Alexandra Jessup Altman

I really enjoyed this book because I think it's a good thing for kids to read. I think kids need to know that people are different, and they will find many different qualities that everyone has. I think that this is an important topic to discuss in a classroom because it's good to open students' minds and hearts to things like this. I really thought this book showed that good things come to those who wait. Alexander was frustrated at first because Benjamin wasn't like everyone else, and he wouldn't play with him in the way Alexander wanted. Once Benjamin was worked with by teachers, he was able to talk more and play with Alexander. In the end, Alexander made a friend in his brother Benjamin.… (mais)

Alexander doesn’t understand why his brother is different. Benjamin doesn’t play or talk and acts strangely in Alexander’s eyes which makes him embarrassed and disappointed. He’s also jealous of all the attention Benjamin receives. Even when he is told of his brother’s autism, Alexander isn’t fully aware of what that means. As Benjamin grows, Alexander becomes more understanding and accepting.
I think the sibling jealousy is very relatable but also highlights the lack of understanding a child might have dealing with that situation. I also enjoyed how both boys experienced growth; Alexander grew to be more understanding and loving, while Benjamin began to thrive despite his disability.
I didn’t find this book to be particularly entertaining but think it gives a unique perspective on autism.… (mais)

At first I wasn’t sure about this book because Alexander wasn’t understanding and kind of mean to his brother. He just wanted someone to play with, so he was a bit frustrated and felt left out. Also in the beginning, no one knew his brother had autism. After he spent some special time with his dad and his new friend opened his eyes to show him that Benjamin just plays in a different way, he really started to appreciate and understand his brother and they became best friends in the end. I believe this would be a good book to read to children and have in a classroom, because it doesn’t show autism in a negative way. It shows how someone with autism does things and that it just takes them a little bit longer to learn.… (mais)