Something Different About Dad

Gr 3—6—This British import reads like an illustrated family-therapy session. Preteen daughter Sophie introduces her family and confesses that though she loves her father, she has become increasingly more uncomfortable with his responses to various social situations. Her recollections of incidents when he was rude, distracted, or dismissive make up a bare-bones plot in which both author and illustrator get written/drawn into the narrative to discuss the events. Evans and Swogger's talking points include defining the syndrome, addressing why people with AS react the way they do, coping mechanisms, stress management, etc. While the simple black-and-white artwork (characters have pupil-less, Little Orphan Annie eyes) lacks emotion, the book effectively conveys the information, albeit with a decidedly British sensibility in setting and statistics. Those who can look past these drawbacks and have need of this specific material will find this a helpful guidebook.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library