Anything But Typical

Nora Raleigh Baskin

Mar 2009 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

Told from the first-person perspective of an autistic boy, Nora Raleigh Baskin’s novel is an enlightening story for anyone who has ever worried about fitting in.

Jason Blake is an autistic twelve-year-old living in a neurotypical world. Most days it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong. But Jason finds a glimmer of understanding when he comes across PhoenixBird, who posts stories to the same online site as he does.

Jason can be himself when he writes and he thinks that PhoneixBird-her name is Rebecca-could be his first real friend. But as desperate as Jason is to met her, he's terrified that if they do meet, Rebecca wil only see his autism and not who Jason really is.

By acclaimed writer Nora Raleigh Baskin, this is the breathtaking depiction of an autistic boy's struggles-and a story for anyone who has ever worried about fitting in.

Ratings and reviews

Jason is different from other 6th-graders. He loves routine, hates noisy, overcrowded places, and constantly reminds himself to breathe. He is obviously not like other NT's (neurotypicals), the so-called "normal" people in the world. The NT's say things, but nothing is ever behind the words. Jason doesn't understand why people talk and never mean what they say. This is why he doesn't look at anyone. Jason gets distracted by faces - the way they morph when someone is speaking. Such is the life of a young autistic boy. He longs to make everything okay, for his parents' sake, but progress is slow. Jason only feels "quiet" when he is on the computer. His stories allow him to take on different personas, and in that realm, he is safe and content. This novel gives an extraordinary view of an autistic child's life. Having Jason narrate his own story allows the reader a view into his world. It is chaotic, and sometimes frightening, but there is also hope. Jason's love of writing opens a whole new world to him. In that world, he can be whoever he wants to be; in that world, he is a "normal" kid. ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL is an excellent novel that everyone should read. It is eye-opening, unexpected, and thoughtful. Ms. Baskin deserves major kudos for this wonderful piece of writing.

I liked this book, even though it wasn't adventure or action packed. It was a good story to help kids understand the mind and feelings of someone who is different. As far as the validity of the author's portrayal of a borderline autistic child, I think it is accurate. I am not an expert in any way, but her story is endorsed by a person who is the founder of the Autism Acceptance Project and who was himself autistic. I think this is a good story to help young kids develop empathy for others.

As I read this book about Jason, an autistic 6th grader I was reminded of students I have had that were autistic. I was able to recognize so many of the signs. Hearing Jason talk about the noise being so loud he had to cover his ears, not being able to stand someone touching him. His in depth ability to write. What a lot of people don’t realize or see in autistic is how brilliant they are in so many ways. I have had one student who could draw things from one look. He had almost a photographic memory but couldn’t stand noise. He could hear the squeal of the air conditioner’s fan belt as it was burning up. Another student couldn’t stand me to walk past him and create any type of breeze that moved his clothing. Yet he could turn out stories that were wonderful. My third experience was with a child that walked the tile lines during lunch because they made him stay in the lunch room. He was adept at playing five instruments without having ever had a lesson. This book gives a realistic view of what an autistic person’s life is like. Jason tells us to look at who we really are and accept ourselves. I loved this book. Maybe I am biased because of my work with autistic children. I believe this book should be read in all schools. It also made me ask myself, “What is normal”?

About the author

Nora Raleigh Baskin is the ALA Schneider Family Book Award–winning author of Anything But Typical. She was chosen as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start for her novel What Every Girl (Except Me) Knows, and has since written a number of novels for middle graders and teens, including The Truth About My Bat Mitzvah, The Summer Before Boys, and Ruby on the Outside. Nora lives with her family in Connecticut. Visit her at NoraBaskin.com.