Russell Is Extra Special: A Book about Autism for Children [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Grade 1-3-- A third-person photo-essay about an autistic child. After a preface for adults, Amenta introduces readers to his son, Russell, and the rest of his family, showing their lives, both the good and bad sides. The portrait that emerges shows the difficulties Russell has, such as screaming and crying for no reason, the desire to be alone, and his play habits. While there is a discussion about Russell's going to school, the author, a medical doctor, does not give specific information on how he is being educated there, and there is no mention of the recent use of computers by autistic children. Regardless, and despite the fact that the black-and-white photographs are a bit grainy, the book is a good introduction to the subject, especially when Amenta tries to clarify some general notions about autism. The brief list of sources and other materials is also helpful. --Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. -- Dieser Text bezieht sich auf eine vergriffene oder nicht verfügbare Ausgabe dieses Titels.

The author shares with the reader the extra special world of Russell, his autistic young son. The warm text and photographs give children a new understanding of autism and its effects on the families of autistic children.

Russell' Birthday
Russell was born on February 27, 1980 which makes him a birth twin of Chelsea Clinton. Russell's life is pretty simple. He goes to a special program in the local high school. He works on academics, handicrafts and cleaning jobs. He is an honorary member of the high school orchestra and enjoys attending the rehersals. I guess his life is much less tumultous than Ms Clinton's. Russell does not talk and has limited communication skills. I wrote the above because many people wonder what Russell is doing now (the book was written when he was nine). I have no plans for "Return of Russell" or "Revenge of Russell." Given his present level of social skills, I doubt that "Son of Russell" is on the horizon.

Regarding the "Horn" review, it is the first pan that I have encountered. I think it would be difficult to write a children's book that wouldn't be confusing for some young children, yet not insulting for older children. I take the insulting to mean that upper grade children would not want to read an overtly "children's book" in the same way my other sons (Gregory and Benjamin who are also in the book) would be insulted if I suggested we see "Babe, Pig in the City" which may rate as the best movie of 1998 as per the late Gene Siskel, but which is overtly a children's movie. I would like to think that Russell is Extra Special is somewhat in the same category as Babe... Several Departments of Child Psychiatry (e.g., Vanderbilt, U of Chicago) use the book as a good introduction of autism to parents and other adult family members. My wife is the president of our local Autism Society of America Chapter and receives lots of comments on the Russell book. Judging from her experience, I would say that Russell is Extra Special is written at the "Grandma" level. -- Dieser Text bezieht sich auf eine vergriffene oder nicht verfügbare Ausgabe dieses Titels.