Embedded Files
Link related to the story that can be used as a resource
Tiffany Hammond
Tiffany Hammond
Author Qualification(s): Autistic mother with 2 autistic sons, one of which is nonverbal and uses an AAC device to communicate
Illustrator Qualification(s): Has illustrated a few children's books, but could not find any direct ties to autism
Genre(s)
Genre(s)
Picture Book
Realistic Fiction
Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)
Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)
Nonverbal Autism
Awards
Awards
Not yet
NY Times Best Seller
Plot Summary
Plot Summary
This is the story of a young autistic boy who communicates using an AAC device and the differences and similarities that he notices between himself and other children. The author poetically describes what different voices sound like to a child with ASD.
Connections & Representation
Connections & Representation
Students that communicate with an AAC device or who are completely nonverbal may relate to this story. Students who also have a parent that strongly advocates for their disability will also probably be able to relate.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes
The author attempts to eradicate the stereotype that a person who is nonverbal also must not be able to understand words.
Conflicts
Conflicts
The main conflict in this story is between the boy's mother and the other parents at the playground, as she educates them of their ignorance. The other conflict is between the boy and his environment and the frustration of not having expressive language.
Insider/Outsider
Insider/Outsider
The boy in this story is portrayed as an Outsider in the scene at the park with the other children. He talks about what character traits set him apart from the other kids. Partly because his own mother is autistic, his family is portrayed as Insiders who understand him on a deeper level.
Teachable Moment
Teachable Moment
This book teaches us inclusivity and to acknowledge and accept the differences in communication styles between different people.
Page updated
Report abuse