It's Me, Henry!

Gr 2-4--The author, who has a child on the autism spectrum, writes effectively and poignantly in a first-person narration about Henry, who is fascinated by plants. He is always correct in math, but forgets to raise his hand; he calls his classmate Daisy by her botanical name, and is rebuffed; still, he wonders if the other kids in the class admire how thorough is his knowledge. Henry struggles to connect with kids his own age, and while his differences are not spelled out, readers will likely pick up on it. When his class goes on a field trip to the Botanical Garden, Henry gets a unique opportunity to put his plant knowledge to use. The book has a message that what makes you different can also make you wonderful if you have the right place to express your talents. Unfortunately, the idea that autistic children having hyperfixations that are only beneficial when they can be useful to other people is problematic. In addition, the idea that classmates who have been bullies will change as soon as the bullied one proves helpful is too facile a message. VERDICT With discussion, and some caveats, this honest look at the challenges for children on the spectrum, cheerfully illustrated, may find a place on the shelves.--Katherine Forsman