Louisa, a passionate middle school violinist, is sent to the Tasmanian forest (from Canada) to live with her uncle, a naturalist. Despite the disruption to her practice schedule, she discovers the joy learning about new species and even makes a new friend. Species extinction and deforestation are the backdrop to Louisa’s participation in a family secret that also begins to heal her. Fascinating and full of compassion, this book is a joy.
Tag: autism
Silvia Rodriguez’s Best Reads of 2016
December 30, 2016
My name is Silvia Rodriguez, and I’m a Venezuelan globetrotter. I arrived in Evanston around four years ago with my family, and since then have expanded with the birth of our second son, a true Evanstonian. We too have become Evanstonians by adoption, as this town has welcomed us with open arms. We love our community, which I think can always become stronger with contributions from all of us. I feel connected by being involved in volunteerism for causes I feel strongly about (race inequality, social justice). As a former book editor, I am glad we have such an amazing local library. I have always used library services extensively everywhere I have lived, but EPL has by far been my favorite. We are loyal, die-hard users!
1) Neuro Tribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman (2015)
This book is a great reminder that so much about what happens throughout history is deeply influenced by chance, by luck, by circumstance. Silberman’s meticulous research shows how a series of events led to one line of research prevailing over another resulting in the concept and imagery of autism we sadly share nowadays: that in which autistics are portrayed as less able, less valuable humans to society, as expendables. I am hopeful that with the work of disability self-advocates (Silberman does right in mentioning some in his book) and revisionist titles such as this, society will shift toward a more just and ethical idea of autism and the many contributions autistic citizens can bring to us all.