by Kathryn Erskine [j Erskine]
In my seven years of working as a resource teacher, I have encountered several students with Aspergers Syndrome. Hence, my interest in reading Mockingbird by Kathyrn Erskine about ten-year-old Caitlin who sees everything as black and white because of her syndrome. Perhaps because Erskine draws on both research and personal experience, Mockingbird is one those rare books which not only provides accurate information but also strikes a perfect emotional chord. One thing I love about Mockingbird is how Erskine takes me into Caitlin's head, helping me relate to her on some levels. Erskine also helps me to somewhat understand Caitlin, even when her feelings differ dramatically from my own. Throughout Mockingbird , Caitlin must also cope with other confusing situations beyond her brother's death. School still exists. As does life with dad. (No mention is made of mom.) Given the serious topics that Erskine tackles, you might worry that Mockingbird is a sad and heavy book. Not so! Humor abounds in both little and big doses, rising naturally out of Caitlin's unique take on the world. When describing a bully named Josh, Caitlin protests that he shouldn't smile when doing something bad because a smile is supposed to mean something nice. Ah, wouldn't it be wonderful if the world were so straightforward? I also love Caitlin's negative reactions to fairy tales. She thinks Cinderella is stupid because, well, she loses shoes all the time. And to her, the natural solution isn't a prince but to go back to the dance and look for the shoe. As a resource teacher, I have a special fondness for books which portray characters with special needs. Too much fiction has relegated these characters to secondary or stereotyped roles. In Mockingbird, Erskine puts a girl with Aspergers Syndrome in the spotlight who is so realistic that readers will come to know and understand her and see her life as more than just an inspirational or heart-breaking story. -- review submitted by Allison H.-F. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library
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