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Mockingbird
Mockingbird
Author: Kathryn Erskine
In Caitlin’s world, everything is black or white. Things are good or bad. Anything in between is confusing. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead and Dad is no help at all. Caitlin wants to get over it, but as an eleven-year-old girl with Asperger’s, she doesn&rs...  more »
ISBN: 328178
Publication Date: 2010
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Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
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c-squared avatar reviewed Mockingbird on + 181 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Warning: this book made me cry. A lot. It should be recommended reading for any 5th grader (or thereabouts) as it does a great job of showing that we don't all see the world the same way. Caitlin is a very smart, talented 5th grade girl who has Asperger's, but has never been told she's on the autism spectrum. She and her beloved older brother have been raised by their single father, since their mother died of cancer. Then her brother is killed in a school shooting at his middle school. Hence all the crying. Her father is lost in his grief, leaving Caitlin to figure things out mostly on her own, with some guidance from her school counselor.
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Mockingbird on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Caitlin's brother, Devon, was one of three victims killed by a school shooter. His death leaves Caitlin and their father alone to pick up the pieces and make some sense of what is left.

Being able to mourn and share their grief is complicated by the fact that eleven-year-old Caitlin has a condition known as Asperger's syndrome. She does not recognize most social clues that moderate normal behavior. Unable to interpret simple facial expressions leaves her clueless about how to interact with others. Devon has always bridged the gap between his little sister and the rest of the world, but he is no longer there to help.

Caitlin gets some help from Mrs. Brook, a counselor at her school. They spend time every day working on social skills, manners, and what Mrs. Brook calls empathy. Caitlin's very literal approach to situations makes her a target for taunting and teasing that only aggravates the problem. Now, learning to grieve her brother's death is also an important part of her daily therapy.

One thing Devon left behind might prove useful as Caitlin and her father attempt to recover and move on. Devon's Eagle Scout project sits unfinished in their living room as a reminder that he will never return to complete it. When Caitlin gets the idea that she and her father could finish the project as a way to find closure, it seems like an impossible task. But with determination and some breakthroughs at school, maybe they can achieve the impossible.

MOCKINGBIRD is a heartwarming story of loss and recovery. The addition of Caitlin's struggle with Asperger's adds an amazing element to the tale. Kathryn Erskine recreates the world as seen through Caitlin's eyes in such a realistic and believable way; readers will be drawn in and inspired by this little girl's courage and strength. This book is truly a loving work of art.
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BettyMc avatar reviewed Mockingbird on
Caitlin, age almost 11, has Asperger Syndrome (AS), and emphasizes she is not autistic. She has early intervention pull-out sessions in her school with Mrs. Brook, her counselor. Caitlin says things that makes Mrs. Brook's head do a turtle jerk. Caitlin discovers the word "CLO-sure" and decides to pursue this.

If you know anyone with AS, this book is even more meaningful.

Mockingbird has recently been nominated for the first BFYA (ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults award) to be given in 2011. It well deserves this award!
reviewed Mockingbird on + 18 more book reviews
This book is well written and raises awareness for Asperger's, a type of autism, and the tragedy of school shootings. In this book, the main character loses her brother in a school shooting. Since she has Asperger's, it is harder for her to move on from the death of her brother, someone who really cared for her and took care of her. This book is good for book clubs, but it may be a little mature for younger children because of the death of the main character's brother. Also, younger children may not understand some of Caitlin's, the main character, reactions to events in the book.
reviewed Mockingbird on + 2 more book reviews
Wonderfully written book about a girl with aspergers dealing with a tragic event in her life. This book kept the readers interest and you could relate to her experiences. I would recommend this book to middle - high school children.

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