From: Deborah Heiligman <dheiligman>
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2003 14:44:40 -0500

I have to also add one that may seem out of left field, but I think it's a powerful example of how community works to help a child: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. It's an adult book, but I bet it's going to be read by teenagers... It is so moving, about a 15-year-old autistic boy who discovers a murdered dog and tries to find out who killed it, thereby discovering secrets about his parents' marriage, and about himself. It is virtuosic, I think, in the writing, told from the first person; I don't want to say much more except to say it is because there is a support network in this kid's life that things don't turn totally disastrous--although it seems like they will. I am especially struck my the role of the teacher in his life, and a caring neighbor. There are also some folks you want to kick very hard... but it is a great example of community. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has read this book.

Deborah Heiligman

?Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.?
 F. Kennedy (191763)
Received on Thu 30 Oct 2003 01:44:40 PM CST