Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Square Me, Round World: stories of growing up in a world not built for you – Chelsea Luker. Illustrated by Eliza Fricker.

    Connect Us Pyschology March 2024 ISBN: 978-0-646-88697-8 (Hardcover) RRP: $29.99 When asked if I was interested in reviewing this book, I was very pleased to accept. As many know, The Kid is one of those ‘Square Me’ people for whom we have been trying to find the right fit, it seems, almost all her life.…

  • The Unlikely Heroes Club – Kate Foster

    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…

  • The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp – Paul Russell/Nicky Johnston

    Exisle Publishing Imprint: EK Books ISBN: 9781925820881  RRP: $24.99 Without doubt we (as educators) have all met a Bowen Bartholomew Crisp at some point and many of us will remember our first encounter with a neuro-diverse child before we were even fully aware of such diversity. And we also know, that these children are among…

  • The Space We’re In – Katya Balen

    Bloomsbury November 2019 ISBN: 9781526610942 RRP $14.99 What an absolutely stunning debut novel from Katya Balen! Simultaneously heart-breaking and uplifting Balen examines the difficulties faced by a child living with a special needs sibling. Frank is ten years old. He loves soccer and space, he loves secret codes and playing in the ‘Wilderness’ with his two…

  • Flamingo Boy – Michael Morpurgo

    Harper Collins Australia ISBN: 9780008134648 ISBN 10: 0008134642 Imprint: HarperCollins – GB On Sale: 26/02/2018 RRP $19.99 With his expected flair Michael Morpurgo takes some history and transforms it into a fascinating and poignant narrative blending modern day and World War II. Young Vincent is about to take his final exams and is finding it difficult to focus and…

  • To Siri, with Love – Judith Newman

    Hachette AUG 29, 2017 | 9781784298319 | RRP $32.99 Subtitled: A mother, her autistic son and the kindness of machines, when I first looked at this I felt confronted because of the subject matter. For those who know, my Small has various issues some of which closely align to children on the spectrum. This was hilarious and poignant, lively…