ASNC Top Ten Bestsellers List for December

December 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. Accessing the Curriculum
   
   
2. Functional Independence Skills Handbook (FISH)
   
   
3. More Than Words
   
   
4. Social Skills Training for Children & Adolescents
   
   
5. Tasks Galore
   
   
6. TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile (TTAP)
   
   
7. TalkAbility
   
   
8. Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism
   
   
9. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
10. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

A Beautiful Story of Friendship

I recently had the pleasure of reading one of the newest children's books that we have added to our inventory here at the bookstore. Celeste Shally's, Since We're Friends, is one of those books that you come away from feeling good about the message that it contains.

The premise is simple; a young boy, Matt, has autism. Despite their differences, Matt has become good friends with a typically functioning child who lives across the street. Matt's friend (his name is never mentioned) looks out for him, and has even devised several strategies for making sure they both get the most out of their relationship. For example, if Matt has a hard time accepting when it is time to say goodbye for the evening, his friend will invite him over for breakfast the following morning to give him something to look forward to.

Although essentially this is just a children's story, the acceptance and love shared between these two boys really is heartwarming. This is a story that every child could benefit from hearing. Compassionate children grow into compassionate adults, and this world could certainly use more compassion.

I should also mention that the artwork in this book is really incredible. The brightly colored, glossy illustrations are sure to evoke a smile from all but the toughest critics.

Beautiful Photography and Touching Personal Accounts in "Autism Heroes"

I was very impressed with Dr. Barbara Firestone's new book, Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge. The first thing that struck me about this book was the gorgeous black and white photographs arranged throughout its 218 pages. These photographs represent the real faces of children and young adults on the autism spectrum, and the families that love and support them.

The internationally acclaimed photographer, Joe Buissink, has a gift for capturing real moments in time. He is able to simultaneously portray the innocence of the children and the strength of their families. Perhaps this gift comes from the fact that Buissink himself has a child on the spectrum.

The 38 families portrayed in this book are arranged in four sections: Dignity, Hope, Opportunity, and Love, each of which begins with an essay by Dr. Firestone on the accompanying subject. These essays are touching and eloquently written, but the real heart and soul of this book is the candid and heartwarming accounts of real families living with the all of the heartache and joy that comes along with having a child on the autism spectrum.

It was nice to see the diversity among these families. They come from all different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Two-parent and single-parent households are also represented. Several of the families featured in this book may be well known names to many of us-- for example, Joe Montegna and his family are featured, as are Gary and Teddi Cole, and actor John Schneider and his family, which includes a son with Asperger syndrome.

All author royalties from this book will go to The Help Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with special needs. Founded in 1975 by Dr. Firestone, now President and CEO, the group operates several day schools in southern California for children with autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, abuse, and emotional problems.

Autism Heroes is featured on the cover of the Summer 2007, The Autism Perspective magazine (if you are not already registered you will have to create a free account). Once you are logged in you will have access to the entire issue, including the eight pages of excerpts and photographs from Autism Heroes.

This is not a book that should be read and then placed on a bookshelf to be forgotten and collect dust; it is a book that you will want to display on your coffee table or shelf for others to share. Better yet, this would make a wonderful holiday gift for any family that might benefit from the support and information shared in this book. Don't forget, the bookstore is offering a 10% discount on this book and your entire order throughout the month of December. Just type in the coupon code Holiday at checkout.

ASNC Top Ten Bestsellers List for November

November 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. You're Going To Love This Kid!: Teaching Students With Autism in the Inclusive Classroom
   
   
2. TEACCH Structured Teaching Assessment: Guides to Individualizing the Schedule and the Work System
   
   
3. Tasks Galore
   
   
4. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
5. Strategies for Organization: Preparing for Homework and the Real World (Workbook)
   
   
6. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
7. Simple Strategies That Work!: Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students with Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities
   
   
8. Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
   
   
9. Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
   
   
10. Ten Things Your Student With Autism Wishes You Knew
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.