Tag Archives: Tolerance

“The Ostrich and Other Lost Things” Book #Giveaway

The Ostrich and Other Lost Things is a new book by  Beth Hautala, author of  Waiting for Unicorns. The book tells the story of eleven-year-old Olivia Grant who, despite being extraordinarily good at finding lost things, can’t find her brother’s toy ostrich—a comfort item she believes helps manage his autism.

So, when summer break begins, and the local community theater announces auditions for an all children’s production of her favorite show, Peter Pan, Olivia jumps at the chance to claim something for herself. But what begins as a promising opportunity and a wonderful escape quickly becomes pure chaos.

The visiting zoo with an odd assortment of animals–including an ostrich that causes even more trouble than Jacob’s missing toy–only make matters worse, as Olivia’s summer is shaping up to be just as consumed by Jacob’s needs as the rest of her life has been. In time, and with the help of some unlikely alliances, Olivia must learn what it means to be separate from her brother and still love him, how to love herself in spite of her own flaws, and that not all lost things are meant to be found.

Olivia has feelings that will be very relatable to anyone growing up with a special needs sibling. Sometimes the stress is almost too much and Olivia wonders why can’t things be more normal. Dealing with Jacob’s meltdowns, doctor’s appointments, rituals and more can wear on a tween trying to find her own way. If Olivia could just find her brother’s Ostrich, things might get better instead of worse.

Vetted by healthcare professionals and inspired by the author’s experiences, Beth Hautala writes with sensitivity and authority as she explores the larger impact of autism on the family of the individual diagnosed. The Ostrich and Other Lost Things is a timely, universal message of understanding and tolerance. The bonds and challenges of caring for a sibling with autism are bravely explored, along with the pain and power that comes from self-discovery in this beautifully written novel.

Listen to me read the prologue and chapter 1 of the this great book:

Praise for The Ostrich and Other Lost Things:

Giveaway

Penguin Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a hardcover copy of , The Ostrich and Other Lost Things! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

The Ostrich and Other Lost Things Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Pleases enter for you chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Meet Julia, “Sesame Street’s” First Character With Autism

Meet Julia, she has dazzling, red hair and loves her stuffed toy rabbit. Julia is the newest character on Sesame Street ,and while she has been part of the Sesame Street family in their books, she has just been added to the show.

Adding Julia to the cast is being hailed as a great decision that will spur conversation about autism. It is also helping kids understand and interact with peers with autism. Beyond that, it is inspiring for kids with autism to see a character represent the way they may act or feel.

 
I think Sesame Street has been around so long, almost 50 years, because they adapt and include real issues, situations and difficult subjects into their show. Keeping things real is what they have always done.

On Julia’s first episode, they will show what autism can look like. Big Bird thought Julia did not like him because she ignored him. In helping Big Bird understand that it was not that Julia did not like him, but that she has autism, and it sometimes takes her a bit longer to do things.

I think it will be good for kids to see how they may misinterpret actions of their peers with autism and teach them tolerance and acceptance. What do you think?


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