Gr 4-8-Stefanski, 14, a high-functioning "autistic kid," shares his insights and experiences. His voice is straightforward and he has a clear message to convey: "We're all human." The author describes characteristics that make autistic kids different, giving neurotypical children a way to understand and appreciate these differences. He also instructs readers about what they can do and say to normalize interactions. While the book is short and written in language that is easy to understand, it does an impressive job of speaking directly and succinctly about the issues and offering solutions. Simple line drawings depict teens, although there are more boys than girls; this is not unrealistic, given that boys are diagnosed on the autism spectrum four times more often than girls. While the wide variety of people represented on the spectrum is not addressed, this book could be used as a read-aloud, with a teacher or therapist working either with a mixed group of children or those on the spectrum, giving them words to use in social and school settings.-Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Who better to explain the challenges of typical kids communicating with autistic kids than 14-year-old Daniel Stefanski, who has autism. Even though my brain is different, I'm still a kid. And like any kid who's been ignored, Daniel can often feel lonely. Through his casual and frank first-person narration, accompanied by two-tone digital illustrations, he recognizes that autistic kids may look and sound different when trying to communicate, but they still want to be included. After explaining how autistic kids have trouble understanding figures of speech and body language, often ge. stuc. on one topic, and may have sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights, etc., he offers suggestions on how to engage autistic kids and give them social cues (Excuse me, could you step back just a bit? I need a little more space). The teen also addresses bullying (and yes, he can tell the difference between laughing with him and at him). Daniel's insight, courage, and hopefulness make this an accessible guide to bridging the gap of diversity.--Leeper, Angel. Copyright 2010 Booklist

respect. Ages 8-up. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

In his first work, Stefanski provides clear, sometimes blunt, often humorous advice for readers on how to interact with autistic classmates. An authority on this topiche is a 14-year-old boy with autismhe begins by describing autism. Importantly, he gives recognition to the fact that autistic people are a varied group, just like those without autism. "Autism is a disorder that affects how my brain works. (Yes, it does work!)" He describes, using a brief paragraph or two per page, some of the traits many autistic people share: a sensitivity to some kinds of sensory input, a failure to recognize social cues (body language), "getting stuck" on a particular topic, standing too close to others, unusual habits, conversational difficulties, etc. For each trait,he offers down-to-earth suggestions for resolving problems: "Excuse me. Could you step back just a bit? I need a little more space." His insightful, matter-of-fact presentation demystifies behaviors that might confuse or disturb non-autistic classmates. Simple cartoon illustrations in black, gray and two shades of turquoise accompany the text, making it accessible for an even younger listening audience than the older primary/middle-school students it describes. It's a thought-provoking introduction to autism that should be welcome in families with autistic members and an essential purchase for every primary and middle-school classroom. (Nonfiction. 7 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.