving back and forth between each girl's story in poetic form, the author proivides a glimmer of hope that the truth will set them free. Hopkins, E. (2013). Smoke. New York, NY: Margaret K. McEldery Books. -
Bad Bye, Good Bye, Age 3-5
Very simple text addresses the bad/ sad feeling of a child moving to a new home. Feelings change as new parks, new rooms, and new friends show that moving can bring happy/good things. Saying bye is not always a bad thing. Good for young children experiencing change. Underwood, D. (2014). Bad bye, good bye. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Hardcourt. -
Mr. Wayne's Masterpiece, age 7-10
Young Patricia loves words and writing, but she is terrified to speak in front of others. She is introduced to the Drama teacher, Mr. Wayne, who encourages her to participate backstage. With his help she takes over the lead part and "lets the play take her away." Strong lesson around facing our fears. Polacco, P. (2014). Mr. Wayne's masterpiece. New York, NY: Penguin Group. -
The Fourteenth Goldfish, age 11-14
11 year-old Ellie's life gets a little crazier when her cranky, scientist grandfather Melvin shows up in the body of a teenager. He has discovered how to reverse the aging process. As Ellie helps him continue his research she learns about the great scientists and realizes she has a passion for science. In the end the question must be asked: just because science can do something, should we? Funny and touching characters. Holm, J. (2014). The fourteenth goldfish. New York, NY: Random House. -
Leroy Ninker Saddles Up, ages 7-10
Leroy dreams of being like the cowboys he sees in the movies. He has the boots, the lasso, and the hat, but not the horse. Leroy finds the horse of his dreams and they ride off into the sunset...or in this case to his apartment. Maybelline can't fit in his apartment, he feeds her spaghetti, and she gets scared and runs away. It takes perseverence and sweet words to bring her back home. Engaging early chapter book. DiCamillo, K. (2014). Leroy Ninker saddles up. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. -
Miss Peregrine's... ages 14-19
The brutal death of Jacob's grandfather has given him a nervous breakdown. In order to confront the monsters only Jacob can see, he travels to the orphanage his grandfather lived in during WWII. Vintage photographs picture the peculiar children who lived there and might still be alive. Gothic thriller. Riggs, R. (2011). Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children. Philadelphia, PA: Quirk Books. -
Yard Sale, Age 5-7
Moving into a small apartment means the family will have to sell most of their things. The young daughter doesn't really understand why they have to move and is worried they might also sell her and leave her behind. A simple message that it's the family not the possessions that make a family, Bunting, E. (2015). Yard sale. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
