Just So Stories

Walker Books Australia

ISBN13:9781760655969

Imprint: Walker Books Australia

Australia RRP:$16.99

New Zealand RRP:$18.99

Some of my readers will recall that I recently reviewed The Bravest Word, and may also be familiar with Paws, In her new book, Kate returns to the theme of autism that was a focus in the latter, and provides readers with a narrative that is a lighter look at the sometimes difficult path autistic children have in forming social connections and mores, as well as forging friendships.

This new book also explores the impact autism might have on family dynamics, as well as the diversity of families, the support available, and, of course, the power of pooches to bring out the best in people – and to bring people together.

Oli is not happy to be spending the first week of the Easter break going to some stupid socialisation course (what even is socialisation? he wants to know). But he doesn’t want to let his Mum down, and at least she, and big sister Cathy are coming with him. Dan and Marge, the facilitators, are actually pretty cool, even Oli has to admit, and the other four kids – Brian, Layla, Max and Tiffany – each of them very different in their individual presentation of ASD, are not too bad either.

Just before Oli and his family arrive at the venue, they experience a rather unsettling traffic incident when a little dog narrowly escapes being squashed by cars, and this event, and his ineffectual response, haunts Oli for the remainder of the week.

But his growing tentative friendships with the other kids – who have also seen the dog – gradually begin to make some changes in his ability to make connections and communicate more freely. How Oli and his band of unlikely heroes come up with a plan to rescue a little brown dog, and in the process, forge a real bond with each other, is endearing and heart-warming, without being at all cloying or sentimental.

Kate’s ability to share her own diagnoses and experiences through her literature is an authentic and powerful change-agent for young readers, particularly those who also have neuro-divergence and can often feel isolated. It is very exciting, particularly for us Qlders, to know that Kate’s The Bravest Word is short-listed in the 2023 Premier’s Literary Awards (deservedly).

There are programs and groups similar to Oli’s Heroes experience for your young people with ASD. One with which I am familiar, and which The Kid (who has never been formally diagnosed but who, my 30 years of teaching tells me, is definitely a contender) has been part of for activities is A Little Sparkle: Bringing Girls on the Spectrum Together located on the Sunshine Coast. There will be many similar in your own areas, I have no doubt.

This newest novel will also, I predict, be lining up for accolades and recognition, beyond the fandom of young readers. It will make a fantastic read-aloud for a class, and be a powerful strategy in moving youngsters to greater acceptance and understanding of those who are unique in their midst. Highly recommended for readers from about Year 4 upwards.