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Rating: 
Summary: Captivating photos from the life of Russell
Review: A book about autism for children is by Charles A. Amenta III, M.D. He is the father of three boys, one is autistic. The book is black and white photographs of his sons, showing how his son relates to his siblings and parents. There is a two page introduction for parents and then captions under each photo. The last page lists some resources.This is a great way to teach the reading public about autism by example within the home setting in these family photographs. His siblings can use sign language as well and have fun at the breakfast table. There is a photo of Russell deep in thought while in the bathroom. The photos reflect the daily rituals an autistic child has and how a family makes the best of it. The book shows Russell as a happy engaging boy who is well loved by his family. An excellent book to read to siblings, have relatives read, other kids who may know the child with autism and need to gain some further insight.
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Summary: Broke my heart!
Review: As the parent of a child with autism, I was very excited by the possibilies this book offered. There is limited availability of books for children on autism. I was saddened though as a I read this book and looked into Russell's eyes. The pictures made him seem so isolated from his family and the world. All children have gifts and this book did not share Russells' gifts. It did not make me want to know Russell only feel sorry for him. My son's brother did not want this book read to his classmates as it would make them feel sorry for his brother.
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Summary: Helpful for Family Members
Review: I found this book extremely helpful in educating my family about my son's diagnosis. Not only did my younger nieces and nephews enjoy the book, but it was a simple and straight forward way of explaining austism to adults as well. This book contains many pictures and and describes how Russell can be a happy child and brother, and yet be very different. My original copy is out on loan and I will be ordering another.
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Summary: Dara Lane author Small Miracles Day by Day
Review: I think this is an excellent book-warmly written by a father. The pictures are wonderful. As the parent of a low functioning autistic child, I was glad to see a book that to which our family could relate.
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Summary: INDIVIDUAL PORTRAIT OF AUTISM
Review: The author has three children, one of whom has autism. He does a good job in capturing Russell's expressions as he navigates socially within his family. The other children provide their insights on their brother's behavior. Autism is not clear cut nor is it black and white as the photographs in this book. It is a neurosensory condition replete with behaviors that appear to have a sensory basis, e.g. aversion for loud noises and certain smells. I felt the effort was good and the intentions were good, but I was disappointed in the book. I felt it emphasized Russell's seeming isolation and did not explain that this was an individual account and not a general overview of autism. Although the photographs would most likely make that point, I felt the book didn't quite get that across as the writing appeared to generalize autism when it is a spectrum condition that is as varied as the number of individuals who have it.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensitive photographs of a family affected by autism.
Review: This book describes Russell, a boy affected by autism. It uses Russell's particular story as a jumping off point to describe some other aspects of autism. This is not a book about mild autism. It shows the difficulties and the rewards of dealing with a child who has significant challenges. I liked the fact that this book is illustrated with photographs of a real child and his family. The illustrations clearly convey the caring bond between Russell, his parents and his siblings. Sometimes photographs can be more evocative than even the most sensitive drawings. Carol E. Watkins, M.D.
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