Module 7 - Anything But Typical





Baskin, N.R. (2009). Anything but typical. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young People.

Summary:

This book is told in first person through the voice of Jason, a twelve year old boy with Autism.  The reader views Jason world as he views it, referring to non-autistic people as “neuro-typicals.”  Jason loves to write stories, often posting his stories on a storytelling website to share with others.  He enjoys the fact that people who read his stories cannot see him and his autistic characteristics.  The online storytelling  site is a type of escape for Jason.  Through the site, he ‘meets’ a girl, Rebecca,  his age and they begin to communicate.  At first they give feedback on their stories, and eventually begin to get know each other.  When Jason discovers that they will have the opportunity to meet in person at a conference for the website, he panics.  His greatest fear is that she will see his differences and reject him.  Despite some struggles at the conference, Jason leaves with his friendship with Rebecca intact.

My Impression:

I thought the author did a wonderful job portraying Jason as a twelve year old boy, who happens to have autism.  The reader is able to see Jason as more like themselves, than different.  He is struggling to fit in and avoid conflict, just as any twelve year old strives to do in middle school.  Having worked with autistic children, I could tell the author had done her research regarding characteristics of autism.  She also weaves into the story the ways that Jason’s parents are handling his autism, and the way in which it effects their lives.  Definitely a great book to recommend to those students who have autistic siblings.

Library Usage:

This is a great book to use for a lesson in author’s perspective.  The author chooses to tell the story through the voice of a twelve year old with autism.  Students can discuss how the story might be different if told through the voice of Jason’s mother, or through Rebecca.  They can then write a short story told through the voice of someone that is typically not heard.  Research may have to be done in order to produce a successful voice.

Review:

Gr 4-7. As if adolescence isn't difficult enough by itself, 12-year-old Jason Blake is not a "neurotypical" (NT), he's autistic and interprets the world differently from other children. As a result, kids at school make fun of him and no one seems to understand him, including his family. Writing stories is one of Jason's few escapes, the one place where he can really be himself. After Jason begins a tentative relationship with Rebecca (PhoenixBird) on Storyboard, an online writing forum, he struggles with the fear of meeting her in person. Simultaneously, he narrates his past, giving listeners a glimpse of what life is like growing up as an autistic child. Tom Parks gives a near perfect performance of this eye-opening novel (S & S, 2009) by Nora Raleigh Baskin told from Jason's viewpoint. Always using just the right tone, he liberates the story's apprehension and wit. Poignant and real, the novel's honesty will bring tears to listeners' eyes. Recommended to fans of the Joey Pigza series.

Lawler, T. (2009). Anything but typical. School Library Journal, 55(9), 61