Looking After Louis

Rating:
Summary: The perfect book on the inclusive classroom..
Review: There is no perfect book on anything, but this one comes very close. As an educator in an inclusive classroom, I search and search constantly for books that serve as great and naturalistic conversation starters on the topic of dis/Ability. This whimsically illustrated story is LOADED with issues: inclusion, making exceptions, social isolation, the ABILITY in dis/ability, and our common humanity. It represents inclusive teaching at its best, and naturally includes a child with Autism in the story, without centering difference, but at the same time, not ignoring it. There are few books on the market that deal as thoughtfully with this complex topic as this one.

Rating:
Summary: Autism Accessibility
Review: This excellent book reinforces a much needed lesson in accessibility. Autism, which is a neurobiological condition is often called an "invisible" one in that many people with it display no physical needs. Sensory processing and communication are the spheres most noticeably affected by autism; challenges in social skills are also part of the package.

I like the way Louis' very wise, astute teacher explains to the other children why Louis responds and behaves as he does. She makes it clear that although the same behavior would not be acceptable from the other children, certain allowances have to be made in order to meet the boy's needs. At no time is any child short-shrifted; at no time is any child's natural curiosity about Louis' behavior hushed up or criticized. Instead, Miss Owlie provides a round table where the children can explore their own feelings and come to a better understanding of Louis and be more accepting people as well.

Another excellent book exploring this topic is Andreanna Edwards' "Taking Autism to School," which is a wonderful story about inclusion.

I can't recommend this one highly enough. It gently reinforces the precept that we are our brother's keeper. This book is for everyone!

Rating:
Summary: Understanding Children
Review: This story has a wonderful feel to it. It clearly touches on a difficult area to understand for children, but it deals with the subject of autism in a sensitive and understanding way, without losing its quality as a story. All the children in the story are well observed and I think it will appeal to an age group who are actually very interested in the differences between individuals, and are happiest when they are involved and doing something. My children loved the story, and I choked a little when I read it.

Rating:
Summary: Understanding Children
Review: This story has a wonderful feel to it. It clearly touches on a difficult area to understand for children, but it deals with the subject of autism in a sensitive and understanding way, without losing its quality as a story. All the children in the story are well observed and I think it will appeal to an age group who are actually very interested in the differences between individuals, and are happiest when they are involved and doing something. My children loved the story, and I choked a little when I read it.

Rating:
Summary: A GOOD LESSON FOR ALL
Review: Would that all youngsters would be as patient and understanding with those who are "different" as are the children in this touching and informative story about an autistic boy.

When Louis who has autism goes to a new school his classmates try very hard to understand him. They want to include him in their activities but they don't know how. One girl offers him crayons, and suggests he draw.

Recess is a bit of a challenge for all as Louis runs in and out of the boys' soccer game disrupting play. He also has a tendency to speak out at the wrong times, but the teachers are very patient with him. One day Sam was displaying what he could do with his new soccer ball when Louis began to chase him. The other children shouted encouragement when Louis even came close to the ball, which brought a smile to Louis's face.

Pretty soon Louis was drawing picture of playing ball, and the children knew that they had reached him, made him a part of their school day. A valuable lesson for all young readers regarding the importance of inclusiveness is found in "Looking After Louis."

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: A GOOD LESSON FOR ALL
Review: Would that all youngsters would be as patient and understanding with those who are "different" as are the children in this touching and informative story about an autistic boy.

When Louis who has autism goes to a new school his classmates try very hard to understand him. They want to include him in their activities but they don't know how. One girl offers him crayons, and suggests he draw.

Recess is a bit of a challenge for all as Louis runs in and out of the boys' soccer game disrupting play. He also has a tendency to speak out at the wrong times, but the teachers are very patient with him. One day Sam was displaying what he could do with his new soccer ball when Louis began to chase him. The other children shouted encouragement when Louis even came close to the ball, which brought a smile to Louis's face.

Pretty soon Louis was drawing picture of playing ball, and the children knew that they had reached him, made him a part of their school day. A valuable lesson for all young readers regarding the importance of inclusiveness is found in "Looking After Louis."

- Gail Cooke