Review and Scolarly Review-Ian's Walk

Lears, Laurie. Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism. Albert Whitman & Company; Library Binding edition, March 1998.

Sayers, Bonnie. "Book Review: Ian's Walk." Autism Spectrum Disorders Site. Minerva WebWorks LLC, 2008.

Ian’s Walk: A Story About Autism by Laurie Lears is a touching story about a day’s events between two sisters and their brother who has Autism. The book uniquely describes Ian’s disability as simply being “different.” Julie, the middle sister and narrator of the story explains to the reader how Ian “smells things differently,” “hears things differently” and “sees things differently” (Lears). It is through her growth throughout the story that the reader can come to understand the difficulties that come with being a sibling to a child with Autism.

Bonnie Sayers, the editor of BellaOnline’s Autism Spectrum Disorders, describes the books realness of families with children with disabilities. “For any family affected by autism this is an emotional book that brings out the resentment and feelings of bitterness and jealousy by other siblings moving toward the love and tender feelings they share for one another” (Sayers). This point is extremely relevant to the context of the book as well as actual families of children with Autism. Ian’s Walk starts off showing feeling of resentment from Julie when she states that she needs to “watch him closely” when they all go out together (Lears). During their walk, Julie and Tara seem embarrassed by the way Ian stands and watches the ceiling fan or smells the bricks at the post office. But it isn’t until Ian disappears for a while that Julie recognizes the love and importance that Ian brings to her life. She begins to accept and allow him to do the things that make him happy, which shows her growth as a sister and friend to Ian.

This book should definitely be used in many settings, especially where children with disabilities are present. Sayers states “This is well suited for children in a classroom setting that might have a child with Autism mainstreamed or included in their class.” Sharing this story can help make people understand that even though at times someone else’s action can be embarrassing to you, it is important to appreciate the differences and accept people for what they can do/be.

SCHOLARLY REVIEW
Bonnie Sayers is a mother of two boys on the autism spectrum, making her an insider to the topic of Autism. She has been writing on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Site since 2005. While going through this website, I came to the realization that Sayers is really focused on giving information to families. She is concerned that some families may not know where to gain knowledge and teach their children about the disability. Through this site, parents are able to find books and reviews that relate to his topic. She states, "Parents´ helping other families is what support is all about. For many of us our own families are not in the picture and we gain insight and strength from those who have lived with autism on a daily basis." This site is definitely a resource that I would recommend to parents and teachers of children with disabilities.