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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
It gives you the story from catlin's point of veiw about her brother's death. It a sad\good\cheery book. It is very very good
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.
Very realistic portrayal of a girl with Asperger's. The author does a great job with presenting the main character and her quirkiness.
MOCKINGBIRD is a moving and important book about several difficult subjects. Opening up this book is like leaping immediately into Caitlin's world and seeing the world as we know it in a different light.
I've always thought that perhaps people with Asperger's may actually see the world far more accurately than most of us ever do. Caitlin's frankness makes us question lots of things we take for granted. Why DO we place so much importance on telling white lies, for example? The fascinating thing about MOCKINGBIRD is that, even through Caitlin's limited narration, we can clearly see both sides of the conversation. We can see why the grown-up Caitlin's talking to is so conflicted as to how to answer her, but we can also see why Caitlin acts the way she does, asks the questions she does.
At the same time, the general idea behind MOCKINGBIRD has already been done before so many times that this sadly does not stand out more. While it was an engrossing and maybe even enlightening read, there was still something about it that felt...missing. There were lots of moments that were sweet and heartwrenching (particularly moments when Michael was in the picture), but a lot of times I just felt detached from Caitlin.
Still, MOCKINGBIRD is a worthy read if this is the type of book you're looking for. It's an easy introduction into the thoughts and feelings behind a young child with Asperger's.
I've always thought that perhaps people with Asperger's may actually see the world far more accurately than most of us ever do. Caitlin's frankness makes us question lots of things we take for granted. Why DO we place so much importance on telling white lies, for example? The fascinating thing about MOCKINGBIRD is that, even through Caitlin's limited narration, we can clearly see both sides of the conversation. We can see why the grown-up Caitlin's talking to is so conflicted as to how to answer her, but we can also see why Caitlin acts the way she does, asks the questions she does.
At the same time, the general idea behind MOCKINGBIRD has already been done before so many times that this sadly does not stand out more. While it was an engrossing and maybe even enlightening read, there was still something about it that felt...missing. There were lots of moments that were sweet and heartwrenching (particularly moments when Michael was in the picture), but a lot of times I just felt detached from Caitlin.
Still, MOCKINGBIRD is a worthy read if this is the type of book you're looking for. It's an easy introduction into the thoughts and feelings behind a young child with Asperger's.
Mockingbird Reviewer purchase 4 Stars
By Kathryn Erskine
Mockingbird is told in the point of view of a child with Asperger's, Caitlin; as she shares daily her struggles to give readers a better understanding of Asperger's. In addition, she is dealing with the death of her older brother, Devon; with whom she had a very close relationship. He was killed in a school shooting, which has the community grieving along with Caitlin, and her father.
This is a beautifully touching story about love, loss, grief and closure; brilliantly written to bring readers into the story, while educating them on the symptoms of Asperger's. It touches on the anxiety, literal understanding, and social struggles of children with Asperger's, in an easy to understand and, at times, funny way. I loved Caitlin and how she viewed the world around her. I recommend this book to readers of all ages. I enjoyed Mockingbird and appreciated that I could listen to it with my 10 year old daughter in the car; as a plus, she loved the story too.
By Kathryn Erskine
Mockingbird is told in the point of view of a child with Asperger's, Caitlin; as she shares daily her struggles to give readers a better understanding of Asperger's. In addition, she is dealing with the death of her older brother, Devon; with whom she had a very close relationship. He was killed in a school shooting, which has the community grieving along with Caitlin, and her father.
This is a beautifully touching story about love, loss, grief and closure; brilliantly written to bring readers into the story, while educating them on the symptoms of Asperger's. It touches on the anxiety, literal understanding, and social struggles of children with Asperger's, in an easy to understand and, at times, funny way. I loved Caitlin and how she viewed the world around her. I recommend this book to readers of all ages. I enjoyed Mockingbird and appreciated that I could listen to it with my 10 year old daughter in the car; as a plus, she loved the story too.
