Author: Tiffany Hammond
Illustrator: Kate Cosgrove
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: K-4
Reading age: 4-8 yrs old
Summary:
The story follows a mother and her son, Adian, as they go through their day. They use an assistive device, a tablet, to communicate with one another and others as they head to a park and restaurant. It shares the perspective of a Black neurodivergent non-verbal mother and son using colorful illustrations and detailed language. This book speaks to the ableism and discrimination occurring in the neurodivergent, non-verbal, and communities in between. Mama endures much discrimination for her son's “odd” behaviors but she stands up for her son with every ounce of love and support.
Element 2: Respect for others:
The book shows respect for others particularly when Mama and Aidan are at the park and hear families making comments. When the Mama hears this she informs them that Aidan may not speak but he can still hear. She speaks to the stereotypes and judgments that people were making. Mama then proceeds by getting Aidan ready to play too (barefoot in the wet grass). The cashier is a prime example as the illustrator shows facial expressions of patience and acceptance to Mama and Aidan as they place their order. The story embraces differences and addresses respecting others for those differences as they aren’t much different from your own.
What Would I do:
After reading this book, I would want students to look through the book and notice the picture particularly paying attention to the part where the illustrator paints the different sounds Adian hears. I want the students to paint a picture of their favorite sound to hear. I want to see the sound they choose and how it makes them feel. I would potentially ask for a sound that they enjoy hearing and a sound that they don't like.
Other ideas for the classroom:
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