Click her to view the trailer for the documentary that just came out.
I don’t often write about adult books but this non-fiction book, Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism, by Ron Suskind, both opened my eyes and made me cry. If we were to have a staff summer reading book, this is the one I would recommend. It tells the story of Owen Suskind, a child with autism, his incredible mom, dad and older brother and their life journey of over 20 years, as they help Owen discover himself. It is through Disney movies, characters, and dialogue that they are able to reach Owen and help him learn to express himself and navigate the world. It is quite amazing how they communicate. Owen’s father, Ron Suskind, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, ably shares their story so that it will be an example to others. He reached me! As an educator, I am always conscious that I want to reach each child where they are. Through anecdotes and analysis, Suskind challenged me, “to a better understanding of what’s possible in the lives of many people who are challenged. Affinity to Capability to Possibility.” But here’s the thing, what I read in this book, applies not only to a child with autism, but also to all children. As one reviewer, Don Oldenburg, wrote, “Owen is every reader’s son.” In my eyes, he is every teacher’s student! There is much to learn from this special book.
Click her to view the trailer for the documentary that just came out.
1 Comment
Lisa
2/15/2017 05:58:47 pm
Lori, what a wonderful review. I am looking forward to reading this book. Finding what is special and great with every student is so important in a learning environment. Thank you!
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Author For 29 years I had the best job as School Librarian in the Aaron Kushner Library for grades Pre K-3 at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. Although I am retired, I remain Lori the Librarian. Archives
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