Different Like Me

Different Like Me is a book describing the lives of various people who found it difficult to fit into society. There are both famous and historical people who found it difficult to fit into society. There are both famous and historical people who all excelled in their chosen fields. It is beautifully illustrated and starts with an introduction to Quinn, who describes what it feels like to be different from others- to be, in fact, autistic. The famous people include Albert Einstein, Andy Warhol, Sir Isaac Newton and gives brief pen portraits of their lives, difficulties they encountered and their achievements. The book is written with children between the ages of eight and twelve years in mind, and could be a useful resource for explaining some of the effects of autism and the feeling of not fitting in or belonging. It offers good role models and will encourage those children with low self-esteem, that they, too, can achieve great things.

I think this book would be a useful addition to the library of any secondary school with youngsters with Asperger's Syndrome or higher level ASD

`Written through the eyes of 8 -year-old Quinn who has Asperger's syndrome (AS), this delightfully illustrated book introduces famous and talented people who are felt to have autism or AS. Historical and present day personalities are included, from the sciences, music, literature, art and comedy. In describing each individual and his or her special talents, this lively little book shows the diversity that is found within the autistic spectrum. The writer gives a clear message that being different is not just ok but is something to celebrate. Her aim was to help children with autistic spectrum disorders understand their diagnosis. The illustrations and single-page, clearly written accounts make this plausible. Although the book is intended for 8 to 12 year olds, it would also be relevant to families, friends, carers and educators.'

The book begins with a young boy going to the Doctor who subsequently tells him that he is autistic. The doctor explains that this means that he is different and may find it difficult fitting in. The book then introduces him to inspirational famous and historical figures, all of which excel in their own particular field but are united by the fact that they too, found it difficult to fit in. Each page has a different person's life story and an illustration of the person. The stories are written very simply, easily read and understandable, yet truly inspirational and very educational.

Albert Einstein, Andy Warhol, Isaac Newton, Lewis Carol and Hans Christian Andersen had one thing in common. According to this book they all had autistic spectrum disorder. It tells the very interesting stories of 20 men and women who didn't "fit in" with other people but were talented and successful in their own fields. The stories are illustrated by original paintings of each person.' Different like me, by Jennifer Elder, is a book that celebrates some of the great things achieved by people on the Autism spectrum. The book is aesthetically pleasing: well presented; beautifully illustrated, and easy to read, both in content and layout.

Different Like Me is a well written, informative book that introduces children - aged 8 and up - to quirky famous people; people who excelled in their chosen filed, be it music, art, science and even comedy, but didn't quite fit in. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of what made them tic and the fact that there were a good proportion of women this is a great confidence booster for children with a `high functioning' Autistic Spectrum Disorder, an opportunity for them to show off, and an enjoyable read for every one, to boot!'

I see this book as useful for children aged eight to twelve, for families with a young child with autism and for schools to be able to celebrate difference. So often the differences we identify and celebrate are the visible ones, but it is vital that we can see the individuality of each person as a cause for celebration too. This book will help all those reading it to remember the autism heroes and recognise the special differences and individuality of children with autism.

Autistic children and their friends will find much to admire in these people and will learn that being different can have its positive points. Excellent for school libraries and for the home as well.

This book will help inspire kids who are different and shows them that they too can succeed.