The World According to August – One Good Friend” opens with an effective statement of purpose; what it is and what it is not.
The book touched me deeply. It gives readers a deeply personal, yet insightful picture of a child with autism; how he and they are similar in many ways and yet different, as well.
It is the intent of the author to dispel common misconceptions about autistic children. The author uses a true story to illustrate the common, shared emotions that we all experience. We learn of concerns and needs they experience. This is a moving, touching and emotional read.
Quotation from the book.
Author
“Every child is unique; the extent to which they are affected is also individual. If you are not living with autism, it is easy to miss the child and only see the diagnosis. The book was written in an attempt to demonstrate, although outwardly, these children may appear different; but inside—where it counts—they are the same as you or me. Children with autism love, have an ego, feelings which can be hurt, a sense of humour, and even a mischievous side.
The book was written in an attempt to demonstrate, although outwardly,
these children may appear different; but inside—where it counts—they
are the same as you or me.Children with autism love, have an ego,
feelings which can be hurt, a sense of humour, and even a mischievous side.Ӥ
Comments and order information:
Print quality is good. Illustrations are effective and well done. I highly recommend it to everyone.
If you’re interested in purchasing, Click here “The World According to August.”
Use this link for the Kindle version of “The World According to August.”
I want to follow this review with a poem thatwas inspired by the book:
Poem for an Autistic Child
A Tribute to August
from “The World According to August —
To soar on wings of eagles
to glide along the glade
to bounce and jump and whirl and twirl
to dream and search and sway.
He has so much in common
with you and me you see —
a bright and charming sweet young boy
who senses all with clarity.
To hear, to see and touch and smell,
he takes all in so well,
his self expression is unique
his feelings hard to sell.
We might whisper, he might yell
but one can never tell.
He likes himself and folks like him
and that works out quite well.
August has needs and we have ours,
life comes with give and take ―
love and comfort, peace and joy
needs all share, so we partake.
A smile, a doubt, a look askance
a wave, a nod, a sigh —
He needs hugs and love at times,
same as you and I.
He gazes on the sights nearby,
is stirred by beauty there.
A swan takes flight, a songbird sings,
if only he could fly.
Unspoken words may bite his tongue,
but thoughts within belie.
A word from Mom, a smile from Sis
unspoken things give him answers to why.
Show him love and friendship now
his joy you’ll never miss.
Don’t ever leave just stay nearby,
he just might make you cry.August is a special child
and August needs a friend.
August is a special child
And August is my friend.
a poem by Rich Weatherly, October 7, 2011
For more information about autism and “The World According to August – One Good Friend” by Sandy Westendorf refer to http://purplebirch.com/books.html .
Sandy managed a team of behavioral specialists and is the mother of an autistic child. According to Sandy:
The book was written in an attempt to demonstrate, although outwardly,
these children may appear different; but inside—where it counts—they
are the same as you or me.Children with autism love, have an ego,
feelings which can be hurt, a sense of humour, and even a mischievous side.I heartily encourage you to support research into autism by purchasing this book. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated equally to support Canadian-American Research Consortium (Autism Research) and the International Society for Autism Research.
For more information about Sandra Westendorf, check her Purple Birch Publishing Website. For that you can click right here.
Rich Weatherly - Author 
An accurate review of the book Rich. Sandy’s basis for the book, her family’s direct personal experience, lends it authority, personality, and humanity.
A great way to encourage kids to be accepting of those different from themselves.
Thank you T.James. The qualities you describe make it a compelling read. It’s not the quantity of words in a story that makes it exceptional. It is the quality therein that does.
That’s awesome
How ironic that the first time I see your blog, my name is somewhat featured. 🙂 I see numerous reasons this book’s worth reading. Thanks, Rich!
Love the poem! I have a child with a PDD (which you might want to add to your tags – it is the group of disorders to which autism belongs and stands for Pervasive Developmental Delay). I will have to check out the book. =0)
I can’t say enough good things about this wonderful book. If you have a child who isn’t fitting in — whether he/she has Asperger’s or not — this book would be such an encouragement! Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous, and it’s a good, fun read about kindness and friendship.
I was August. Too bad this book wasn’t around for me!
xoxo
Bobbi Sheahan
I appreciate your comments on The World According to August and agree with your assessment. Your perspective amplifies the impact of your comments.
Thank you for sharing,
Rich Weatherly