The mark of a great children’s book writer is the respect they have for their readers. Despite the limiting beliefs of many adults, children possess great emotional intelligence, compassion, and understanding.
In her children’s book My Brother Otto, Meg Raby trusts her child readers to appreciate a nuanced, honest depiction of what it’s like to have an autistic sibling. The result: a book that genuinely equips children with the insights needed to equitably engage with autistic people in real life.
My years of working as a writer, educator, autistic self-advocate, and clinical mental health counselor-in-training help me to appreciate what a refreshing and powerful depiction of an autistic character Meg Raby has created.
I am proud of her for not following in the footsteps of countless other children’s book writers who create tokenizing, idealized depictions of autistics.
We all know the narrative: “this person with a disability is so quirky and cute.” Those stories are not only unrealistic, but harmful. Depicting autistic people as one-dimensional and perpetually sweet dehumanizes them. It creates a power dichotomy in which neurotypical kids condescend to autistic ones, which, later in life, morphs into oppressive ideas about autistics not being capable of governing or speaking for ourselves.
In addition, the predominant, infantilizing autism narrative also hurts neurotypical people by not actually acknowledging and explaining the real life behavior of autistics around them. This leaves children ill-equipped to understand their autistic peers and makes them susceptible to adopting our society’s ableist ideals.
In My Brother Otto, Meg Raby’s main character Piper explores through the organic the context of everyday life the challenges and joys of having an autistic sibling. She explores what autistic behavior looks like and provides empathic insights into her autistic brother’s mind.
Some of Otto’s behaviors are upsetting to Piper and others are endearing or neutral- just like any sibling’s behavior. Regardless, Piper models what it’s like to feel unconditional acceptance and love for an autistic person, without applying any of the arbitrary societal standards that even small children can be conditioned to uphold.
For neurotypical readers, she serves as a conduit between themselves and the perspective of an autistic child. For autistic readers, Piper tells a story that is familiar and validating.
My Brother Otto strikes the perfect balance between being empathic and educational and also a joy to read. Piper and Otto’s love for each other can be felt through the page, and their adventures are fun to witness. Elisa Pallmer’s colorful, endearing illustrations create a wonderful world where crows wear yellow sweaters and worms fly airplanes.
I wouldn’t be surprised if many children adopted My Brother Otto as their favorite bedtime story, both for their love of Piper and Otto and their appreciation of how this book helps them to better connect with their friends.
Editor’s Note: Meg Raby, the author of My Brother Otto, is now offering three signed copies of her book to NeuroClastic’s readers. Below are the posts from Facebook and Instagram where you can find out more about getting a free copy.
- Book Review: My Brother Otto - November 16, 2020
- Finding Adult Autistic Women in the Media: A Unicorn Hunt - July 19, 2019
20 Responses
Great children’s book, thanks for the review! I’m sure my niece will like it, I’m thinking of buying it as a gift. I recently searched here free essay samples https://studymoose.com/literature/cinderella-book on Cinderella, I wanted to save time preparing for my assignments. So I know what I’m talking about when I rate your work, it looks like it was written by a professional author from Studymoose!
“My Brother Otto” is a heartwarming book that offers a compassionate portrayal of neurodiversity. This beautifully illustrated children’s book embraces the uniqueness of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. For more insightful reads, including nursing case studies, visit https://www.nursingpaper.com/our-services/nursing-case-study/. “My Brother Otto” fosters empathy, understanding, and acceptance, making it an essential addition to any library. This touching story opens up conversations about neurodiversity and encourages inclusivity and kindness in society.
Thanks for some other fantastic posts. The place else may just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, https://www.assignmentuk.co.uk/write-my-assignment and I’m at the look for such information.
We understand the importance of quality in cosplay, which is why our Comic Con Jackets collection offers a wide range of accurate character designs. From popular superheroes to beloved anime characters, you can find the perfect outfit that will make you stand out at any cosplay event.
This touching post on NeuroClastic about the book “My Brother Otto” offers valuable insights into the experiences of an autistic child and his family. It’s a heartwarming portrayal of autism and neurodiversity. After reading this, I also discovered an article: The Top 5 Online Therapy Platforms of 2022 discussing top online therapy platforms. It’s a reminder of the importance of understanding and supporting mental well-being, especially for families facing unique challenges like autism. Empathy, acceptance, and seeking support are key for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂 zinbeauty
Great children’s
Book Review: My Brother Otto
Animesam – Regardez et Téléchargez Vos Animes Vostfr et animes vf en streaming Qualité HD
If you are looking for the most delicious cookies, I suggest you try Mulino Bianco Macine. It is a great cookie for those who want to enjoy Italian flavor and tradition. It is a versatile cookie that is suitable for breakfast, snack or as a sweet snack any time of the day. You can buy your own at any time and carry them with you during lunch.
Vostfrstreamings – Voir toutes les Series Vostfr streaming et Films streaming Vostfr en HD Complet gratuitement
Good afternoon! If you are wondering how to find qualified medical spa professionals, I confidently recommend you to pay attention to the information available at https://valhallamedics.com/valhalla-medics-your-trusted-partner-in-recruiting-the-ideal-med-spa-team-for-your-company/. This resource not only provides an extensive database of professionals, but also allows you to utilize their services
Greetings!!! If you are wondering how to find experienced medical spa professionals, my recommendation is to turn to https://valhallamedics.com/valhalla-medics-your-trusted-partner-in-recruiting-the-ideal-med-spa-team-for-your-company/. It provides extensive information about the professionals, their expertise, and appointment options. I have repeatedly used the services of this resource and have had only positive experiences.
The high dose oxygen therapy has been a great relief for my health journey. The impact it’s had on my vitality and overall well-being is astounding. I’ve experienced heightened energy levels and mental clarity, making my days more productive and fulfilling.
The Ultimate Roulette Strategy guide the $150 roulette strategy on hetverhaalvanindie.com offers a comprehensive and expert approach to maximizing your winnings at the roulette table. With an impressive array of tips and strategies, this resource is a must-read for both novice and experienced players looking to improve their game. The detailed insights provided in this guide are sure to enhance your understanding of the game and help you develop a winning strategy that suits your playing style. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious gambler, this guide is an invaluable resource that can help you take your roulette game to the next level.
Agroecology is the study of an ecological system that defines the production and consumption of agricultural food. This defines how environmental factors affect the agriculture system. The applications of environmental principles play a significant role in nurturing agrosystem management. Many students face a lot of problems when writing an agroecology academic project. The complex academic demands, peer pressure, and busy lifestyles make it daunting for students to concentrate on the research and writing process. To manage things efficiently and prepare quality solutions students prefer Agroecology assignment help from experts in the USA. The services provide a guarantee to deliver top-quality solutions within the deadline. They have a team of experts who are well-trained to handle the project and write the paper excellently. They pay attention to the instructions provided by you while creating academic papers. It helps you to submit quality papers within the deadline and secure good grades in academics.